{"id":50607,"date":"2018-06-27T22:35:16","date_gmt":"2018-06-27T19:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=50607"},"modified":"2025-06-16T22:49:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T19:49:04","slug":"who-is-truly-in-control-god-or-satan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2018\/06\/27\/who-is-truly-in-control-god-or-satan\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is Truly in Control\u2014God or Satan?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a deep question many people wrestle with: <\/span>If God is in control of everything, why do terrible things happen in the world\u2014like deadly car accidents, plane crashes, natural disasters, or floods like those in Japan?<\/em> If God is sovereign, why doesn’t He stop such tragedies?<\/span><\/p>\n

The answer lies in understanding two important truths revealed in Scripture:<\/p>\n

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  1. God is the rightful owner and ruler<\/strong> of the earth<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  2. Satan has been given limited influence<\/strong> over the world system<\/strong>\u2014but only for a time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    1. God Owns and Rules the Earth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    From the beginning, the Bible declares that God is the Creator and Owner of the earth and everything in it.<\/p>\n

    “The earth is the Lord\u2019s, and all its fullness,
    \nThe world and those who dwell therein.
    \nFor He has founded it upon the seas,
    \nAnd established it upon the waters.”<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Psalm 24:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    After Jesus rose from the dead, He declared:<\/p>\n

    \u201cAll authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Matthew 28:18<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    This means nothing on earth is beyond God’s power. He is sovereign over nature, nations, and every human being.<\/p>\n

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    2. Satan Rules the Fallen World System<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While God rules the earth<\/strong>, Scripture also reveals that Satan<\/strong> currently has power over the world system<\/strong>\u2014not the planet itself, but the values, structures, and spiritual atmosphere of human society that rejects God.<\/p>\n

    During Jesus\u2019 temptation, Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world:<\/p>\n

    \u201cAgain, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
    \nAnd he said to Him, \u2018All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.\u2019\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Matthew 4:8\u20139<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Jesus didn\u2019t argue that Satan didn\u2019t have this power\u2014because in a limited sense, Satan does. The Apostle John confirmed this:<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 1 John 5:19<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    So, God is the ultimate ruler<\/strong>, but Satan has temporary influence over the fallen world system that rebels against God.<\/p>\n

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    3. The Earth vs. The World \u2013 What’s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    To understand this better, we must distinguish between \u201cthe earth<\/strong>\u201d and \u201cthe world<\/strong>\u201d as the Bible uses them:<\/p>\n

    \u2022 The Earth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    This refers to the natural creation<\/strong> of God\u2014continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, animals, sky, and everything physical. It is neutral and belongs fully to God.<\/p>\n

    \u2022 The World (Greek: kosmos)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    This refers to the man-made systems<\/strong> of society\u2014like governments, economies, education, entertainment, media, and culture\u2014most of which have been corrupted by sin and are under Satan\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDo not love the world or the things in the world.
    \nIf anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 1 John 2:15<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Satan\u2019s kingdom is based on pride, lust, greed, and rebellion against God. This is the system that will be destroyed\u2014not the earth itself.<\/p>\n

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    4. God Will Destroy the World System, Not the Earth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The earth<\/strong> will remain and be renewed, but the current world system<\/strong>\u2014corrupt, unjust, and anti-God\u2014will be judged and removed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd the world is passing away, and the lust of it;
    \nbut he who does the will of God abides forever.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 1 John 2:17<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    When Jesus returns, He will destroy Satan\u2019s system and set up His own righteous kingdom on earth. This is the Millennial Reign of Christ<\/strong>, where He will rule for 1,000 years (see Revelation 20:4\u20136<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

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    5. Why Does God Allow Tragedies and Disasters?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Though God is sovereign, He sometimes allows disasters as a response to human sin. Many of the tragedies we see\u2014natural disasters, diseases, wars\u2014are not because God is unjust, but because of the evil and rebellion in the world system.<\/p>\n

    \u201cFor the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Romans 6:23<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u201cFor we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Romans 8:22<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    When a society is full of violence, corruption, sexual immorality, injustice, environmental destruction, and rebellion, God may allow consequences\u2014whether through judgment or by lifting His protective hand.<\/p>\n

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    6. Call to Action: Live for What Will Last<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This current world system is temporary. Its values and priorities will not survive God\u2019s judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to separate from worldly ways and live for His eternal kingdom.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSet your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Colossians 3:2<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    We are living in the last days<\/strong>, and the signs of Jesus\u2019 return are becoming more visible. This generation could be the one to witness the end of the age.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWatch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.\u201d<\/em>
    \n\u2014 Matthew 24:42<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Examine your faith. Make sure your life is aligned with God\u2019s will, not with the fading patterns of this world.<\/p>\n

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    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n