The Untouchables

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” (1Jo 5:18 AV)

 What a promise!  However, how does that reconcile with the advice Peter offers?  He states,  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1Pe 5:8-9 AV) What does Peter mean by  ‘…devour…’?  What would John say that the wicked one toucheth him not yet Peter warn us against that same wicked one who wished to devour?  The Greek word for devour means to swallow up.  It implies complete destruction.  The Greek word for ‘…toucheth…’ means to attach to; to touch.  It would seem that demonic touching is far less severe than a devouring.  So, how can John promise that the Devil will not touch us yet Peter warns us the devil seeks to devour?  How do these two reconcile?  A few thoughts.

First, just because the Devil seeks to devour does not mean he can or will be successful.  It just might be the attempt that is of concern.  It might be the Devil is so naïve as to think the laws of the Bible do not apply to him and he will attempt to destroy the believer.  It would not be out of character.  Revelation chapter twelve foretells the Devil’s downfall.  Yet knowing this, he tries anyway.

Second, perhaps these two concepts are one and the same.  For the Devil to destroy by devouring, his must by extension, attach.  Perhaps this touching is the equivalent of devouring.  Perhaps the touching isn’t mere harassment, but something far more severe.  In this sense, the outcome is the same as above.  He attempts to do the impossible.

Third, some would think this a contradiction and thus disannul the word of God.  We know this is not a possibility.  The word of God is His perfect revelation of Himself to man.  By default, it is perfect!

The application is obvious.  If we are saved, the Devil has no power over us.  Peter is right.  We should resist steadfast in the faith and he will flee.  We have already been guaranteed victory by the words of John and Peter is merely telling us by what means this victory comes.  Resist the Devil and he will flee.  When he flees, we cannot be touched.  This is the hope of all who call upon the name of Jesus!  Jesus seals us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.  The victory over Satan is a foregone conclusion.  There is no power he has over me.  If allowed by God to harass the believer, it is to make us stronger.  So, fight back and tell him to get lost!  Oh, wait.  He already is!