(3 minute read)
Satan, also called the Devil, is the enemy (adversary) of God. Once a high-ranking holy angel named Lucifer (meaning “Morning Star”), he became proud and rebelled against God. Because of his unrighteousness, he was banished from Heaven along with his army of rebel angels—possibly one third of all angels—now called demons, who joined his rebellion (Revelation 12:4). They were thrown down to Earth and have been wreaking havoc ever since. Ultimately, they will be condemned to eternal fiery torment in the Lake of Fire. Justice will be served!
Jesus said, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning.” – Luke 10:18 (AMP)
The Origin and Role of Satan
Satan is the originator and instigator of sin and rebellion against God and His law. God has given him a temporary, limited right to rule over the world system. He is called the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the evil one, and the father of lies. His rage is directed both against believers and those dead in sin and separated from God.
John MacArthur explains:
“He is evil on a supernatural level, commanding a force of demons who use their powers to seduce and deceive humanity and to fight God’s purposes. They are primarily involved in developing false religious systems of all kinds. False religion has massacred Christians and continues to do so even as you read this. These demons propagate doctrines of demons and are sophisticated and relentless in their efforts to deceive.”
Satan’s Goal and Influence
Satan’s goal is to destroy humanity—whether directly or by tempting us into self-destruction, leading to eternal separation from God in a fiery torment. Though he influences every living person, he cannot force anyone to sin. He lies, deceives, and confuses in order to tempt you to make sinful choices and turn away from God.
Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and Revelation warns he “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Don’t fall for it—expose the lies with God’s Word and stand firm in the truth. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
The Ultimate Defeat of Satan
Because of his pride, Satan chose a battle he cannot win. Although he was defeated at the cross, his chaos and destruction continue on Earth, but God’s justice will prevail. Satan, his demons, the beast (the Antichrist), the False Prophet, and all who reject Jesus Christ will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, where they will be tormented consciously, forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” – (Romans 16:20)
In the Garden of Eden, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil marked two paths—opposite directions chosen by human free will. From that moment, a cosmic spiritual war has raged between God and His enemy, Satan, with unseen battles in the heavenly realms. This war ends when Jesus returns to judge evil and renew all things
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