From scripture we learn who and what satan is. How he came to be. His role on earth and in our lives.
According to Scripture, Satan is presented as a real spiritual being — originally created good by Yahweh, but who became rebellious, deceptive, prideful, and opposed to Yahweh’s purpose. The Bible describes his origin, fall, present influence on the world, and eventual judgment.
1. Who Satan Is
The word “Satan” means adversary or accuser.
He is also called:
- the devil (“slanderer”)
- the serpent
- the dragon
- the evil one
- the tempter
- the prince of this world
- the god of this age
Key Scriptures
“That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…”
— Revelation 12:9
“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8
“The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan is portrayed as:
- intelligent
- powerful (though limited)
- deceptive
- rebellious
- opposed to truth and righteousness
But he is not equal to Yahweh. He is a created being under Yahweh’s authority.
2. How Satan Came To Be
Scripture indicates Satan was originally created as a glorious cherub — an exalted angelic being.
Ezekiel 28 — The Anointed Cherub
Though addressed to the “king of Tyre,” the language goes beyond any human ruler and points to Satan’s original state.
“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”
— Ezekiel 28:12
“You were in Eden, the garden of God…”
— Ezekiel 28:13
“You were the anointed cherub that covers…”
— Ezekiel 28:14
“You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”
— Ezekiel 28:15
This reveals:
- Satan was created
- He was originally beautiful and wise
- He held a high position near Yahweh’s throne
- Sin developed within him
3. Why Satan Fell
The root of Satan’s fall was pride, self-exaltation, and rebellion.
Isaiah 14
Again, while addressed to the “king of Babylon,” the passage points beyond a human ruler.
“How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!”
— Isaiah 14:12
“For you have said in your heart:
I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…
I will be like the Most High.”
— Isaiah 14:13–14
Satan desired:
- power
- worship
- rulership
- equality with Yahweh
Pride corrupted him.
4. Satan’s Rebellion
Revelation describes a heavenly rebellion involving angels.
“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven…”
— Revelation 12:4
“Stars” here symbolize angels.
“The devil and his angels…”
— Matthew 25:41
This suggests Satan persuaded many angels to rebel with him. These fallen angels are commonly called demons or unclean spirits.
5. Satan’s Role On Earth
After rebellion, Satan became the great deceiver and adversary of mankind.
In Eden
Satan first appears in Genesis as the serpent deceiving Eve.
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast…”
— Genesis 3:1
He introduced:
- doubt
- deception
- rebellion against Yahweh
Human suffering, sin, and death entered the world through disobedience.
6. Satan’s Influence Over The World
Scripture teaches the present world system is heavily influenced by Satan.
“The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
— 1 John 5:19
“The prince of the power of the air… now works in the children of disobedience.”
— Ephesians 2:2
His methods include:
- deception
- temptation
- false religion
- pride
- fear
- division
- corruption
- persecution
- counterfeit spirituality
7. Satan’s Role In Our Lives
Satan seeks to:
- tempt people into sin
- weaken faith
- accuse believers
- discourage obedience
- blind people to truth
Temptation
Even Yeshua was tempted.
“Then was Yeshua led up… to be tempted by the devil.”
— Matthew 4:1
Yet Yeshua resisted Satan by quoting Scripture and obeying Yahweh.
Accuser
“The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
— Revelation 12:10
Satan attacks through:
- guilt
- lies
- discouragement
- fear
- confusion
8. Why Yahweh Allows Satan Temporarily
Scripture shows Yahweh has allowed Satan limited influence for a time.
This age is a testing period where humans choose:
- obedience or rebellion
- truth or deception
- Yahweh’s way or Satan’s way
Satan’s existence also reveals:
- the danger of pride
- the results of rebellion
- the contrast between selfishness and righteousness
But Satan’s authority is temporary and limited.
9. Yeshua Came To Overcome Satan
Yeshua resisted Satan perfectly and came to destroy his works.
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
— 1 John 3:8
“Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
— John 12:31
Through Yeshua:
- sin can be forgiven
- deception overcome
- Satan resisted
- eternal life offered
10. How Believers Resist Satan
Scripture says believers must remain spiritually alert.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7
Spiritual protection includes:
- prayer
- obedience
- truth
- faith
- Scripture
- humility
- endurance
Ephesians 6 — Armor of God
Paul describes spiritual armor:
- truth
- righteousness
- faith
- salvation
- the Word of God
Because:
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness…”
— Ephesians 6:12
11. Satan’s Future Judgment
Scripture says Satan’s time is limited.
Bound During the Millennium
“And he laid hold on the dragon… and bound him a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:2
During Yeshua’s reign, Satan will no longer deceive the nations.
Final Release And Destruction
After the thousand years:
- Satan is briefly released
- deceives nations again
- gathers rebellion
- is finally judged
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire…”
— Revelation 20:10
His rebellion ends permanently.
Summary
According to Scripture:
- Satan was originally a created cherub
- Pride and rebellion corrupted him
- He became the adversary of Yahweh and mankind
- He deceives the world and tempts humanity
- His influence is temporary and limited
- Yeshua came to overcome him
- Believers are called to resist him through obedience and truth
- Satan will ultimately be removed forever
The Bible presents the conflict between Yahweh’s way and Satan’s way as a central spiritual struggle in this age.
