People’s beliefs about Satan range from the absurd to the abstract—
- an expression used to describe the humanization of evil—like a little red boy with horns sitting on your lap and tempting you to sin. However, the Bible gives a clear picture of who Satan is and how he influences our lives. Simply put, the Bible defines Satan as an angel who fell from his position because of sin and is now in full opposition to God, thwarting God’s purpose in all his power.
Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 says that Satan’s name before the fall was Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan being created as a cherub, the highest of directly created angels. It became proud of its beauty and status and decided to sit on the throne of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride brought it down. Notice the many “I will” words in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of that sin, God banned Satan from heaven.
Satan has become the ruler of this world and the prince of heavenly powers (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). Its name means “enemy” or “adversary”. Another name for it, Diablos, means “blasphemer.”
Even though it has been cast out of heaven, it still seeks to place its throne above God. It makes artificial all the things God has done by hoping to receive worship from the world and by encouraging them against the kingdom of God. Satan is the main source behind every false teaching and religion of the world. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed in the lake of fire for an eternity (Revelation 20:10).