You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
Jesus talked about the devil and cast out demons in the gospel accounts. It is part of the story. Yet it is difficult for many to accept because it is spiritual and not intellectual in nature. When he calls his listeners children of the devil he is speaking of how the devil opposes God in all things. He goes on to tell them, and us, that the principle tool of the devil is lies. In these few words Jesus lays bare the heart of those who were listening to him. When he speaks of the devil being a murderer he is condemning those who were seeking to kill him.
I admit that I find it troubling to consider that some are children of the devil. I want to say that all are children of God. Yet history proves to us that many follow in the steps of the one who is called a liar and a murderer. Those among us who continue to reject God in their heart continue to walk in spiritual in darkness and prove themselves to be children of the devil. Yet those who say a simple yes to the Holy Spirit experience glorious internal regeneration and become children of God. It is an issue of the new birth and of spiritual DNA.
Come Holy Spirit. Remove all lies from me and open my inner eyes to truth.
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