Satanology 101 (Part 1)
Who is Satan? A red figure with a pointed tail and horns? An evil ‘force’ or ‘principle’ that exists in the world? Fortunately, we aren’t left in the dark. The Bible gives many details about this mysterious being. Today we will survey the main facts, as part of ‘Satanology 101.’
This is the first in a two-part series. Click HERE to read part two, the encouraging truth of Satan’s limitations.
Satan is a conscious, personal entity.
Today, many people think of Satan as an idea, force, or principle that exists in the world. The Bible never describes Satan that way. He is described as a ‘person’ in the sense that he is a distinct, specific, conscious entity.
Satan stands up, walks around, speaks, takes action, tempts people, tries to outwit people, and disguises himself. He is a real, personal being who actively uses specific techniques to achieve his goals. (You can see this truth about Satan in the book of Job, chapters one and two).
Satan is ‘the god of this world.’
The Bible uses many titles to describe Satan and his astonishing power in the world. He is ‘the prince of the power of the air’ (Ephesians 2:2), one of the ‘cosmic powers over this present darkness’ (Ephesians 6:12), a ‘spiritual force of evil in the heavenly places’ (Ephesians 6:12), the ‘ruler of this world’ (John 12:31), and ‘the god of this world’ (2 Corinthians 4:4).
When Jesus came to earth, Satan offered him dominion over all the kingdoms of the world. It wasn’t an empty promise – Satan does have power over modern kingdoms and nations. He is so powerful in this world that the Bible doesn’t flinch to call him a (little-g) ‘god’ over this present world.
Satan is the devil, the deceiver of the whole world.
In the Bible, the names ‘Satan’ and ‘devil’ refer to the same being (see Revelation 12:9). The idea behind the name ‘devil’ is ‘one who slanders or accuses’ – and this is certainly what Satan does. He slanders God, saying that God’s word and promises won’t come to pass. (This is how he deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden).
Satan is also called ‘the deceiver of the whole world’ because his slander and deception is so effective. If the world today is deceived about who God is, that is because Satan is diligently working to foist on humans a false view of God. His deceptions aren’t limited to one corner of the globe – he truly deceives ‘the whole world.’
Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Satan is a cunning being. He rarely shows up in his natural colors. He presents his deceptions to the world as if they were godly, holy, and righteous. Satanic ideas are often considered ‘loving,’ ‘holy,’ ‘accepting,’ or ‘common-sense.’ In fact, Satan is even willing to use the name of Jesus to try to sneak his deceptions in – he twists the meaning of the Bible from the pulpits of many churches. He loves to describe God in ways we love to hear, but not how the Bible describes God. (See 2 Corinthians 11:14).
Satan goes about doing evil in the world.
The name ‘Satan’ refers to an ‘opponent,’ an ‘adversary.’ Satan lives out his name by constantly working to obstruct God’s plans in the world, to destroy righteousness, and to hinder God’s people in the world. He goes about the world doing evil.
Satan incites God’s people to sin (1 Chronicles 21:1), tries to get people to turn away from God (Job 1), stands before God’s throne and accuses people (Job 1), tempts people (Mark 1:13), demands control over God’s people so he can destroy them (Luke 22:31), fills men’s hearts with lies (Acts 5:3), tries to outwit humans (2 Corinthians 2:11), and hinders God’s messengers (1 Thessalonians 2:18). He is certainly active, doing everything in his power to hinder God’s goodness.
This is the first of a two-part series on Satanology 101. If these truths sound discouraging…there is more to the story! Check back soon for part 2, where we will examine encouraging truths about Satan’s limitations!
