Satan is called Belial on only one occasion in the New Testament. As Paul urges his readers in Corinth to separate themselves from unbelievers, he asks a series of rhetorical questions, including, "What agreement does Christ have with Belial?" (2 Cor.6:15). The answer, of course, is "none whatsoever." But why does Paul refer to the evil one as Belial?

One day, every person is resurrected and summoned before the Lord Jesus in final judgment. While salvation is a gift of God, received by grace through faith, our lifestyles reflect our beliefs. That is, our words and deeds expose our true citizenship, either in the kingdom of God or in the domain of the evil one.

Dustin Burdin serves as pastor of First Baptist Church of Webb City, Mo. He's also a doctoral candidate at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, studying ethics.

The world has known its share of despots, but none can hold a candle to a ruler who is richer, more influential, more powerful, and whose kingdom can't be confined to national boundaries. Scripture reveals his many names: Satan, the devil, Beelzebul, and the ruler of this world. Here's part one of a closer look at the world's most notorious monarch.

The apostle Paul warns the Galatians about those who have "fallen from grace" (Gal. 5:4). The writer of Hebrews says it's "impossible to renew to repentance" those who have "fallen away" (Heb. 6:4-6). Yet, Jesus tells his followers he has granted us "eternal life," and he assures us we will "never perish" (John 10:27-28). So, how do we deal with seeming contradictions in Scripture, especially with those difficult passages that challenge such doctrines as eternal security? Here are 10 guidelines that may prove helpful.

In John 14:30, Jesus tells his disciples "the ruler of this world is coming." No doubt, Jesus' followers understand this as a reference to Satan, whom Jesus acknowledges as the leader of the kosmos alienated from God and in rebellion against him. but in what way is Satan coming?

In John 16:11, Jesus calls Satan "the ruler of the/this world" for the third time in John's Gospel. Jesus is preparing the disciples for his departure and the inevitable persecution of the saints to follow. At the same time, Jesus tells his followers it's to their advantage that he go away. One such advantage is that, through Christ's finished work on the cross, the evil one is judged.

The Bible mentions dozens of books, from the Book of the LORD's Wars to a seven-sealed scroll only Jesus is worthy to open. But perhaps the most fascinating book reveled in Scripture is the one that may, or may not, feature your name: the book of life.