The Prince of this World and the God of this Age

Who is the ‘prince of this world’ and the ‘God of this age’? Let’s find out! I know many of us were taught—whether through 2SL doctrine or mainstream church teachings—that the “prince of this world” and “god of this age” referred to a supernatural devil or fallen angel. I believed it too for many years. But after deep word studies, prayer, and being willing to lay aside assumptions, the Father opened my eyes to something very different—something far more consistent with the full counsel of Scripture. This post is not meant to argue, but to humbly share what I’ve learned. If you’re willing to look into it with an honest heart and open mind, as I did, you might begin to see these verses in a whole new light. Let me know what you think.  ageoflaodicea@gmail.com   or  thinkoutsidethebeast@yahoo.com

 

Prince of This World

In John 12:27-36, Jesus speaks about His impending death and its significance.

John 12:27 Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

12:28 Father, glorify Your name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel (A messenger) spake to Him.

12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes.

12:31 Now is the judgment of this world (society): now shall the prince of this world (order/system) be cast out.

12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.

12:33 This He said, signifying what death He should die.

12:34 The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law (torah) that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest you, The Son of man (Adam) must be lifted up? who is this Son of man (Adam)? (Psa 110:4; Isa 9:7; Eze 37:25; Dan 7:14)

12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

12:36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide Himself from them. (4Mac 17:5)

The “Judgment of This World”

1. • This statement by Jesus refers to the overthrow of the corrupt religious and political system that opposed Him.
   • The “world” here represents the present order of power dominated by the corrupt priesthood (Pharisees, Sadducees), and their ‘traditions of men’, and the Roman rulers (Herod, Pilate).
   • Here, ‘world’ is G2889 kosmos, meaning the arrangement, order, government, society, system, ungodly multitude alienated from God.
     • Matthew 21:43 “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” supports this definition.
   • The whole world is another Greek word and meaning, oikoumene (G3625).
   • The ‘world’ in verse 31 is kosmos, and refers to the corrupt religious and political system. Not the whole world.

The “Prince of This World”

1. • Traditionally, this has been interpreted as Satan, but, this phrase refers to the Jewish Temple authorities, their oppressive legalism (Mark 7:8-9), and their collusion with Rome.
   • They rejected Christ’s authority (John 19:15 “We have no king but Caesar.”), aligning with Rome to protect their power.
   • The “prince” was not a supernatural being, but the corrupt religious-political system that sought to maintain control over the people and suppress Jesus Christ’s message.
   • The Edomite priesthood, Herodians, and Pharisees ruled the people with their “traditions of men” (Mark 7:8-9) and opposed Jesus at every turn.
   • Jesus opposed their rule, calling them “of their father the devil.” (John 8:44).
   • Ephesians 6:12 “we wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of this age, against spiritual wickedness in governments”. This passage highlights the struggle against systemic evil and corrupt authorities entrenched in societal structures. Don’t forget, our God gives us the rulers we deserve (1Sam 8:7; Pro 29:2; Isa 3:4; Rom 13:1).

“Shall be cast out”

1. • This refers to the fall of the old religious order and the breaking of its power over the people.
   • This aligns with Daniel 9:26-27 and Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24.
   • Jesus, by His death and resurrection, defeated their hold on the kingdom and transferred it to those who bear fruit (Matthew 21:43).
   • The old order was replaced by the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:13: “That which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”).
   • The “casting out” was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem (70 CE), when the corrupt Temple system was completely abolished.

Conclusion for John 12:31

• The “prince of this world” is not a supernatural devil, but the ungodly system of corrupt Jewish leadership and Roman rule.
• The casting out refers to the breaking of their power through Jesus Christ’s work and the eventual destruction of their system in 70 CE.
• This also is all symbolic of the final casting out of all adversaries of God and His Kingdom, the defeat of death, and the removal of unrighteousness and wickedness.
  • Matthew 13:41-42 – Jesus speaks of removing all wickedness (devil) (characteristics) from His kingdom.
  • 2Peter 3:10-13 – The wicked (devil characteristics in this) world (age) will be destroyed, and a new righteous world (a new age) will take its place.
  • Revelation 20:10 – The ultimate fate of Satan (the role as an adversary) after the final judgment.
  • Revelation 20:14 – Death itself is destroyed in the final judgment.
  • Revelation 22:14-15 – Only the righteous enter the New Jerusalem, while the wicked (devils) (those characteristics) are excluded.

 

 

(2nd occurrence of Prince of this World)

Jesus begins by linking love for Him with obedience to His commandments. This connection underscores that genuine love manifests through actions aligned with His teachings.

John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments (G1785- entole- directions, precepts).

Wisdom 6:18 And love is the keeping of her (wisdom’s) laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption; (Exo 20:6; 1Joh 5:2-3, 2Joh 1:6)

14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;

14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world (society) cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but you know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

14:18 I will not leave you comfortless (fatherless): I will come to you.

14:19 Yet a little while, and the world (society) seeth Me no more; but you see Me: because I live, you shall live also.

14:20 At that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

14:21 He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.

Wisdom 6:12 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.

6:18 And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption;

Sirach 4:14 They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her Yahweh doth love.

1John 2:5 But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.

1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.

14:22 Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, master, how is it that You wilt manifest Yourself unto us, and not unto the world (society)?

14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.

14:24 He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.

14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world (society) giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Phil 4:7; Col 3:15)

This peace transcends circumstances, providing inner tranquility amidst external turmoil.

14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If you loved Me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I.

This statement reflects the functional subordination of the Son to the Father during His earthly ministry, not a difference in essence. Jesus’ return to the Father signifies the completion of His redemptive work and the restoration of His pre-incarnate glory.

14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, you might believe.

14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world (society) cometh, and hath nothing in Me.

14:31 But that the world (society) may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

“The prince of this world cometh”

1. • This refers to the immediate events leading to Christ’s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion.
   • The “prince of this world” is the corrupt Jewish leadership, including the Sanhedrin, high priests (Caiaphas, Annas), and the Herodian-Roman authorities.
   • They were the ones who sought Jesus’ death, falsely accused Him, and handed Him over to be crucified (Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 26:3-4; John 19:11).

“Hath nothing in me”

1. • This means that the corrupt leaders and their system had no true power over Jesus.
   • Though they falsely accused Him, they could find no legitimate fault in Him (Luke 23:4, John 18:38).
   • Jesus willingly submitted to death, not because they had authority, but because it was part of God’s redemptive plan.

Conclusion for John 14:30

• The “prince of this world” is not a literal Satan, but the Jewish and Roman leadership that sought to destroy Jesus.
• Their accusations were false, and they had no real claim over Him—He laid down His life of His own accord (John 10:18).

 

In OT understanding if you gave your allegiance to another god by offering them worship, sacrifice or doing their bidding, such as the lying prophets of Ahab bearing false witness, then the spirit to whom you have given legal jurisdiction to, now has power to appeal in the divine council to act on you. 1Kings 22

Jesus makes the point that this prince/ruler has NO claim on Him but that Jesus will allow Himself to be subjected to this ruler as the Father has commanded Jesus to do.

In the case of Luke 22:3-4 Judas fits the Ephesians 2:2 qualifications and the ruler having claim on Judas entered into Judas to execute his plan of capturing Jesus which would later mean execution on the cross.

The Bible does not explicitly use the term “political spirit,” but it does address the principles and characteristics of such a spirit through various passages that deal with corrupt governance, power struggles, manipulation, deception, and the misuse of authority.

Religious & Political Corruption

1. • The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians in Jesus’ time exemplified a political-religious spirit, aligning their power with Roman authority while manipulating the law for self-gain.
   • Matthew 23:4 – “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.”
   • Luke 11:46 – “Woe to you experts in the law, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.”

Leaders Seeking Power Rather Than Truth

1. • John 11:48-50 – The religious leaders feared losing their political standing, so they plotted Jesus’ death:
     “If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
   • Acts 5:29 – Peter and the apostles declared:
     “We must obey God rather than men.”
     • This highlights the conflict between divine truth and political-religious control.

The Political Nature of Jesus’ Trial

1. • John 19:12-15 – The Jewish leaders manipulated Pilate by playing on his political fears:
     “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”
   • The political spirit thrives on control, fear, and manipulation, as seen in how both the Jewish leaders and the Roman governor acted against Jesus.

The “Prince of This World” as Political and Religious Powers

1. • John 14:30 – Jesus said, “The prince of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”
     • While traditionally interpreted as Satan, some scholars suggest that the phrase can also refer to corrupt world systems—both political and religious leadership that oppose God’s kingdom.
   • Revelation 13:1-7 – The Beast system (representing corrupt political empires) is given power by the Dragon (Satan), showing the intertwining of political and demonic influence.

Political & Religious Manipulation for Gain

1. • Acts 24:5-9 – Paul is falsely accused by political and religious leaders for “stirring up trouble.”
   • Matthew 22:15-22 – The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking about taxes, revealing their political scheming.
   • 1Samuel 8:10-18 – God warns Israel that human rulers will abuse power, tax heavily, and exploit people for their own gain.

Division & Polarization

1. • 1Corinthians 1:10-13 – Paul rebukes division in the church:
     “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
     • The political spirit thrives on factions and allegiances rather than truth.

The Spirit of Babylon – A Political and Religious Power

1. • Revelation 17:1-6 – Babylon represents a corrupt system that influences kings and nations, intoxicates the world, and persecutes the saints.
   • Isaiah 47:5-7 – Babylon (a symbol of political and religious corruption) is described as saying:
     “I will be queen forever… I am, and there is none besides me.”

The opposite of the political spirit is God’s wisdom and servanthood. Jesus never sought political power but demonstrated wisdom, humility, and truth. The challenge for believers is to discern and reject the political spirit while living according to God’s wisdom and righteousness.

A Satan and a Devil, or even demons, are not the political spirits or the ones that put this spirit in us. This political spirit comes from our own heart and carnal mind.

The political spirit operates through pride, manipulation, deception, and division, affecting how people think, reason, and perceive truth.

The political spirit is not just a governmental issue—it is a spiritual issue that affects how people think, perceive truth, and interact with others.

• 2Corinthians 4:4 – The political spirit blinds minds to truth, distorting reality and making people reject truth in favor of ideological or political allegiances.

• Ephesians 4:17-19 – A hardened heart leads to ignorance and darkened understanding. The political spirit operates through hard-heartedness, making people stubborn, resistant to correction, and unwilling to consider truth.
• Zechariah 7:11-12 – It causes people to reject truth, ignore divine wisdom, and become spiritually deaf to correction.
• 1Corinthians 3:3-4 – The political spirit creates division and blind loyalty, leading people to align with leaders or ideologies instead of truth.
• James 3:14-16 – It thrives on ambition, pride, and self-righteousness, making people act with arrogance and manipulation rather than humility.
• Proverbs 16:5 – It promotes pride and an unwillingness to admit fault, leading to self-deception and stubbornness.
• Romans 1:21-22 – The political spirit deceives people into thinking they are wise while leading them into foolishness.
• Isaiah 5:20 – It distorts moral judgment, justifying wrongdoing for the sake of political or ideological loyalty.
• Proverbs 18:2 – It prioritizes arguments, debates, and winning over seeking wisdom and understanding.
• Proverbs 15:1 – It fuels anger and hostility, leading to conflict rather than constructive discussion.
• Titus 3:9 – It entangles people in unnecessary debates, distractions, and ideological conflicts.
• 2Timothy 1:7 – It operates through fear, making people anxious about power, control, and self-preservation rather than trusting in God.
• Matthew 10:28 – It makes people fear losing social status and influence rather than fearing God and standing for truth.
• Ecclesiastes 10:2 – It leads people to follow foolish ideologies and ungodly political influences.
• Hosea 4:6 – When people reject godly wisdom in favor of ideology or political gain, they lose spiritual discernment.
• Philippians 4:7 – Believers must guard their hearts and minds against deception, division, and worldly influences by seeking the Spirit of Wisdom instead.

 

 

(3rd occurrence of Prince of this World)

Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into all truth. This passage emphasizes the Spirit’s role in convicting the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.

John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

16:5 But now I go My way to Him that sent Me; and none of you asketh Me, Whither goest you?

16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

He explains that He hadn’t shared these details earlier to avoid overwhelming them, but now it’s essential for their understanding.

16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient (an advantage) for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world (society) of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (2Chr 24:20; Neh 9:30; Eze 36:27; Mic 3:8; Act 28:25-27)

16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me; (Act 2:22)

Sin: Highlighting the world’s unbelief in Jesus Christ.

16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and you see Me no more;

Righteousness: Demonstrating Jesus Christ’s ascension to the Father, validating His righteousness.

16:11 Of judgment,

Judgment: Signifying the condemnation of the “prince of this world.”

… because the prince of this world is judged.

The Holy Spirit reveals this victory to believers, assuring them of Satan’s (sin’s) limited power.

16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now.

16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (Wis 9:11)

16:14 He shall glorify Me: for he shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16:15 All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Jesus acknowledges that the disciples cannot grasp all He wishes to convey. He assures them that the Holy Spirit will continue His teaching, guiding them into all truth. The Spirit will relay what He hears from the Father and the Son, glorifying Jesus Christ in the process.

“Of judgment”

1. • This refers to the coming judgment upon the corrupt system that opposed Jesus Christ.
   • Just as the religious leaders misjudged Jesus and condemned Him unjustly, they themselves would be brought under judgment (Matthew 23:37-39).

“The prince of this world is judged”

1. • This means that the entire ungodly system—led by the Pharisees, Sadducees, the Temple priesthood, and Roman rulers—is now condemned.
   • The judgment was confirmed in 70 CE when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed, fulfilling Christ’s prophecy (Matthew 24:1-2).
   • The corrupt religious elite who falsely accused Jesus Christ were ultimately exposed and lost their influence over the people.

Conclusion for John 16:11

• The “prince of this world” is the corrupt Jewish leadership, Herod, Pilate, and the Roman Empire—the oppressive system that falsely accused Christ and sought to maintain power.
• The judgment fell on them in 70 CE, when their system was utterly dismantled.

Across these three passages, the “prince of this world” does not refer to a supernatural Satan, but to the corrupt religious and political system of Jesus Christ’s time, including:

• The Pharisees, Sadducees, the counterfeit priesthood (who upheld traditions that opposed God’s Word).
• The Herodians and the Roman authorities (who conspired against The Christ and ruled oppressively).

Each of these entities fulfill the role of, or function as, an adversary (satan). They all have the characteristics of slanderers and opposition to God and Kingdom.

I believe that ‘the prince of this world’ is speaking of our sinful nature, and that when our own desires are conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.

Death Swallowed Up in Victory:

1. • 1 Corinthians 15:54-55: “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'”
   • Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.”
2. Christ’s Victory Over Death and the Devil:
   • Hebrews 2:14-15: “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
   • The devil (the characteristics we display as a sinner)
3. Judgment of Sin:
   • Romans 8:3: “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh.”

1. • Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

These passages collectively affirm that through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, death and sin have been judged and defeated.

While the prevailing interpretation identifies the “prince of this world” as Satan, some theological perspectives explore a metaphorical understanding, equating the term with systemic sin or the collective manifestation of evil in worldly structures. This view posits that the “prince of this world” symbolizes the pervasive influence of sin that governs worldly systems and human behavior.

We know that sin can govern our individual behavior in verses such as (Romans 3:23 which underscores the universal nature of sin affecting all humanity, Romans 7:18-20 which describes the internal struggle of sin’s pervasive influence over our actions, and James 1:14-15 which illustrates the progression of sin, beginning with internal desires leading to actions that culminate in spiritual death).

But what about sin influencing Worldly Systems?

World in John 16:11 is G2889 kosmos and does not mean the whole earth in this context. If it did, ‘oukoumene‘ would have been used. Kosmos is the world order, or system, government, and the ungodly multitude opposed to God and the Kingdom.

Sin Influencing Worldly Systems:

1. • 1John 5:19: “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world (G2889 kosmos) is under the control of the evil one (individual carnal desire).” This verse suggests that worldly systems are under the sway of malevolent forces, leading to systemic sin.

1. • Ephesians 2:1-2: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world (G2889 kosmos) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air…” Paul refers to a pervasive worldly influence aligned with the “ruler” opposed to God, affecting societal norms and behaviors.

1. • Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world (G165 aion age), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This admonition indicates that worldly patterns are often at odds with godly living, urging believers to resist conforming to sinful societal norms.

1John and Ephesians 2 both use G2889 kosmos to refer to the ‘world’ systems and influence.

In Romans 12, Paul uses G165 aion to refer to the age, this worldly period of time before the kingdom aion (age).

 

Which brings us to the next phrase….

The God of This Age

The phrase “the god of this age” in (2Cor 4:4) has traditionally been interpreted as a reference to Satan.

• However, early Christian writers (first 15 centuries) generally understood it as referring to God, not Satan.
  • Early Church Fathers (150–500 CE): Figures like Irenaeus, Tertullian, Chrysostom, and Augustine believed the “god of this age” referred to God.

• • Medieval Commentators (6th–13th Century CE): Theophylact, Peter Lombard, and Aquinas continued this interpretation.

• • The Reformation era (Erasmus, Calvin) marked a shift towards the Satanic interpretation.

2Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry (service), as we have received mercy, we faint (falter) not;

4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (those being destroyed):

4:4 In whom the god of this world (G165)(age) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (Luk 4:6)

Paul acknowledges that the gospel remains veiled to some, identifying the cause:

• Veiled Gospel: The message is hidden only to those who are perishing, indicating a spiritual barrier.

The blinding in verse 4 parallels divine hardening (Isaiah 6:9-10, Romans 9-11).

• The “god of this age” (Yahweh God) blinds unbelievers as an act of judgment, not Satanic deception.
• 2Cor 4:4 parallels 4:6, where God is clearly the subject.
• Paul draws on Isaiah 6:9-10, which attributes blinding to God, not Satan.

4:5 For we preach (proclaim) not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Master; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory (honor) of God in the face (person, countenance) of Jesus Christ. (Gen 1:3)

Drawing a parallel to the creation narrative, Paul describes God as the one who commanded light to shine out of darkness, now shining in believers’ hearts to reveal the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Christ. This shows that God is in command of the blinding.

4:7 But we have this treasure (The Gospel) in earthen vessels (bodies, Adamic man), that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

4:8 We are troubled (pressed, afflicted) on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (1Cor 1:8)

4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (Psa 37:24)

4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Master Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (Phil 3:10; Rom 8:17)

Despite facing afflictions, perplexities, persecutions, and strikes, they are not crushed, driven to despair, abandoned, or destroyed.

4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

This verse reflects Paul’s acknowledgment that while he and his fellow apostles face constant dangers and hardships (symbolizing “death”), these sufferings result in spiritual life and growth for the Corinthian believers.

4:13 We having the same spirit of faith (The Belief), according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe (are believing), and therefore speak; (Psa 116:10)

4:14 Knowing that He which raised up the Master Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace (favor, Divine influence) might through the thanksgiving of many redound (exceed) to the glory (honor) of God.

In summary, this passage underscores the integrity and perseverance required in ministry, the reality of spiritual opposition, and the transformative power of the gospel that, despite human frailty, brings light and life to those who believe.

 

So spiritual deception comes from God?

Yes, He allows you to have your delusions if you don’t want His Word.

Here are some key verses:

2Thessalonians 2:11-12: In this passage, God actively sends a delusion upon those who reject the truth, allowing them to believe falsehoods as a form of judgment.

Matthew 13:10-15: Jesus affirms that He deliberately speaks in parables so that only the chosen will understand, while the rest remain blind.

• This fulfills Isaiah 6:9-10, showing that God actively prevents some from perceiving the truth.

Isaiah 6:9-10: Here, God instructs the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message that results in the people’s hearts being hardened, preventing them from understanding and turning back to God for healing.

Ezekiel 14:4: emphasizing that individuals who set up idols in their hearts are answered by God according to their idols, indicating a predisposition to follow deceptive inclinations.

Mark 4:11-12: This shocking statement reveals that Jesus deliberately withholds forgiveness from those whom God has not chosen.

• The parables act as a form of judgment—hiding the truth rather than revealing it.

Romans 11:8: Paul references the Old Testament, indicating that God has given certain individuals over to a state of spiritual insensitivity as a consequence of their unbelief.

Deuteronomy 29:4: Moses speaks to the Israelites, acknowledging that despite witnessing God’s works, they had not been granted the ability to fully comprehend His ways.

Romans 1:28: This verse illustrates that because people chose to reject God, He allowed them to follow their corrupted reasoning, leading to immoral actions.

These passages collectively highlight instances where God permits individuals to continue in their chosen paths of unbelief and disobedience, resulting in spiritual blindness and susceptibility to deception.

Verses Declaring Yahweh as the God of the Ages

Old Testament

Genesis 21:33 – “And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God (H5769 – El Olam).”

• El Olam means “God of eternity” or “God of the ages.”

Exodus 15:18 – “The LORD shall reign forever and ever.”

• The Lord God is the ruler of all time, past, present, and future.

Deuteronomy 32:40 – “For I lift up My hand to heaven, and say, I live forever.”

Yahweh explicitly declares His eternal existence.

Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

The Everlasting God existed before creation and will exist forever.

Psalm 93:2 – “Your throne is established of old: You are from everlasting.”

• God’s authority spans all ages.

Isaiah 40:28 – “Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God (H5769 – El Olam), the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding.”

• God’s dominion is eternal, and His wisdom is beyond time.

Daniel 4:3 – “How great are His signs! And how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.”

• Yahweh’s reign over all ages is clearly stated.

New Testament

Romans 16:26 – “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

• God is called ‘everlasting’ in His authority over salvation and revelation.

1Timothy 1:17 – “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

• God is the eternal King over all ages.

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

• God’s unchanging nature spans all ages.

Revelation 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

• The Lord Yahweh is the God of all time—past, present, and future.

Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.”

• His reign has no end, proving His authority over all ages.

Revelation 22:13 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

• God transcends time itself.

The Bible overwhelmingly affirms that The Lord Yahweh is the God of all ages, past, present, and future. The Hebrew term El Olam (Everlasting God) and phrases like “from everlasting to everlasting” and “forever and ever” establish His dominion over all time.

In John 12:27–36, Jesus speaks of the decisive hour of His death, the moment of judgment upon the world—the societal order of His day, not the whole earth. The term “world” (G2889 kosmos) refers specifically to the corrupt religious-political system ruled by the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Roman collaborators who suppressed truth and opposed God’s kingdom. When Jesus declares, “Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out,” He is not referring to a supernatural devil, but to the ruling powers of His age—those who upheld oppressive traditions (Mark 7:8–9), rejected His authority (John 19:15), and conspired to kill Him. The “prince” is the embodiment of this corrupt system, which was judged and cast out through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, ultimately culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE. This marked the end of their dominion and the beginning of a new covenant for those bearing the fruits of the kingdom (Matt 21:43). The casting out of the “prince” foreshadows the broader defeat of all adversaries of God, the purging of wickedness from His kingdom (Matt 13:41–42), and the promise of a new, righteous world to come (2Pet 3:10–13).

Spiritual deception doesn’t originate from some external devil—it is a judgment from God upon those who reject His truth. Scripture consistently affirms that when people choose rebellion, God allows them to be hardened in their delusions (2Thess 2:11–12; Isa 6:9–10; Eze 14:4). Jesus Himself spoke in parables not to reveal truth to all, but to conceal it from the unfaithful (Matt 13:10–15; Mark 4:11–12). The blindness, deafness, and hardness of heart that prevent many from seeing the light of the gospel are permitted—even sent—by God (Rom 1:28; 11:8; Deut 29:4). This proves that Yahweh, the Everlasting God (El Olam), is the true God of this age (2Cor 4:4)—not a false god or Satan. You won’t find any verses where anyone or thing has blinding power. God rules over all time (Gen 21:33; Isa 40:28; Rev 1:8), and in His righteous sovereignty, He chooses who sees and who remains blind. Those who reject His Word are given over to their own minds, while those who love His wisdom walk in the light. The same God who said, “Let there be light” is the One who shines into hearts—but only for those willing to receive it.

 

This was from part 16 of DEVIL SATAN SERPENT https://www.thinkoutsidethebeast.com/devil-satan-serpent/

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