Who is Satan?

Satan (otherwise known as the devil) is the original enemy of God who rebelled at the foundation of the earth. He is the one ultimately responsible for all the deception that exists in this world. He has deceived many to disbelieve in his existence, though both serious Christians and well-informed devil worshippers both know he exists. He is a personal being, and has been both seen and heard by many people. He can use many forms – including that of an “angel of light”.

It is not surprising therefore that Satan has lately tried to convince many he is not all that bad – another deception. Actually, Satan is the most powerful fallen angel and the master of all evil. He exercises a massive influence in the affairs of the earth. He is only a created being however, and his power just doesn’t compare with God’s. When the right time comes God will command some angels to tie up the devil and throw him into the lake of fire. One day people will wonder how the devil ever managed to deceive and destroy so much.

Some ask how Satan ever came into existence. Here is the Bible answer.

God created multitudes of angels, including at least three archangels: Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel. Angels are spirit beings which may or may not manifest themselves in a visible form (usually not). All angels were created good and holy but Lucifer, the chief worship angel decided to exalt himself and led a rebellion in heaven against God (Ezek. 28:13-15; Is 14:12-14). Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven and became Satan and his evil spirits (2 Peter 2:4). Satan is active today in the air (Eph 2:2), in the earth (Job 1:7) and also under the earth, in hell. Not being everywhere at once, as God is, he works through his forces, including fallen angels and demons. These spirits seek to live in and work through people, usually in a hidden way – usually not openly. The results of Satan’s work are still evident in our world today. Jesus came to destroy these works. (1 John 3:8).

Satan is therefore the author of evil. His chief desire is to receive the worship that belongs only to God the Creator (Matt. 4:8-10; Rev. 13:4). He also works in his hatred against mankind to destroy them as much as he can for time and eternity.

Why does God permit Satan to exist and have so much power? Is God unable to destroy Satan? No, God could do it, but Satan is permitted to operate for certain reasons. Firstly, so there could be a choice – people must choose to worship God now – there is an alternative. Secondly, Satan and his kingdom exists to ensure that people reap what they sow. Thirdly, Satan is permitted to operate while God gives mankind time to repent. For God could not forcibly remove evil from the Universe justly unless He also destroyed sinners at the same time. God instead is holding back his wrath, giving men time to turn to Him.

Like his evil spirits, Satan has a mind, emotions, and a will which is in rebellion against God. They are persons, not forces. See Luke 11:24 for proof of this. No matter what people may say, these spirits still exist and work in different ways around the world. Many (but not all) pagans know this fact better than ignorant preachers and ministers who in their pride no longer trust the account of the Bible.