Who Is Truly in Control—God or Satan?

This is a deep question many people wrestle with: If God is in control of everything, why do terrible things happen in the world—like deadly car accidents, plane crashes, natural disasters, or floods like those in Japan? If God is sovereign, why doesn’t He stop such tragedies?

The answer lies in understanding two important truths revealed in Scripture:

God is the rightful owner and ruler of the earth.
Satan has been given limited influence over the world system—but only for a time.

1. God Owns and Rules the Earth

From the beginning, the Bible declares that God is the Creator and Owner of the earth and everything in it.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.”
— Psalm 24:1–2

After Jesus rose from the dead, He declared:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
— Matthew 28:18

This means nothing on earth is beyond God’s power. He is sovereign over nature, nations, and every human being.

2. Satan Rules the Fallen World System

While God rules the earth, Scripture also reveals that Satan currently has power over the world system—not the planet itself, but the values, structures, and spiritual atmosphere of human society that rejects God.

During Jesus’ temptation, Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world:

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’”
— Matthew 4:8–9

Jesus didn’t argue that Satan didn’t have this power—because in a limited sense, Satan does. The Apostle John confirmed this:

“The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
— 1 John 5:19

So, God is the ultimate ruler, but Satan has temporary influence over the fallen world system that rebels against God.

3. The Earth vs. The World – What’s the Difference?

To understand this better, we must distinguish between “the earth” and “the world” as the Bible uses them:

• The Earth

This refers to the natural creation of God—continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, animals, sky, and everything physical. It is neutral and belongs fully to God.

• The World (Greek: kosmos)

This refers to the man-made systems of society—like governments, economies, education, entertainment, media, and culture—most of which have been corrupted by sin and are under Satan’s influence.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
— 1 John 2:15

Satan’s kingdom is based on pride, lust, greed, and rebellion against God. This is the system that will be destroyed—not the earth itself.

4. God Will Destroy the World System, Not the Earth

The earth will remain and be renewed, but the current world system—corrupt, unjust, and anti-God—will be judged and removed.

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it;
but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
— 1 John 2:17

When Jesus returns, He will destroy Satan’s system and set up His own righteous kingdom on earth. This is the Millennial Reign of Christ, where He will rule for 1,000 years (see Revelation 20:4–6).

5. Why Does God Allow Tragedies and Disasters?

Though God is sovereign, He sometimes allows disasters as a response to human sin. Many of the tragedies we see—natural disasters, diseases, wars—are not because God is unjust, but because of the evil and rebellion in the world system.

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

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
— Romans 8:22

When a society is full of violence, corruption, sexual immorality, injustice, environmental destruction, and rebellion, God may allow consequences—whether through judgment or by lifting His protective hand.

6. Call to Action: Live for What Will Last

This current world system is temporary. Its values and priorities will not survive God’s judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to separate from worldly ways and live for His eternal kingdom.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
— Colossians 3:2

We are living in the last days, and the signs of Jesus’ return are becoming more visible. This generation could be the one to witness the end of the age.