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.

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

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

(Matthew 4:10 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.’”

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.

But who is Satan? Satan is a fallen angel.

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

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.

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

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.