Who is Satan? How Christianity Views the Devil

Who is Satan? He is described throughout the Bible in many different verses of scripture. Included are specific names that he is given as well as descriptions of his character. These names and descriptions of Satan are important to understand because he is God’s number one enemy, which means he is also OUR number one enemy. In order to defeat our enemy, we must know WHO he is and HOW he operates. Today we will look at how Christianity views the devil and unveil the truth about him based on Biblical names & descriptions.

Names & Descriptions of Satan

The Bible lists several names or titles given to the devil. Every name gives us an idea of just how evil the devil really is and the tactics he uses in this spiritual battle against us. There are so many names and descriptions given to the devil that we cannot go through all of them in one article. Today we will look at the most popular and the most disturbing names and descriptions of Satan.

Satan

Satan is the devil’s proper name, but it is also a title – “the satan.” Like all names, it has meaning. Now, depending on the Bible version used, the devil is referred to as “Satan” or “the satan” (in Hebrew) up to 55 times. The definition of this name is: adversary, accuser, slanderer and one who opposes.

The meaning of the name Satan carries only negative connotations, and the very definitions should raise flags for everyone. It’s crazy to think that there are people out there who solidly worship Satan. People who do may not even realize exactly who he is. For example, the very meaning of his name should cause alarm to those who are worshipping their own “adversary.”

Lucifer

In Isaiah 14:12 we read “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! In this verse we see two names that are given to the devil here: “Lucifer” and “son of the morning.”

The word “lucifer” in Latin translates to “light-bearer.” Here we see that the devil was originally an angel of light. So, the phrase “son of the morning” used with “Lucifer” further emphasizes the fallen angel’s once great heavenly status. He was once like a bright morning star.

Because of his pride and arrogance, Lucifer fell from heaven. In Luke 10:18 Jesus confirms that Satan indeed was the one who fell: “And [Jesus]  said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

The Devil

The most popular name that Satan is referred to is “the devil.” The Greek word for devil is “diablos” and means “accuser.” This name indicates that he is one who makes accusations against mankind – that includes everyone. Job 1:6-7 is confirmation of this fact:

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

We see here that Satan does not “live” in heaven, he roams the earth. BUT, for now he does have limited access to heaven where he can approach the throne of God. He stands before God and accuses the followers of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:10).

Accusations Against Christians

Satan is merciless in his accusations against Christians. He accuses God’s children continually. In fact, Revelation 12:10 tells us that Satan is “the accuser of our brethren, who accuses them before our God day and night.”

Why would Satan waste his time accusing God’s children? The answer to this question is simple. Satan hates God and everything God is and what He stands for. This means that the devil hates the mercy and forgiveness that God bestows upon mankind. It is Satan’s attempt to make us believe that God does not love us the way the Bible tells us He does.

However, salvation and forgiveness of sin belongs to God, and His justification can never be reversed. God is greater than our accuser, Satan, and no matter what he attempts to charge us with doesn’t matter. How do we know this? Well, the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:33 “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

Accusations in General

Satan not only accuses Christians, but he also accuses all mankind. Satan’s desire is to remind believers and even those who are not followers of Jesus that everyone is unworthy of all that God offers.

The devil works to sow doubt into everyone’s hearts and minds so that they will believe that there is no way that God could ever love them. It’s a vicious cycle that Satan keeps people in to make them think that they will never deserve God’s love and forgiveness.

A Liar and the Father of Lies

Satan is also known as a liar and the father of lies. In John 8:44 Jesus confirms this name of Satan:

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

Do you want to understand why there is so much confusion and chaos in the world? How about the reason for all the discussion about “misinformation”? The instigator is Satan. If he can keep people from the truth, then he succeeds in part of his plan.

The truth is, when something doesn’t make sense or is confusing, hard to understand or causes controversy, you can surely bet that the devil is behind it. You see, the Bible tells us that God is not the author of confusion in 1 Corinthians 14:33. Paul says: “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” so you can rest assured that if something appears unbelievable or makes no sense, it is most likely a lie influenced by the devil.

God of this Age

This title of Satan is important to understand because it affects all of us directly. This title goes back to the Garden of Eden. When man fell, he handed the reigns over to Satan. What this means is that from that point forward we would have to live and survive in a fallen world.

(To Learn More About the Fall of Man, Click Here)

This description of Satan is found in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and accompanies his tactics against those who are not believers: “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

Now, it’s painful to say, but if you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, you are automatically on Satan’s side. Essentially, he has you blinded to the truth about Jesus Christ. This is his ultimate goal. The phrase “god of this world” indicates that Satan is the major influence behind opinions, goals and views of people and groups.  His influence also infects education, false religions, philosophies and social constructs, all of which are basically under his control.

(To Read More About False Doctrine, Click Here)

(To Read More About False Teachers in the Church, Click Here)

Satan Deceives the Whole World

“So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9). This one verse gives us five names and descriptions of Satan. He is the “great dragon,” that “serpent of old,” the “Devil” and “Satan.” However, the description I want to focus on from this verse tells us that it is Satan “who deceives the whole world.”

There are some major disturbing implications in this description of Satan. This description tells us that Satan has widespread worldly influence to mislead and tempt people. He does this through lies and deception. He did the same thing to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, the devil has the power to corrupt and distort the truth, even to blatantly push lies out to the people of the world.

Additional Names & Descriptions of Satan

There are several additional names and descriptions of Satan that you can look up in the scriptures referenced.

• The Wicked One: 1 John 5:19
• Tempter: Matthew 4:1-11
• Ruler of Demons: Matthew 12:24
• A Murderer: John 8:44
• Roaring Lion: 1 Peter 5:8
• Belial: 2 Corinthians 6:15 (A name for the devil that means “worthlessness”)
• Beelzebub: Matthew 12:24 (Means “lord of the flies” or “lord of demons”)
• Abaddon: Revelation 9:11 (A Hebrew word that means “destruction”)
• Apollyon: Revelation 9:11 (A Greek word that means “destroyer”)

Final Thoughts

Every name and description of Satan paints a picture of his relentless pursuit to lead people astray and to disrupt lives. Satan ultimately does not want you to know the truth of God and how much He loves you.

It is imperative that you understand just how evil Satan is. His goal is to destroy hope, faith, and love, while sowing chaos and division wherever he can. He also wants to keep you deceived, living in fear and completely wrapped up in sin.

By understanding the various ways Satan operates, we become better equipped to recognize his schemes and resist his influence. Ultimately, Satan wants you as far away from the truth of Jesus as possible.

(To Learn More About Jesus and What He Did For You, Click Here)

(To Learn More About Eternity, Click Here)

Blessings,

Amy

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to share your insights, experiences or questions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.