The third anniversary yesterday [September 11, 2004] of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 — a day now commonly referred to simply as “9/11” — reminded many people of the material hazards of the world in which we live. Before that tragic day, it seemed unthinkable to most Americans that a coordinated terrorist attack could strike on U.S. soil and claim thousands of lives. Now, we understand the danger.

There is, however, a greater danger that we face — a danger that was already ancient on the morning when the World Trade Center towers fell; one that has wreaked, and continues to wreak, far more devastation than any band of terrorists could ever conceive. It is a danger that claims millions everyday, and that places us in constant risk of loss — not just the loss of mortal life, but of everlasting life.

The Scriptures warn of this danger: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The wiles of Satan, and the sin that results when we succumb to them, pose an infinitely more grievous risk to us than the nefarious plans of evil men.

Jesus said of this enemy, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Evildoers may have slain nearly 3,000 people on 9/11, but the death toll from Satan’s murderous handiwork is incalculable. The number who died in the twin towers and the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field three years ago yesterday pale in comparison with the untold millions who have lost their souls to the devil and his seductions.

Satan is dangerous because, unlike human terrorists, his destructive impact cannot be blunted with metal detectors at airports. He cannot be identified on a watch list or be recognized from an FBI warning poster. He is not limited in his resources to a handful of targets. His influence is both pervasive and invisible. The effects of his actions do not, unlike those of suicide bombers, end at the grave.

Though Satan wields great power to ensnare souls, he is not unbeatable. From the beginning, God prophesied that One would come who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:14-15) — a death blow that was delivered when Christ died on the cross. Jesus empowers those who are His to resist the devil, and to make him flee (James 4:7). Nevertheless, we must be continually vigilant, for our enemy will not stop his deadly rampage until he and his minions are forever banished (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:10).

Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The devil is dangerous because his temptations can lead us into the path of the Creator’s wrath. What God will do to those who follow Satan is far more dreadful than any act of terrorism ever devised.