Satan’s Masquerade

Google defines masquerade as an event, typically a party or ball, where attendees wear masks and sometimes elaborate costumes. These events often featured dancing, music, and intrigue, with the anonymity of masks allowing guests to interact more freely and sometimes playfully conceal their identities. Simply put a masquerade revolves around masks and concealing one’s identity, allowing individuals to act more freely without the concern of their actions being tied to them. Usually, the dress at masquerade balls is very elegant and the masks are glittery, shiny, and very fancy. The more elaborate the costume – the better the guest because at its essence a masquerade ball is all about concealing one’s identity.

Paul tells us that Satan and his servants use masquerades to their advantage. Paul writes in 11 Corinthians 11:

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. – II Cor. 11: 14-15

Satan masquerades as an angel of light, and his servants as servants of righteousness, disguising themselves as those devoted to God and committed to doing what is right. This deception enables Satan to draw near, making us feel at ease in his presence. Yet, beneath the gleaming masks of light and false righteousness lies the darkness concealed beneath the surface.

Satan gilds his deception with light, making darkness appear righteous. He hosts a magnificent ball, dazzling with glitz and glamour—even the invitations are exquisite. His guests and servants don matching “light” masks, concealing their true, dark purpose. Yet, the grandeur of Satan’s ball is nothing more than an illusion. Jesus warns that Satan is the “ruler of this world,” using everything within it to ensnare our souls.

I often reflect on Paul’s description of Satan. So many things, in and of themselves, are good, even beautiful—but Satan has a way of corrupting even the most wonderful things. We must be vigilant, for Satan disguises sin as goodness and righteousness. Yet, in the end, it is nothing more than a mask. #SinsGreatMasquerade