Who is Satan?

If you believe the Bible, then you must believe that Satan exists. Satan is also known as the Devil, Lucifer, and several other names as well.

Jesus mentions Satan several times in the New Testamate.

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat. (Luke 22:31 ESV)

And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?…,” (Mark 3:23-26 ESV)

Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:10 ESV)

Of course, believing that Satan exists, does not mean that you should directly interact with him. Satan is the adversary of God and mankind. Satan goal is to thwart God’s plans and to turn mankind against God.

In Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 it is Satan who tempts Jesus during his time in the wilderness, with the hope of turning Christ against God.

Satan is also one of the main figures in the book of Revelations. He plays the central role in the battle between good and evil. He is the leader of the evil forces. However we know that Satan is ultimately defeated and cast into the lake of fire, marking his final judgment.

But who is Satan? Satan is a fallen angel.

And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18 ESV)

Before his fall, Satan was a powerful and exalted being in heaven. The Bible suggests that he was an anointed guardian cherub, full of wisdom and beauty, and had access to God’s presence.

Satan’s downfall was caused by pride and rebellion. He desired to be like God and refused to submit to divine authority. As a result, he was cast down from his high position and became Satan, the adversary of God and mankind.

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ (Isa 14:14 ESV)

Satan can also be described by his many names in the Bible:

• Satan – Meaning “adversary” or “opposer”.

• The Devil – A title meaning “slanderer”.

• Lucifer – The fallen angel who rebelled against God.

• Beelzebub – Sometimes interpreted as “Lord of the Flies”.

• Prince of Darkness – A title emphasizing his role as the ruler of evil.

• Father of Lies – Reflecting his deceptive nature.

• The Evil One – A name highlighting his embodiment of wickedness.

• The Tempter – Referring to his role in leading people astray.

• The Great Dragon – A symbolic name used in the Book of Revelation.

• The Serpent – A reference to his deception in the Garden of Eden.

While Satan does have great authority, especially here on Earth, his authority was given to him by God. God has the ultimate authority. Satan’s authority is temporary and will be taken away from him.

… now will the ruler of this world be cast out. (John 12:31 ESV)

And Satan’s fate is already sealed.

and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev 20:10 ESV)

Satan knows his fate and wishes to take as much of mankind with him as he can.

In their case the god of this world (Satan) 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. (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1Peter 5:8 ESV)

It is the temptations of this world, money, sex, power, fame, etc., that are Satan’s main tools to turn mankind away from God. Satan also exploits the weakness of man’s hearts, pride and greed, against you and to lead you away from God.

So, the choice is for every person to make, either follow God or be deceived by Satan and share his fate.