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Satan and His Gospel
▶ DESCRIPTION
Is the Devil a living reality, or is he nothing more than a figment of the imagination? Is the word “Satan” merely a synonym for wickedness, or does it stand for a concrete entity? In cultured circles it has become the custom to return a negative answer to these questions, and to flatly deny the existence of the Tempter. Among such people it is regarded as a mark of intellectual superiority to repudiate the personality of the Devil. By many, Satan is now looked upon as a product of priestcraft, a relic of superstition, the myth of a bygone age. With others, Satan is simply an abstraction, a mere negation, the opposite of good. “All the Devil there is is the devil within you,” is the last word of “modern thought.” The words which Goethe puts into the mouth of Mephistopholes—“I am the Spirit of Negation”—is accepted as a good workable definition of the Devil. He is regarded as a mere abstract principle of evil. As someone has quaintly put it, “They spell Devil without a ‘d’, as they spell God with two ‘o’s’. Good and evil is their scheme.”
But the more general conception of Satan is different from the above. The popular idea, the one that prevails among the masses, may be gathered from the pictorial representations of him which appear on the street posters, which are to be met with in our illustrated magazines, and which are displayed upon the stage— where he is pictured as a grotesque monster in human form, having horns, hoofs and forked tail. Such a conception is an insult to intelligent people, and in consequence, the Devil has come to be regarded either as a bogey with which to frighten naughty children, or as a fit subject for jest and joke.
▶ CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1. The Personality of Satan
2. Satan’s Origin
3. Satan’s Fall
4. Satan’s Position Since his Fall
5. The Work of Satan
6. The Gospel of Satan
7. Other Books
▶ AUTHOR
Arthur W. Pink was born in Nottingham England in 1886, and born again of the Spirit of God in 1908 at the age of 22. He studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, USA, for only six weeks before beginning his pastoral work in Colorado. From there he pastored churches in California, Kentucky, and South Carolina, before moving to Sydney Australia for a brief period, preaching and teaching. In 1934, at 48 years old, he returned to his native England. He took permanent residence in Lewis, Scotland, in 1940, remaining there 12 years until his death at age 66 in 1952.
Is the Devil a living reality, or is he nothing more than a figment of the imagination? Is the word “Satan” merely a synonym for wickedness, or does it stand for a concrete entity? In cultured circles it has become the custom to return a negative answer to these questions, and to flatly deny the existence of the Tempter. Among such people it is regarded as a mark of intellectual superiority to repudiate the personality of the Devil. By many, Satan is now looked upon as a product of priestcraft, a relic of superstition, the myth of a bygone age. With others, Satan is simply an abstraction, a mere negation, the opposite of good. “All the Devil there is is the devil within you,” is the last word of “modern thought.” The words which Goethe puts into the mouth of Mephistopholes—“I am the Spirit of Negation”—is accepted as a good workable definition of the Devil. He is regarded as a mere abstract principle of evil. As someone has quaintly put it, “They spell Devil without a ‘d’, as they spell God with two ‘o’s’. Good and evil is their scheme.”
But the more general conception of Satan is different from the above. The popular idea, the one that prevails among the masses, may be gathered from the pictorial representations of him which appear on the street posters, which are to be met with in our illustrated magazines, and which are displayed upon the stage— where he is pictured as a grotesque monster in human form, having horns, hoofs and forked tail. Such a conception is an insult to intelligent people, and in consequence, the Devil has come to be regarded either as a bogey with which to frighten naughty children, or as a fit subject for jest and joke.
▶ CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1. The Personality of Satan
2. Satan’s Origin
3. Satan’s Fall
4. Satan’s Position Since his Fall
5. The Work of Satan
6. The Gospel of Satan
7. Other Books
▶ AUTHOR
Arthur W. Pink was born in Nottingham England in 1886, and born again of the Spirit of God in 1908 at the age of 22. He studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, USA, for only six weeks before beginning his pastoral work in Colorado. From there he pastored churches in California, Kentucky, and South Carolina, before moving to Sydney Australia for a brief period, preaching and teaching. In 1934, at 48 years old, he returned to his native England. He took permanent residence in Lewis, Scotland, in 1940, remaining there 12 years until his death at age 66 in 1952.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2012
87 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Pink
661 books306 followersArthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 28, 2020
I just finished this book today.
I feel like a broken record with my reviews of Pink's books because I always talk about how much I have learned by reading them. But WOW! I learn SO much when I read a book that Pink wrote!! This book is definitely no exception.
This book goes into detail describing who Satan isn't, and who Satan is. It also goes into detail describing how Satan operates and what his gospel is and how the human race is decieved by it. It also points out how King Saul was a type of (pointing to) Satan, while King David was a type of (pointing to) Jesus.
Really, even though it was a small book, there's just so much insight and detail, all backed by Scripture, that it's hard to summarize. But WOW! I love Pink's writings.
I feel like a broken record with my reviews of Pink's books because I always talk about how much I have learned by reading them. But WOW! I learn SO much when I read a book that Pink wrote!! This book is definitely no exception.
This book goes into detail describing who Satan isn't, and who Satan is. It also goes into detail describing how Satan operates and what his gospel is and how the human race is decieved by it. It also points out how King Saul was a type of (pointing to) Satan, while King David was a type of (pointing to) Jesus.
Really, even though it was a small book, there's just so much insight and detail, all backed by Scripture, that it's hard to summarize. But WOW! I love Pink's writings.
October 30, 2022
Satan and His Gospel was a short read, but deep. It goes into who satan is, who he is not, his origin, and more. It was fascinating to listen to and a book I definitely see myself rereading as there was just so much information! I think this is my first Pink read, but I plan on reading more soon.
July 23, 2019
First 3/4 of the book is an interesting overview of what the Bible tells us about Satan, either cutting past or giving actual grounds for some of the idea's we've come to passively accept about him through tradition or "Paradise Lost" (whether we're conscious of it or not)
The last 1/4 is a spectacular discussion of some of the variants of Satan's "gospel" that are propagated, applicable to someone from most any walk of life. Especially per page count, it was one of the most convicting passages in a book I've read in years.
The last 1/4 is a spectacular discussion of some of the variants of Satan's "gospel" that are propagated, applicable to someone from most any walk of life. Especially per page count, it was one of the most convicting passages in a book I've read in years.
January 19, 2022
Pink continues to offer up his solid exposition of the Word of God. However, when he supposes he is always careful to announce that these are suppositions and not Gospel. But his take on Satan has explained much to me that I can easily hold at arm's length while still assuming some truth to it because it fits with Biblical exposition and seems to make good common sense. But Pink is not dogmatic except for those things he knows. This us an excellent study of Satan, his devices of old, and his current new gospel.
March 3, 2022
Wow this book is terrible.
I didn't know much about the author before picking this up, but religious philosophies are very interesting to me. This book, however, was just the rantings of one mans interpretation of another mans interpretation of another mans interpretation of one old book. He outlines his argument and then proceeds to "prove" his argument through various quotes of his one source and his one source is several steps removed from the original source. Arguably, I think you should have more than only one source to defend your argument, but if you are going to only use one source, it should at least be one that isn't highly criticized for its rewriting and mistranslations. I actually read and reviewed a book pre-publishing that was somewhat similar to this book, but in that one the author at least presented the arguments from Hebrew scholars that had studied older (and therefore assumed to be more original) versions of the text. He disagreed with them, but at least he presented the fact that things are indeed lost or skewed in translation and that the bible we have today has gone through uncountable revisions and translations. I also assumed from the title that it would be discussing the war more. Satan's place in God's kingdom, him apostatization and the various examples of counter theology that has arisen. Instead, this man argues that God, much like a petulant spoiled brat, does not care for about your lifestyle or behavior, only about your unwavering worship of him as a king and that the true gospel of Satan is to live a good and kind life first and to worship God second. Now to be fair, there are indeed sects of Satanic worship that follow a somewhat similar ideology (live a good, kind and generous life), but they don't typically include the worshiping God part. Here, he argues the true Satanic gospel lies with the other churches and people of God who know themselves as Christians but do not worship exactly as he does. Overall, an interesting take, but nothing in this book is well founded, the arguments are weakly supported (if at all) and everything you could "learn" from this is just opinions. It is short and will not waste too much of your time, but I still wouldn't bother recommending it and would dissuade anyone I saw picking it up.
I didn't know much about the author before picking this up, but religious philosophies are very interesting to me. This book, however, was just the rantings of one mans interpretation of another mans interpretation of another mans interpretation of one old book. He outlines his argument and then proceeds to "prove" his argument through various quotes of his one source and his one source is several steps removed from the original source. Arguably, I think you should have more than only one source to defend your argument, but if you are going to only use one source, it should at least be one that isn't highly criticized for its rewriting and mistranslations. I actually read and reviewed a book pre-publishing that was somewhat similar to this book, but in that one the author at least presented the arguments from Hebrew scholars that had studied older (and therefore assumed to be more original) versions of the text. He disagreed with them, but at least he presented the fact that things are indeed lost or skewed in translation and that the bible we have today has gone through uncountable revisions and translations. I also assumed from the title that it would be discussing the war more. Satan's place in God's kingdom, him apostatization and the various examples of counter theology that has arisen. Instead, this man argues that God, much like a petulant spoiled brat, does not care for about your lifestyle or behavior, only about your unwavering worship of him as a king and that the true gospel of Satan is to live a good and kind life first and to worship God second. Now to be fair, there are indeed sects of Satanic worship that follow a somewhat similar ideology (live a good, kind and generous life), but they don't typically include the worshiping God part. Here, he argues the true Satanic gospel lies with the other churches and people of God who know themselves as Christians but do not worship exactly as he does. Overall, an interesting take, but nothing in this book is well founded, the arguments are weakly supported (if at all) and everything you could "learn" from this is just opinions. It is short and will not waste too much of your time, but I still wouldn't bother recommending it and would dissuade anyone I saw picking it up.
June 9, 2025
Not Pink's finest work. In this pamphlet Pink lays out an argument that Satan's gospel is that he isn't real. No problems here. I'd say that its the most effective lie he has. Even though this pamphlet was written in 1917, Pink is pointing to problems that are very prevalent 107 years later.
I'm marking this down because Pink puts forth an idea that Satan himself held the roles of Prophet Priest and King in his pre-fallen state. He then beats this drum several times. Pink hypothesizes that the announcement of God's plan and Satan being replaced in this role by Jesus provoked jealousy in Satan, and lead to Satan's fall.
Pink does do an excellent job of showing Satan's role in today's world as a deceiver and accuser. Pink minimizes the reality that God is in control and that Satan, though in rebellion, is still subject to God's authority as a created being. As I hinted at in the first paragraph, Pink nailed Satan's Gospel. Pink pointed out that Satan attempts to convince the world that he does not exist and that Jesus is not God come in the flesh, but merely an ideal for men. Pink ends this work with an appeal for repentance and submission to the authority of Jesus.
While I beleive that Pink wanders into some tenuous theology, his conclusion is sound. The warning is worth heeding; Satan is real and he will gladly help people to convince themselves that Jesus is not the son of God.
I'm marking this down because Pink puts forth an idea that Satan himself held the roles of Prophet Priest and King in his pre-fallen state. He then beats this drum several times. Pink hypothesizes that the announcement of God's plan and Satan being replaced in this role by Jesus provoked jealousy in Satan, and lead to Satan's fall.
Pink does do an excellent job of showing Satan's role in today's world as a deceiver and accuser. Pink minimizes the reality that God is in control and that Satan, though in rebellion, is still subject to God's authority as a created being. As I hinted at in the first paragraph, Pink nailed Satan's Gospel. Pink pointed out that Satan attempts to convince the world that he does not exist and that Jesus is not God come in the flesh, but merely an ideal for men. Pink ends this work with an appeal for repentance and submission to the authority of Jesus.
While I beleive that Pink wanders into some tenuous theology, his conclusion is sound. The warning is worth heeding; Satan is real and he will gladly help people to convince themselves that Jesus is not the son of God.
September 24, 2018
I respect the author and all his works. However I find it difficult to identify so easily with his haste in convicting so many to such a terrible penance as eternal hell in the lake of fire. Only God the maker and sustainer of man's heart knows where each of ours resides concerning Christ. And I have found in scripture that hell for humans is far different than the lake of fire made for the devil and his followers. Maybe worse. I won't go into detail but hell isn't just a place, it's an existence one becomes. And the despair in hell that the savior spoke of is the fact that no one is ever coming to you. No one will ever hear you cry, because you don't matter, anymore. That's too terrible for me to so nonchalantly agree on the condemnation of so many. My heart breaks with concern.
November 23, 2024
Insightful!
A.W. Pink is an amazing teacher of the Word. He has a way of stating things that encourage the reader to examine him/herself, as well as has the ability to connect things throughout the whole Bible that may not have been so easily considered. I have gained incredible insights from Pinks indepth studies of books of the Bible, i.e., Genesis, Joshua, and John, etc! Once again, I'm left astonished as I had not considered prior to reading this book that Satan had a "gospel" of his own.
A.W. Pink is an amazing teacher of the Word. He has a way of stating things that encourage the reader to examine him/herself, as well as has the ability to connect things throughout the whole Bible that may not have been so easily considered. I have gained incredible insights from Pinks indepth studies of books of the Bible, i.e., Genesis, Joshua, and John, etc! Once again, I'm left astonished as I had not considered prior to reading this book that Satan had a "gospel" of his own.
April 30, 2019
Praise Him forever and ever!
This is one of the most, if not the most, misunderstood facet of our salvation. We cry out "You are my Lord and my Saviour", but run over 'the Lord part', trying to seize the 'Saviour part' in a cheap version of salvation! As this beloved author so clearly stated, this will not stand because He must be the Lord of our life in it's entirety, not just a intellectual acknowledgement of Him.
This is one of the most, if not the most, misunderstood facet of our salvation. We cry out "You are my Lord and my Saviour", but run over 'the Lord part', trying to seize the 'Saviour part' in a cheap version of salvation! As this beloved author so clearly stated, this will not stand because He must be the Lord of our life in it's entirety, not just a intellectual acknowledgement of Him.
January 21, 2022
A Revealing Look At Our Adversary
Pink does a tremendous service to Christ’s body by exposing its great enemy. Such an amazing exposition. We need more in depth teaching on who our adversary is, what his gospel is and how to defeat him. This book details the first two. Watchman Nee’s book, Resisting the Devil, deals with the last. A powerful combination. I would suggest getting them together.
Pink does a tremendous service to Christ’s body by exposing its great enemy. Such an amazing exposition. We need more in depth teaching on who our adversary is, what his gospel is and how to defeat him. This book details the first two. Watchman Nee’s book, Resisting the Devil, deals with the last. A powerful combination. I would suggest getting them together.
March 17, 2022
An interesting analysis on this dude we know as Satan. Same dude who was once the assistant manager to God (or assistant TO THE...). Learned much new stuff. Still a bit short and shallow. Well, not shallow, but I could've used more. But I enjoyed it.
Especially the part where Satan spoke through Peter. If I understood it correctly. I gotta deep-dive into that as it could be useful. And yes, I will get back to this thing, because I'll write something about this in the future.
Especially the part where Satan spoke through Peter. If I understood it correctly. I gotta deep-dive into that as it could be useful. And yes, I will get back to this thing, because I'll write something about this in the future.
January 1, 2018
And the Truth shall set you free.
Illuminating insights into the origin and destination of the devil. Satan hates to be exposed and this book helps do just that. Much to ponder and apply. Recommended for those who are searching for more than the social gospel that you find in most churches today.
Illuminating insights into the origin and destination of the devil. Satan hates to be exposed and this book helps do just that. Much to ponder and apply. Recommended for those who are searching for more than the social gospel that you find in most churches today.
July 17, 2025
A Must Read
For anyone seeking to uncover the scheme’s of the enemy, this book is a piercing inside to them. With illuminating illustrations, A.W Pink crafts each chapter like a movie script. If you desire to understand the traps that befall us all as Believers, read this book and apply its wisdom and principles for understanding the ultimate goal of the enemies of GOD.
For anyone seeking to uncover the scheme’s of the enemy, this book is a piercing inside to them. With illuminating illustrations, A.W Pink crafts each chapter like a movie script. If you desire to understand the traps that befall us all as Believers, read this book and apply its wisdom and principles for understanding the ultimate goal of the enemies of GOD.
February 25, 2021
It had been a minute since I read Pink but wow I remember now why I love his works! In this little booklet, Pink thoroughly discusses the identity, origins, and machinations of satan. Very good place to start if you want to study about the enemy.
May 27, 2021
Satan's Methods defined
Interesting interpretation and explanation of the Master Counterfeiter , Satan. This clarifies and answers many questions about Satan and his works against God.
Interesting interpretation and explanation of the Master Counterfeiter , Satan. This clarifies and answers many questions about Satan and his works against God.
March 5, 2022
Eye Opening
Pink writes with great authority about the false gospels being preached in the church and world. The same errors leading to eternal death and damnation were being preached in his day as well as ours.
Pink writes with great authority about the false gospels being preached in the church and world. The same errors leading to eternal death and damnation were being preached in his day as well as ours.
March 16, 2022
Es un libro corto pero conciso al buen estilo del autor y que nos explica la naturaleza y obra tan sutil del enemigo de nuestras almas sin darle la relevancia que Dios tiene y que El si domina y gobierna.
May 19, 2022
Lordship salvation
Although his work on Satan is correct, one has to recognize Jesus as Lord, not as my personal lord. The Holy Spirit points us to Christ.. Repenting is turning to the Lord for salvation from our sins. Christ's lordship comes after with sanctification.
Although his work on Satan is correct, one has to recognize Jesus as Lord, not as my personal lord. The Holy Spirit points us to Christ.. Repenting is turning to the Lord for salvation from our sins. Christ's lordship comes after with sanctification.
April 11, 2019
Not what I expected but very informative.
Definitely something that you should read. It will really highlight the deceptions of the enemy. A very eye opening experience.
Definitely something that you should read. It will really highlight the deceptions of the enemy. A very eye opening experience.
June 1, 2022
Wow! Very interesting and thought-provoking. I am looking at familiar Scriptures in a new light and I have some prayerful soul-searching to do…
November 22, 2022
Not Pinks best work. It was interesting and informative, but short and left some questions unanswered.
January 5, 2023
3 1/2 ⭐
September 5, 2017
Very intersting
Felt like I received a full picture of Satan; from his beginning to his final defeat. I would recommend this book
Felt like I received a full picture of Satan; from his beginning to his final defeat. I would recommend this book
July 18, 2016
Learn About Satan's Gospel
Rom.16:17,18 teaches you who you should avoid. This little book explains who they are and their methods; they are hard to pick out because they present themselves as Christians, but, Lord willing, this little book will clear things up.
Yours in Christ,
Alex
Rom.16:17,18 teaches you who you should avoid. This little book explains who they are and their methods; they are hard to pick out because they present themselves as Christians, but, Lord willing, this little book will clear things up.
Yours in Christ,
Alex
August 1, 2015
Very Good Theology!
Pastor Pink proves Satan is a real being in the best possible way. By his use and interpretation of God's Word.
Pastor Pink proves Satan is a real being in the best possible way. By his use and interpretation of God's Word.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews