Several Bible verses suggest that Satan has significant influence or authority over the world, portraying him as its ruler or god in opposition to divine rule. Key passages include:

1. Satan as "the ruler of this world"

• John 12:31 – "Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out."
• John 14:30 – "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me."
• John 16:11 – "concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."

Jesus refers to Satan as "the ruler of this world," suggesting that he holds sway over worldly affairs until his eventual defeat.

2. Satan as "the god of this world"

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 – "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Here, Paul describes Satan as “the god of this world,” emphasizing his power to deceive and obscure truth.

3. Satan's authority over worldly kingdoms

• Luke 4:5-7 – "And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’"

Satan claims to have dominion over the world’s kingdoms, and Jesus does not dispute this claim.

4. The world under Satan's power

• 1 John 5:19 – "We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one."

This verse suggests that the world is under Satan’s influence, in contrast to those who belong to God.

• Ephesians 2:2 – "in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience."

Paul refers to Satan as "the prince of the power of the air," indicating his pervasive influence over human affairs.

5. Satan as a deceiver and adversary

• Revelation 12:9 – "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him."
• 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 – "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing."

These passages depict Satan as a deceiver who exerts his influence over the world through lies and falsehoods.

Conclusion

The Bible presents Satan as having significant control over worldly systems, institutions, and people, though his reign is temporary and ultimately subject to divine judgment. This view aligns with the broader theme that the present world is in a fallen state, awaiting redemption and restoration under God's rule.