Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 3/15/2011

Question
Why does the NT say that the whole world is under the power of HaSatan (1 John 5:19) when the Psalms say that HaShem rules the nations? (Psalms 22:28). In fact, the ruler ship of G-d is the theme of much of the Tanakh. Why does the NT contradict the Tanakh on this matter?

Answer
Shalom Alex,

Its not really a contradiction when we consider the whole counsel of God.

HaShem (God) is One.
He has no equal, no second and no opposite. He is King of kings and Lord of lords and yet He is higher than that because no king and no lord can compare to Him in any way. No one, including Heylel (haSatan) acts without the permission of HaShem.

Paul says Heylel is the "god of this world" at II Corinthians 4:4 which is even stronger that the reference in I John.

The answer to this seeming contradiction is given in the Gospel account of Matthew where haShaitan tempts Y'shua (Jesus). Read chapter 4.

In short there is an ongoing struggle taking place wherein humanity is being called to make a judgment, just as Y'shua had to do in Matthew 4. Will we choose to serve HaShem or will we join with Heylel in rebellion and follow the path of greed and egotism. Which is best for the human race: Living in harmony with the Will of HaShem as one family or going on our own?
In more Jewish terms, we are being called to choose between "yetzer tov" and "yetzer ra": i.e. between our good and evil inclinations. The chose is ours to make and we make it with almost every breath we take.

This free will choice requires that we have options available and so HaShem is allowing this.

HaShem allows Heylel to deceive those who choose to be deceived. He allows each one of us to choose to "eat the fruit."

Likewise HaShem allows us to obey Him. In His Word -- His Torah as well as the Tanakh, the B'rit Hadashah (New Testament), the Talmud etc -- it is clear what HaShem requires of us (Micah 6:-8) and what He forbids.

Just like Adam and Havah (Eve) we are free to choose.
And like them, we all too often choose yetzer ra (our negative impulses).

So... HaShem is God of everything and nothing can stay His hand.
Heylel is permitted by HaShem to act as god (small "g") over the earth (even offering Y'shua earthly power and rule).
HaShem allows humans to determine who we will serve.
In the future Moshiach (Messiah) is going to rule the earth from Jerusalem as HaShem's emissary and anointed King and peace will be established. At that time HaShem will be vindicated by the solid evidence of human history (Genesis 12:1-3).

Hope this clarifies this for you.
Write back any time,

Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine.