Satan
The Scriptures teach that Satan does exist. God created this angelic being perfect. He was called Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-17). But he chose to rebel against God for he wanted the honor and worship due only to God (Ezekiel 28:11-17). Consequently, there was war in heaven between the good and evil angels (Revelation 12:7-9). Lucifer lost the battle and was cast out with all the angels that followed him (Luke 10:18). Then, his name was changed to Satan (Job 1:6-9; Matthew 4:10).
The Creation of Humans
God created planet earth perfect (Genesis 1). And He gave mankind full authority over the earth (Genesis 1:28). But when Adam and Eve listened to Satan’s lies and willingly disobeyed God’s simple command, they gave up their authority to Satan (Genesis 3). And he became “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). The misery, suffering, destruction, and death we see today on the earth is the his clear works.
Now Satan along with all of the fallen angels known as demons (Revelation 20:2) are trying their best to destroy mankind through deception, miracles and lies (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:13-14). Rightly, the Bible describes him as the father of lies (John 8:44b), and the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
Christ Overcame Satan
But praise God, when Adam and Eve fell, God gave them the promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15). At the cross, Jesus stripped Satan of his authority: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:31). “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Thus, Satan has no more authority over those who are in Christ unless they permit him. And his eternal judgement is sure (Revelation 19:20). He and his angels will be destroyed in hell fire (Matthew 25:41).
The devil and his angels want to hurt God, who loves humans and gave Himself for them (John 3:16). And the best way they can do that is to continue the rebellion against Him here on earth and take as many as they can down the path of death with them. That’s why Peter warns the believers to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
God’s Power Over Evil
Satan rejoices when people think of him as a mythological figure and doubt his existence. The truth is that he does exist but his power is nullified when people submit to God and resist him in the name of Jesus (James 4:7). The Son of God overcame Satan, and He has offered us all the help that we need to overcome Satan, too. Jesus said, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). God is infinitely stronger than the devil. And if we unite ourselves with the Savior, we can overcome all temptations (Philippians 4:13).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
