Here are 5 marks that we are warned about in Scripture that mean someone is an enemy of the cross and a friend of Satan.
1. If Someone Is Proud of Their Sin, They Are an Enemy of the Cross and a Friend of Satan
Philippians 3:18-19, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
All of us are like this before the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and Jesus transforms us into new creations by the power of the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:15-17). But for those who resist the Lord’s call and continue to be proud about their sinfulness (1 John 2:16), not only engaging in sin but promoting it as though it is good, they are dangerous agents of Satan.
James 4:6 states, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” Humility is essential to be a friend of God. Pride is essential if you want to be his enemy.
2. If Someone Is a Friend of the World, They Are an Enemy of the Cross and a Friend of Satan
James 4:4, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
You can sacrificially serve anyone. But friendship is a two-sided relationship where both parties are giving and taking. This is why Jesus only called his disciples his friends once he started confiding in them on a greater level (John 15:15).
As a Christian, you can serve and love and give to those people who hate God, hoping that they might repent of sin and turn from Satan (2 Timothy 2:24-26). But when you are a friend with the world, you are receiving what the enemies of God are giving. If you are their friend, you take their advice, you follow their example, and you start doing what they’re doing.
And Scripture is clear that the world, meaning the collection of sinful people who reject Christ, is controlled by the devil. 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 and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
3. If Someone Is Consistently Divisive About Christian Doctrine, They Are an Enemy of the Cross and a Friend of Satan
Romans 16:17-20, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
It’s one thing to have questions. It’s one thing to have a different view on some Bible verses. But when someone rejects core Christian theology and tries to persuade others to follow their folly, they are an enemy of God.
4. If Someone Is Living in a Pattern of Sin and Not Repenting, This Is a Sign They Are a Friend of Satan and an Enemy of the Cross
1 John 3:8, “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
We all sin (1 John 1:8). We all need God to forgive us through Jesus. And if we confess our sins, he will forgive (1 John 1:9), for he is exceedingly gracious (Romans 5:20). Thus, this does not mean that if you struggle with sin that you are enemy of the cross (Romans 7:19-20). If you hate your sin and you are repenting by asking Jesus to help you, you are not an enemy of God.
But those who love their sin and are content to make it their pattern in life, they are not God’s friends (1 John 5:18-19).
5. Those Who Love to Lie Are a Friend of Satan and an Enemy of the Cross
John 8:44, “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 does not stand in 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.”
The devil is a liar. His friends are liars too.
Related Article: 4 Biblical Marks of an Evil Person Sent By Satan to Attack You
