A Comprehensive Study of Satan

Transcription

1 Introduction A Comprehensive Study of Satan By Mark Mayberry 5/30/2010 Christians are engaged in a life and death struggle with the most formidable adversary the world has ever known. This enemy has more power than all the nuclear weapons of Russia and America combined. Our adversary, the devil, seeks nothing less than our complete destruction (1 Pet. 5:8-9). Modern man tends to deny the existence of a personal devil, regarding the concept as ancient mythology, unworthy of serious consideration in our scientific age. Satan s existence is also questioned in certain religious circles. Yet, Holy Scripture portrays Satan, not simply as the personification of evil, but as a real personality. Satan possesses intellect (2 Cor. 11:3), emotion (Rev. 12:17), and a will (2 Tim. 2:26). He will be held morally responsible for his actions (Matt. 25:41). As W. E. Vine said, Satan is not simply the personification of evil influences in the heart, for he tempted Christ, in whose heart no evil thought could ever have arisen; moreover his personality is asserted in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, and especially in the latter... i This concept may be unacceptable to liberal thinkers, but the Word of God assures us that Satan is real. His Origin The Bible discusses Satan s origin only in the most general way. Despite what is revealed, many unanswered questions remain. Our emphasis should not be on fruitless speculation regarding his basis and beginning, but in recognizing his present threat to our faith and hope. Though mighty and powerful, Satan is clearly God s inferior. He is a creature, not an allpowerful or infinite being. The Bible affirms that God created all things (1 Cor. 8:5-6; Col. 1:16-17). However, from a philosophical standpoint, it does not seem possible that God created evil, for that would go against His very nature. It appears that Satan is a fallen angel. In the book of Job, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan also came among them (Job 1:6; 2:1; cf. also 38:4-7). Angels, like men, are free moral agents possessing the ability to choose between right and wrong, truth and error. Holy Scripture speaks of those angels that sinned (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6; 2:1), and apparently the devil is to be included in this group (1 John 3:7-8). Exercising his freedom of choice, Satan apparently joined his life to evil and became altogether and hopelessly depraved. Possessing high intelligence, he gained great power and holds sway over other beings (Rev. 12:3-4). Through his personal forcefulness, Satan is the leader of those dark forces of wickedness that are opposed to God (Eph. 6:12). According to Nelson s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Two Old Testament passages in Isaiah and Ezekiel furnish a picture of Satan s original condition and the reasons for his loss of that position (Isa. 14:4, 12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19). These passages were addressed originally to the kings of 1

2 Babylon and Tyre. But in their long-range implications, many scholars believe, they refer to Satan himself. They tell of an exalted angelic being, one of God s creatures, who became proud and ambitious. He determined to take over the throne of God for himself. But God removed him from his position of great dignity and honor. ii Despite such assertions, we should proceed with caution. One may confidently affirm that these passages describe God s triumph over Babylon and Tyre; however, anything more than that is speculation. His Titles The two most common names of our spiritual adversary are the Devil and Satan. In fact, these two titles are used together in the Apocalypse (Rev. 12:9). The former identifies him as one who engages in slander and false accusation; the later, as our adversary. Other descriptive terms are also used which reveal his malicious and malignant character. Let us consider the two most significant, the devil and Satan, and the others in turn. Devil, the Accuser The Bible refers to Satan as the devil (Matt. 4:1, 5, 8, 11; etc.). Thomas says diabolos, derived from diaballō [to bring charges (usually with hostile intent)], is descriptive of that which is slanderous, accusing falsely [1228]. BDAG say it (1) pertains to engagement in slander, slanderous; (2) used substantively, it refers to one who engages in slander, in our literature as a title of the principal transcendent evil being the adversary/devil. This word occurs 37x in the NT (Matt. 4:1, 5, 8, 11; 13:39; 25:41; Luke 4:2, 3,6, 13; 8:12; John 6:70; 8:44; 13:2; Acts 10:38; 13:10; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6, 7, 11; 2 Tim. 2:26; 3:3; Titus 2:3; Heb. 2:14; James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8; 1 John 3:8, 10; Jude 9; Rev. 2:10; 12:9, 12; 20:2, 10). Satan falsely accuses God to man (Gen. 3:1-7, esp. vs. 4-5), and man to God (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-5; Rev. 12:9-10). Through fabrication, misrepresentation, and slander, he would lead men away from the Father of Lights, estranging them from God, and enticing them to sin. Whom do we imitate when we engage in malicious gossip (1 Tim. 3:11; 2 Tim. 3:2-3; Titus 2:3)? Satan, Our Adversary & Enemy The Hebrew word satan generally refers to an adversary, and also to the superhuman adversary of God [Thomas]. This word is used of the angelic adversary who opposed Balaam (Num. 22:22-35, esp. vs. 22 & 32). It refers to various human adversaries (1 Sam. 29:4; 2 Sam. 19:22; 1 Kings 5:4; 11:14, 23, 25; Psa. 109:6). Finally, it identifies our great spiritual adversary (Job 1:12, 6, 7, 8, 9; 2:1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7; 1 Chron. 21:1; Zech. 3:1, 2). In the NT, the Greek word Satanas identifies our adversary, the devil (1 Thess. 2:18; cf. 1 Pet. 5:8; etc.). Thomas defines Satanas, of Hebrew origin, as referring to the adversary, Satan, i.e., the devil [4567]. BDAG say this word, literally adversary, is used in our literature only as a title or name: (the) Satan, in a very special sense, the enemy of God and all of those who belong to God, simply Satan, the Enemy. This word occurs 36x in the NT (Matt. 4:10; 12:26; 16:23; Mark 1:13; 3:23, 26; 4:15; 8:33; Luke 10:18; 11:18; 13:16; 22:3, 31; John 13:27; Acts 5:3; 26:18; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2

3 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:15; Rev. 2:9, 13, 24; 3:9; 12:9; 20:2, 7). Satan, our adversary, enjoys temporal dominion over those who are disobedient (Acts 26:15-18; Rev. 2:13; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20). However, he is destined to eternal defeat and destruction (Luke 10:17-20; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 20:1-3, 7-10). Satan accomplishes his ends, generally, through various machinations (1 Thess. 2:18). During the apostolic era, he was also allowed supernatural powers (Luke 13:16; 2 Cor. 12:7). Satan achieves success by maintaining focus (Matt. 12:26; Mark 3:23, 26; Luke 11:18), by disguise and deceit (2 Cor. 11:14; Rev. 12:9), by increasing depravity (Rev. 2:24; cf. 2 Tim. 3:13), and also by turning men away from the truth and corrupting true religion (Mark 4:15; 1 Tim. 5:15; 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 2:9; 3:9). Examples of Satanic temptation include, first and foremost, Jesus, in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) and before His trial and crucifixion (Matt. 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33). Simon Peter was likewise tempted through his overweening self-confidence (Luke 22:31-34). Judas Iscariot was tempted through his covetousness (Luke 22:1-6; John 13:21-30). Ananias and Sapphira were tempted through their inordinate desire for praise (Acts 5:1-6). Dysfunctional marital relationships may also become occasions of temptation (1 Cor. 7:1-5). The key to victory involves both knowledge and resistance. Through the understanding imparted by Holy Scripture, we recognize his schemes/devices (2 Cor. 2:10-11). Through the power imparted by God, we must resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). Beelzebub The opponents of Jesus charged, This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons (Matt. 10:24-25; 12:24-27; Mark 3:22-27; Luke 11:15-23). The Greek Beelzeboul is apparently related to the Hebrew Baal Zebub (cf. 2 Kings 1:1-18, esp. vs. 2, 3, 6, 16). BDAG say Beelzebul, originally a Philistine deity, means Baal (lord) of flies. By NT times this deity became a symbol of Satan. He is the lord of flies, i.e., lord of filth, lord of the dung-heap. Satan would have us wallow in sin s filth (2 Pet. 2:18-22). Rather than admire sin, we should view it with contempt. Belial The Bible also refers to Satan as Belial (2 Cor. 6:15). Thomas defines the Greek Beliar, of uncertain origin, as Beliar, i.e., the lord of the forest. [955]. Beliar, a name of Satan, signifies worthlessness [BDAG]. This word occurs 1x in the NT (2 Cor. 6:15). The name Belial, occurring frequently in the OT, is generally regarded as a proper name in the KJV, but modern English versions render it as base fellows, scoundrels, or worthless men (1 Sam. 2:12-17; Prov. 6:12-15; 16:27-30). Belial refers to one who is utterly worthless. The original sense of the word signified extreme wickedness. In the Old Testament, it described a person who was degenerate and wicked. In time, it became an epithet of Satan. Our lives can be hopelessly ruined by sin. In 2 Corinthians 3

4 6:15, the apostle Paul points out that the holiness and purity of Christ cannot coexist with the wickedness and impurity of Satan. Our Lord does not share any sort of relationship with Satan; neither should we. Deceiver The Bible refers to Satan as the great deceiver (Rev. 12:9). The Greek word planaō, here translated deceiver, which communicates the general notion of acting without fixed goal or apparent rationale specifically means (1) to cause to go astray from a specific way, active; (a) lead astray, cause to wander; (b) mislead, deceive; (2) to proceed without a sense of proper direction, go astray, be misled, wander about aimlessly, passive, frequently in active sense; (a) literally; (b) in imagery of people who strayed from the right way; (c) figuratively without the imagistic detail of 2b [BDAG]. While this term is not used exclusively of Satan, it reveals an essential aspect of his nature: He seduces men away from God, causing them to stray from the right way. He misinforms and misleads. He is delighted when we wander about aimlessly without a sense of proper spiritual direction (Rev. 20:3, 8, 10). Satan would deceive mankind (Rev. 12:9-12; 20:1-3, 7-10), along with all those under his control: the beast (Rev. 13:14; 19:20) and harlot of Revelation (Rev. 18:21-23), sinful humanity (Titus 3:3-5; Heb. 5:1-3), apostate Israel (Heb. 3:8-11), sectarian religious parties (Matt. 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27), usurpers and false Christs (Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; Mark 13:5-6; Luke 21:8), erring Christians (Matt. 18:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:25; James 5:19-20; 1 John 1:6-10), and false teachers (Eph. 4:14-15; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:13-17; 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 13-15, 18-19; 2 John 7-11; Jude 11; Rev. 2:20-22). Sin looks alluring and enticing; yet, this appearance is illusionary (Heb. 3:12-13). Advertisements show the supposed glamour of alcohol, not the grizzly scenes of highway accidents caused by drunk drivers, neglected families, broken homes, lost jobs, etc. So it is with sin. Enemy The devil is also identified as our enemy (Matt. 13:34-30, 36-43, esp. vs. 39; Luke 10:17-20). Thomas say echthros, derived from echthos [hatred], as descriptive of one who is hostile [2190]. According to BDAG, when used passively, it pertains to being subjected to hostility, hated. When used actively, it pertains to being hostile, hating. God is love, but the devil is filled with malignant hatred. The devil is actively hostile toward God and man. We have a friend in Jesus, but such could never be said of Satan. He is our enemy; he hates us; he fosters harm against us; he is a deadly foe. He rejoices at our heartache, misfortune and calamity. Because we are children of God, evil men may count us as enemies (Matt. 10:34-36; Luke 19:43-44). Yet, believers must not respond in kind (Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36; Rom. 12:17-21). In a spiritual sense, this term is also descriptive of the adversarial work of Jesus Christ, who loves righteousness, hates iniquity, and will in due course triumph over all evil: The Lord 4

5 said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet (Matt. 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Acts 2:34-35; 1 Cor. 15:25-26; Heb. 1:13). This term is descriptive of the spiritual state of those who reject and oppose the truth (Acts 13:4-12; Rom. 5:10; 11:28; Phil. 3:17-19; Col. 1:21-23; James 4:4). However, it is not reflective of the work of restoration, which is an expression of love rather than malice (Gal. 4:12-20; 2 Thess. 3:14-15). Evil One The Bible refers to Satan as the evil one (Matt. 13:19; 13:38; etc.). According to BDAG, the Greek word ponēros, translated evil one, etc. (1) pertains to being morally or socially worthless, wicked, evil, bad, base, worthless, vicious, degenerate; (2) pertains to being so deficient in quality in a physical sense as to be worthless, of poor quality, worthless; (3) pertains to being in an unhealthy condition physically [BDAG]. Satan s methods are hurtful and harmful; his motives maliciously cruel. He brings sorrow, pain and misery into the lives of men. While duly noting Satan s perverse power (1 John 3:12; 5:19), consider also God s provision (1 John 2:13, 14) and protection (John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:18). God/Ruler/Prince of this World The Bible refers to Satan as the god/ruler of this world (2 Cor. 4:3-4; John 12:27-33). The world carries three meanings in the NT: It refers to the created universe, to humanity, and to the evil forces which stand opposed to Christ. It is in this last sense that we can say that Satan is the god/ruler of this world. Enthroned in the hearts of the sinful, inspiring a spirit of obstinate rebellion, Satan leads men in stubborn disobedience against God. Satan is similarly identified as the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2; cf. 6:12). Just as the world has varying meanings, so also does the air. The Greek word aēr identifies (1) the atmosphere immediately above the earth s surface, air; (2) the space above the earth, sky, space, air; (a) of space as locale of celestial bodies or phenomena; (b) of the political domain of transcendent beings or powers [BDAG]. Air is also suggestive of the ephemeral quality of Satan s power. Christ Jesus commands the winds and the waves (Luke 8:22-25). However, what does Satan actually control and command, apart from God s allowance? Liar, the Father of Lies The Bible refers to Satan as the father of lies (John 8:44). Genesis 3 and 4 demonstrate what he was in the beginning. He lied to Eve and influenced Cain to murder his brother (Gen. 3:4-5; 4:6-7). How tragic it is that men will believe a lie rather than obey the truth. How many people reject God s word for the deceitful pleasures of sin? 5

6 Murderer from the Beginning The Bible refers to Satan as a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). Through the sin of Eve and Adam he brought death upon the human race (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:4). He is an evil predator who sets the trap and then waits for us to become ensnared (1 Pet. 5:8; Job 1:6; 2:1-3). His object is to stalk, capture, and then devour us. Serpent/ Dragon The devil is depicted in Scripture as a serpent and also a dragon (Rev. 12:3, 9). The Greek word ophis, translated snake/serpent, refers to (1) a limbless reptile, snake, serpent; (2) a person perceived as dangerous, snake, figurative extension of 1; (3) a symbolic figure, frequent in mythology, serpent as a designation for the devil [BDAG]. This word occurs 14x in the NT (Matt. 7:10; 10:16; 23:33; Mark 16:18; Luke 10:19; 11:11; John 3:14; 1 Cor. 10:9; 2 Cor. 11:3; Rev. 9:19; 12:9, 14, 15; 20:2). Jesus referred to physical snakes in discussing fatherly provision (Matt. 7:10; Luke 11:11) and in describing the disciple s supernatural empowerment (Mark 16:18; Luke 10:19). Note also the symbolism of Moses and the bronze serpent (John 3:14-15; 1 Cor. 10:9). Serpents are used as symbols of shrewdness (Matt. 10:16), and also of peril (Matt. 23:33; Rev. 9:19). Rooted in the Genesis account of the fall (Gen. 3:1-7), Satan is frequently depicted as a serpent (2 Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9, 14, 15; 20:2). The Greek word drakōn, translated dragon, refers to a dragon, serpent, a sobriquet (i.e., a descriptive name or epithet) for the devil [BDAG]. This word occurs 13x in the NT, only in the book of Revelation, and always in reference to Satan (Rev. 12:3, 4, 7 [2x], 9, 13, 16, 17; 13:2, 4, 11; 16:13; 20:2). Sinner The Bible identifies Satan as a confirmed sinner (1 John 3:4-10; cf. also 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). He was involved in sin from the beginning. It is his habitual and constant practice. He would entice us into following his evil and rebellious path. Tempter The Bible refers to Satan as the tempter (Matt. 4:3-4; 1 Thess. 3:1-8, esp. vs. 5). Though the devil would entice and entrap, Christians should be able to see through his tricks. His Methods We are soldiers in God s spiritual army (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3-4), duty bound to withstand Satan and everything that is opposed to God (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Jude 1:3). We have been given the power and capacity to resist (1 Cor. 10:13; James 4:7). Christians are members of a resistance movement. Our situation might be compared to the French Resistance that fought against 6

7 Germany during the Nazi occupation. We are behind enemy lines, fighting a powerful occupying force; therefore, let us be steadfast and true. In writing to the Corinthians, Paul warned them of various spiritual dangers lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). He is the ultimate opportunists, using any method that is available. He lies (John 8:44), tempts (Matt. 4:1), snatches the word from men s hearts (Matt. 13:19), hinders (1 Thess. 2:18), deceives (2 Cor. 11:14-15), sets traps and snares (1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26), perverts the word (Gen. 3:4), and encourages procrastination (Acts 24:25). He will do everything in his power to blind us to the truth (2 Cor. 4:4). His object is to discourage, distract, divide, discredit, and delay. False Religions Satan has his preachers and his churches (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 2:9; 3:9). He has religious leaders who will do his bidding; through them he performs powers, signs, false wonders to deceive (2 Thess. 2:9-11). A substitute religion, rather than no religion at all, has always been Satan s most effective weapon. The devil is a great supporter of false religion. He knows that God will not accept unauthorized worship, and thus he encourages us to follow after the commandments of men. If men want a form of religion, fine. If Satan can get us committed to a false system, he has won the battle (Matt. 7:21-23). Sinful Lusts Satan continues to use the same basic forms of temptation. This world consists of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). Eve was tempted in these three basic ways (Gen. 3:6). So likewise was Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). So also are we. Corrupt Governments Satan has political leaders who will do his bidding. Through them he opposes the truth and promotes evil. This was one of the great threats in the book of Revelation. His Power And Limitation The first two chapters of Job reveal that Satan has great power to do man harm. He rules over a powerful kingdom of evil (Col. 1:13) and directs an organized host of wicked spirits (Matt. 25:41; Eph. 6:12). No wonder Satan is called the god, ruler, and prince of this world. We should never underestimate Satan. He is an adversary to be feared. However, the New Testament affirms Satan s limitations and defeat. His power is derivative. God allows him to have influence in this world. Yet, he is active only within the limits that God lays down (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Cor. 10:13; Rev. 20:2, 7). His power is hedged in by the providence of God and is, therefore, essentially limited. 7

8 His Ultimate Destruction His doom and destruction was predicted in Eden. The first Messianic prophecy was given when Adam and Eve fell into sin (Gen. 3:15). This verse is never quoted in the New Testament as having been fulfilled, but no prophecy could be more obvious. This looks forward to a total destruction of Satan s power. The text says the seed of woman shall bruise thy head, thou shalt bruise his heel. Christ s death on the cross is likened unto a bruised heel. Jesus suffered great agony on the cross. He experienced physical death, but that was not his final chapter. Christ arose! But the resurrection dealt a death blow to Satan s power. His doom was sealed at the cross; his power broken at the empty tomb. As he contemplated his death, Jesus said Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out (John 12:31). His doom was foreshadowed in the gospel of Luke where Jesus saw a preliminary victory over Satan with successful mission of the Seventy. He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18). Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33; Rev. 3:21), destroyed Satan s power over death (Heb. 2:14-15; 2 Tim. 1:10), and led captivity captive (Eph. 4:8), and now sits on the right hand of the Majesty on High (Heb. 1:3). The faithful now share in Christ s victory over sin, and ultimately will share the glories of heaven forever and ever in eternity. (Eph. 2:6; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; Rev. 5:9-10; 22:5). Believers are assured that God will be victorious over Satan (Rom. 16:20). His destiny is the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). Conclusion The teaching of God s Word is clear. Satan is a malignant reality, ever hostile to God and His people. Yet, his power was crippled through the life, death and resurrection of Christ. This defeat will become obvious and complete at the end of the ages. We can be victorious over Satan. He is in reality a coward: If resisted, he will flee (James 4:7; 1 Cor. 10:13; Rev. 12:11; 1 John 2:13; 1 Pet. 5:9). Satan can have no power over our hearts without our cooperation. When man cooperates with Satan, he bears responsibility for his transgression. The preaching of the gospel delivers men from the dominion of Satan (Acts 26:15-18). Jesus countered every temptation with, It is written... So also must we. i W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, s.v. Satan. ii Nelson s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Herbert Lockyer, Sr. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986), s.v. Satan. 8