Satan denied God’s Word (v. 4). “You will not surely die” (niv) is a direct contradiction of God’s “You will surely die” (2:17 niv). But Satan is a liar (John 8:44) and God is the God of truth (Deut. 32:4), and our response to what God says should be, “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right” (Ps. 119:128 nkjv). At this point, Eve should have reminded herself of God’s Word, believed it, left the serpent, and found her husband. It’s when we linger at the place of temptation that we get into trouble, especially when we know what we’re thinking is contrary to God’s truth. God’s truth is our shield and buckler (Ps. 91:4; Eph. 6:16), but it protects us only if we take it by faith and use it.

Satan substituted his own lie (v. 5). “You will be like God” (niv) is a promise that would get anybody’s attention. “Glory to man in the highest!” has always been the rallying cry of those who reject the biblical revelation, whether they espouse godless humanism, materialism, or the so-called New Age religion. (Actually, the philosophy of the New Agers isn’t new at all. It’s as old as Genesis 3!)

Romans 1:18-32 describes how Gentile civilization from the time of Cain rejected the truth of God and turned to foolishness and lies. They “exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (v. 25 nkjv). Speaking about Satan, Jesus said “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). In defiance of God, humans exchanged God’s truth for “the lie” (note the singular), and followed Satan who is the father of “it” (note the singular again).

What is “the lie” (singular) that has ruled civilization since the fall of man? It’s the belief that men and women can be their own god and live for the creation and not the Creator and not suffer any consequences. Believing this, they refuse to submit to God’s truth but prefer to believe Satan’s lies and follow his diabolical plan for their destruction. They don’t realize that Satan is their master (Eph. 2:1-3) and the lake of fire is their destiny (Matt. 7:13-23; Rev. 20:10-15).

When you review the sequence, you can better understand how Satan leads people to the place of disobedience. Once we start to question God’s Word, we’re prepared to deny His Word and believe Satan’s lies. Then it’s just a short step to believing Satan’s promises and disobeying God’s commands. When our Lord was tempted (Matt. 4:1-11), He answered Satan’s lies with God’s truth and three times affirmed, “It is written!” Satan wants to deceive our minds (2 Cor. 11:3), but we defeat him by using the spiritual weapons God provides (Eph. 6:10-18; 2 Cor. 10:4-5).