Satan isn’t the cartoony red devil with a pitchfork, horns, and a pointy tail you’ve seen in movies. He’s real. And though he shouldn’t be given more attention than he deserves, we should all know who he is and what he’s about.
His name was Lucifer, which means “the light one” or “light bearer.” He often appears in the Bible as “an angel of light,” very beautiful, seductive, and appealing (2 Corinthians 11:14).
The Bible tells us that Satan was the highest of created beings, a worshipper who rebelled against his Creator by exalting himself above God. He is powerful, subtle, deceitful, vile, and hateful beyond imagination. Jesus called him the “prince of this earth” and the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
Ezekiel records a message meant for Satan, “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God…. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:12-15).
Lucifer was expelled from Heaven for his rebellion against God. Isaiah describes his self-corruption and fall: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!… 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
Satan is not equal to God in power or even
Satan literally means “adversary.” The Apostle Peter said he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
He was there as a snake in the Garden of Eden, deceiving and tempting Adam and Eve. But, the Book of Revelation speaks of his judgment (Revelation 20:1-3, Revelation 20:10; Revelation 12:7-9).
He’s nothing to be afraid of though. Every believer has power, through Jesus, to resist Satan and his temptations. Jesus gave his disciples authority over him and that passes on to us today (Luke 10:19, 1 John 3:8, James 4:7).