Cussin’ the Devil

I was recently asked if it was okay to tell the devil to “go to hell.” It seems that someone of influence has said that the phrase is acceptable if spoken to the devil. While I am not certain of the context of this comment I offer the following food for thought.

First, no doubt some will say that the statement is acceptable because it is merely stating a fact; namely that the devil is in hell. However, this is not true. Though the devil will certainly end up in hell, the eternal lake of fire is not his current residence. Matthew 25:41 reports that at the end of time Jesus will say to the goats (unbelievers) Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. The lake of fire (hell) will only be experienced after the final judgment. The account of this sentence on the devil can be seen in Revelation 20:10. In addition, Ephesians two speaks of the devil as the prince of the power of the air who is at work even now on earth – not ruling from hell (2:2; see also 1 Peter 5:8).

Next comes the argument that the phrase “go to hell” directed at the devil is simply proclaiming his certain destiny. Consider though the New Testament account of his demise in Revelation 19-20. In these chapters Christ is set forth as ruler over all and ultimate judge of everyone. This includes the devil as Revelation 20:10 claims, And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Such a proclamation of the devil’s destiny is actually blasphemous as Jesus Christ is the only one worthy to pass judgment – especially final judgment (Rom 12:19; Rev 20:11-15).

Third, it is illegitimate for believers to converse with the devil in the first place. James 4:7 urges believers to submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Did you see the first phrase of that verse? Everywhere we are told to seek Christ, draw near to Him, and commune with Him. Never are we told to face-off with the devil, and James in fact tells us to do the very opposite. Being willing to talk with the devil, even to tell him to “go to hell,” expecting him to leave you alone would be much like trying to run a cat off your property in the afternoon only to put more food out for the hungry feline in the morning. The devil is a great deceiver and if he can engage you in any way he knows he is likely to get you.

Finally, the Bible is very clear on the importance of our choosing words carefully. Jesus says in Matthew 12:36, But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. Paul urges the Colossians to let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. In addition James is replete with references to watch and tame our tongue warning that to not do so is to show ourselves out of control.

So while it may seem cool to tell the devil to “go to hell,” I urge you to remember that this is not your responsibility. Moreover, to claim that it is acceptable to cuss the devil is to possibly cause young believers to stumble at best and to experience a great fall at worse. Let us all choose our words carefully so as to reflect the glory of the Lord rather than the angst of this world.

In Christ,

Pastor Josh