intro

Almost since time began, violence, conflict and natural disasters have plagued our world with them all getting worse and more frequent. People have long wondered whether good or evil will win in the end. Many writers and knowledgeable thinkers have tried to explain this struggle, but the Bible gives the most complete account of what has happened between God and the Devil — and who will ultimately win … because one of them has to!

How the Conflict Began

Soon after the first humans were created, a spirit creature later called Satan challenged God’s right to rule. He suggested that God was holding back good things and that humans would be better off deciding right and wrong for themselves. This challenge appears in Genesis 3:1–5 and Revelation 12:9.

Later, in Job’s time, Satan claimed that people only obey God when life is easy. He said, “Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul.” (Job 2:4) By saying “a man”, Satan implied that any person would abandon God if pressured enough.

So the conflict centres on two big questions:

1. Can humans successfully rule themselves without God?
2. Can Satan turn everyone away from God?

Can Humans Rule Themselves?

Throughout history, people have tried many forms of government — monarchy, democracy, aristocracy, autocracy, Fascism, Communism, and more. The constant experimentation shows that none of these systems fully solve humanity’s problems.

Writers and leaders have long noticed this. For example:

• H. G. Wells wrote that even the powerful Roman system was an “unfinished experiment”.
• Jawaharlal Nehru said democracy is good mainly because “other systems are worse.”
• Valéry Giscard d’Estaing described modern democracy as being in crisis.
• Plato warned that democracies often suffer from unqualified leaders.

Even today, people often feel frustrated with political leaders who seem unable to handle major problems, and yet they STILL keep voting for them – why?.

In contrast, the Bible describes the peaceful and prosperous rule of King Solomon, who governed with wisdom from God. During his reign, the people of Israel lived securely and joyfully.

^{20 “}Judah and Israel were as numerous as the grains of sand by the sea; they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. ²⁵ Judah and Israel lived in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree, from Dan to Beʹer-sheʹba, all the days of Solʹo·mon” – (1 Kings 4:20, 25).

The prophet Jeremiah summed up the issue clearly: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

Can Satan Turn Everyone Away From God?

The Bible shows that many people throughout history have stayed loyal to God. Hebrews chapter 11 lists many faithful men and women, and Hebrews 12:1 describes them as a “great cloud of witnesses”—so many that they are like a vast cloud.

Millions today also choose to serve God despite hardship. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, have grown to millions worldwide even under persecution. As of 2025, there are approximately 9.2 million active Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. They are organised into over 119,000 congregations across 241 lands.

The strongest answer to Satan’s claim came from Jesus Christ. Even while suffering on the torture stake, Jesus remained loyal and said, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Satan still tries to mislead people through temptation, distraction, and fear (1 John 2:16; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Acts 5:40). But many continue to love God “with their whole heart, soul, and mind” (Matthew 22:37). Their loyalty shows that Satan has not succeeded.

What Will Happen Next?

The Bible promises that God will soon replace all human governments with his own Kingdom. Daniel foretold: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin.” (Daniel 2:44)

This Kingdom, ruled by Jesus Christ, is the one Jesus taught his followers to pray for (Matthew 6:9, 10). It will bring an end to all human governments at God’s appointed time (Revelation 16:14, 16).

Satan will be removed for a thousand years so he can no longer mislead anyone (Revelation 20:1–3). During that time, the earth will become peaceful and beautiful. The Bible promises that the meek will “find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:9–11), and even animals will live in harmony (Isaiah 11:6–9). Millions who never had the chance to learn about God will be resurrected (Acts 24:15).

After the thousand years, Satan will be released briefly, then destroyed forever along with anyone who chooses to oppose God (Revelation 20:3, 7–10).

Which Side Will You Choose?

The 20th century was filled with suffering, but this does not mean Satan has won. Instead, the Bible shows these events are signs that we are living in “the last days” (Matthew 24:3–14; Revelation 6:1–8).

The real questions are:

• Whose way of ruling works best?
• Has anyone remained loyal to God out of love?

On both points, the Bible shows that Jehovah has already won.

God allows wickedness to continue for now because he wants people to have time to change.
2 Peter 3:9 says he “does not desire any to be destroyed.”
1 Timothy 2:4 says he wants “all sorts of men” to learn the truth.

The invitation is open to everyone: learn about God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Jehovah’s Witnesses are willing to help anyone who wants to understand the Bible and choose the winning side.