Chapter Twenty Four - Satan: Our Adversary

 

There is a vast amount of Scriptural evidence that Satan actually exists and that he is a person, not just a symbol of evil or a figure of speech. He is an angelic being of wide and powerful influence, a major character on the moral stage of God's universe. He is an enemy of God and of man and of believers, one whom we should know, respect, and resist in the faith and in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This chapter, divided into eight major divisions, is a careful study of Santanology:

  1. We will examine the names of Satan;

  2. We will examine the existence of Satan;

  3. We will examine the personality of Satan;

  4. We will examine the nature of Satan;

  5. We will examine the original state of Satan;

  6. We will examine the fall of Satan;

  7. We will examine the present character and position of Satan; and

  8. We will examine the present power and activity of Satan.

 

1. THE NAMES OF SATAN

In the Scriptures Satan is referred to by several different names:

  1. Anointed Cherub Who Covers;

  2. Satan;

  3. Lucifer;

  4. Devil;

  5. Dragon;

  6. Serpent;

  7. Beelzebub;

  8. Belial;

  9. The evil one;

  10. The tempter;

  11. Liar, Deceiver;

  12. Destroyer;

  13. The god of this world;

  14. The prince of the power of the air; and

  15. The ruler of this world.

1.1 Anointed Cherub Who Covers

Anointed Cherub Who Covers (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). Satan is called by God, "the anointed cherub" and "O covering cherub." "Cherubim" speaks of God's presence, glory, holiness, and sovereignty. This title describes Satan's original exalted position. He was probably the highest rank of the highest class of angelic beings before his fall. This makes the defection of Satan all the more heinous and reprehensible. After his fall, his leading role is being replaced by the archangel, Michael, (Revelation 12:7-9) and his original duties are being replaced by the four living beings (Revelation 4:6).

1.2 Satan

Satan (1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1:6; Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 4:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Timothy 1:20). This term was used about 52 times from the Hebrew, satan, means "adversary" or "opposer"; he is the adversary of both God and man (1 Peter 5:8). It designates this person as self-proposed rival of God whose purpose is to set up a counterfeit and rival kingdom.

1.3 Lucifer

Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12 KJV). This term was used only in Isaiah 14:12 from the Hebrew, Helel, the Latin equivalent is Lucifer, means "the morning star", an epithet of the planet Venus. It is literally "light-bearer." This title refers to him in his original state, as a shining one. This title may connect Satan with the other angelic beings, pictures as stars, and may indicate that he is the first among them. It speaks of the light that was his character and his abode before the blackness of sin invaded and surrounded him. The use of morning star with reference to Satan gives us an indication of the basic character of his plot against God. Since the same title is used in Revelation 22:16 of Christ, we are alerted to the fact that Satan's plan was to counterfeit the plan of God, and indeed it was and is. As Lucifer, Satan is seen as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

1.4 Devil

Devil (Matthew 13:39; John 13:2; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7). This term was used about 35 times from the Greek, diabolos, means slanderer. As the devil, a term used only in the New Testament, he is the slanderer and the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). He slanders God to man (Genesis 3:1-7), and man to God (Job 1:9; 2:4). It pictures this person as uttering maliciously false reports that tend to injure the reputation of another. The devil seeks to defame God, Christ and Their purpose. He seeks also to defame believers.

1.5 Dragon

Dragon (Revelation 12:3, 7, 9; 13:2; 20:2; cf. Isaiah 51:9). The word "dragon" seems to mean literally "serpent" or "sea-monster." The dragon is taken as the personification of Satan, as it is of Pharaoh in Ezekiel 29:3 and 32:2. The dragon as a sea animal may properly represent Satan's activity in the seas of the world. Note that the dragon has a tail; thus our Halloween caricatures of Satan are not far off! Satan is depicted as a great red dragon (Revelation 12:3). This emphasizes his fierce nature, especially in conflict. He is portrayed as a terrifying, destructive beast whose wrath against God and His people seeks their total devastation. He has an army of angels that join him in his war of destruction against Christ and His people (Revelation 12:4, 9, 17).

1.6 Serpent

Serpent of old (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; 20:2; cf. Isaiah 27:1). This name recalls the first reference to Satan in the Bible as he deceived Eve in Genesis 3 and caused the fall of man. "Old" indicates that he has been around a long time and is well known. By this term, his crookedness and deceitfulness (2 Corinthians 11:3) are pointed out.

1.7 Beelzebub

Beelzebub or Beelzebul (Matthew 10:25; 12:24-27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15-19). The title Beelzebul, from the better Greek texts, comes from the Hebrew Baalzebul, "lord of the flies," or "lord of the dwelling." In Syriac it means "lord of dung." It was the title given to one of the gods of the Philistines, and had been brought over into Judaism as a title of Satan. 2 Kings 1:3, 6 and 16 mention Baal-zebub as the god of Ekron, a northern city of Philistia. Another opinion is that Baalzebub ("lord of flies") may be an intentional Hebrew alteration of the Canaanite Baalzebul ("lord of the high place," or "exalted Baal"). In this case, it should be a Hebraistic insult to a false god. Using this name as a source of Christ's power, the Jewish leaders were indeed blaspheming God's Son and the Holy Spirit. This title, then, describes Satan's position as the ruler of a demonic host involved in bringing men into spiritual bondage through lust and idolatry.

1.8 Belial

Belial or Beliar (2 Corinthians 6:15). This term was used in the Old Testament in the sense of "worthlessness" (2 Samuel 23:6). Thus we read of the "worthless fellows" (lit. "sons of Belial," Judges 20:13; cf. 1 Samuel 10:27; 30:22; 1 Kings 21:13).

1.9 The Evil One

The evil one (Matthew 13:19, 38; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 2:13f.; 5:19). This is a description of his character and work. He is evil, wicked, cruel and tyrannical over all that he can control, and he is out to do evil wherever possible.

1.10 The Tempter

The tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). This name indicates his constant purpose and endeavor to incite man to sin. He tries men in moral combat. He presents the most plausible excuses and suggests the most striking advantages for sinning. The title is a present participle in the Greek, indicating a continuous and characterizing activity. Satan is devoted to this as his job. First it was Adam and Eve and then the whole race he worked on. He even sought to entice the Last Adam (i.e. Jesus Christ), but was overcome by Him.

1.11 Liar, Deceiver

Liar, deceiver (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9; 20:3). Christ called Satan the father, the originator of lies. He murdered the whole race through his deception (John 8:44). Currently Satan is the one "who deceives the whole world," or inhabited earth (Revelation 12:9). Again the present participle in Greek indicates that he is characterized by this continuous action. It continues until he is bound during the millennial reign of Christ and resumes again upon his release for a short time (Revelation 20:3; 7-8). This deception involves a wide range of scheming, from hiding his own existence to actively promoting false philosophies, religions, and outright perversions of behaviour and morals. His schemes or deceits are successful with many. Three factors that make him a master of trickery are his constitutional superiority as a cherub, his extensive experience and knowledge, and his ability to transform himself in a variety of ways.

1.12 Destroyer

Destroyer (Revelation 9:11). The text tells of grotesque locust-like demons who "have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon." Both the Hebrew and Greek names mean "destroyer." In the context, the demons torment and kill great numbers of mankind. Satan is not only a destroyer of physical life, but of spiritual life. The end of rebellion against God is self-destruction and the destruction of others.

1.13 The God of this World

The god of this world (literally, "age," 2 Corinthians 4:4). The Greek term is not world (cosmos, ordered system), but age or course (aion, course or age). The emphasis is on a system of philosophy or a spirit of the age that expresses a creature-centered manner of life and religion that rejects the true God and sets up a counterfeit like and substitute religion. He sponsors the religion of the natural man and is, no doubt, back of the false cults and systems that have cursed the true church through the ages. As such, he has his servants (2 Corinthians 11:15), doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1), sacrifices (1 Corinthians 10:20), and synagogues (Revelation 2:9). Men walk according to the course (aion) of this world (cosmos); that is, they are governed and dominated by it (Ephesians 2:1-3). It partakes of its leader's characteristics, and so it is termed "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4).

1.14 The Prince of the Power of the Air

The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). This title might be rendered "the ruler of the empire of this atmosphere." It pictures Satan's position and activity as a dominating leader operating a kingdom that centers in the atmosphere of the earth. It is a limited empire, but it includes all fallen men and angels. As such, he is the leader of the evil angels (Matthew 12:24; 25:41; Revelation 12:7; 16:13f.). The principalities in Romans 8:38 are princedoms of evil rulers (cf. Daniel 10:13, 20). As I have mentioned in Section 6.2 of Chapter 23, both the good and the bad organizations of angels are included in the "principalities," "powers" and "might" of Ephesians 1:21. In Ephesians 6:12, "rulers of the darkness of this world" and "spiritual wickedness" in heavenly places refer to the organization of the forces of evil, as do the "thrones" and "dominions" in Colossians 1:16.

1.15 The Ruler of this World

The ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). This seems to refer to his influence over the governments of this world. Satan rules a world (Greek, cosmos, ordered system) that includes by nature (Romans 8:7-8). This cosmos is Satan's counterpart to God's rule and kingdom. His desire to be like God (Isaiah 14:14) caused him to sin, and now he rules over all rebels who have, like him, fallen into him. This world engulfs false religionists (John 8:44) and threatens to defeat the true children of God (1 John 2:15-17). Jesus did not dispute Satan's claim to some sort of right here on this planet (Matthew 4:8f.); God, however, has set definite bounds for him, and when the time comes, he will be superseded by the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one whose right it is to rule.

 

2. THE EXISTENCE OF SATAN

The denial of Satan's reality usually takes the form of considering the idea of a Satan as the personification of evil but not actually a being who has his own separate existence. The idea of "Satan" as a person developed more in New Testament times, and this necessitated, we are told, reinterpretations of the "legends" of the Old Testament, since, it is claimed, they do not contain the idea of a distinctive demonic figure. In addition, Iranian dualism, it is said, contributed to the Jewish idea of a personal Satan during the Greco-Roman period.

If one accepts the Scriptures as revelation from God, rather than merely a record of man's thoughts about God, then the reality of Satan cannot be denied. Satan did not evolve as a personal being; he existed and acted from the earliest to the last books of God's revelation.

2.1 Evidence in the Old Testament

The Old Testament assumes the existence of Satan, much as it does the existence of God. There is no formal proof presented for either one, but the story unfolds depending for its vitality upon their reality.

The whole plot of the book of Genesis depends upon the reality of Satan working through the serpent to cause the fall of mankind into sin (Genesis 3). The basic facts of the Creation and the Fall lay the foundation for the whole battle between good and evil throughout the Bible and history, and for the whole redemptive plan of God centered in the God-man who overcomes Satan.

The whole story of the tragedy and triumph of Job is based in the first two chapters upon the personal challenges and battle between God and Satan.

A crucial judgment upon Israel in which seventy thousand men fell is linked directly to Satan moving David to number Israel in 1 Chronicles 21. To stay the plague of God, David was ordered to offer sacrifice upon the threshing floor of Ornan, which later became the site of the tabernacle and temple.

The concepts of demons behind idolatry and an adversary like Satan are found in Psalms 106:36-37 and 109:6. It is difficult to explain seemingly superhuman powers behind the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14:12-17 and the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:1-9 without the recognition of a personal Satan.

Zechariah 3 could not be understood properly without the reality of Satan opposing and accusing Israel. Here Satan is presented as a definite person who is opposed by the Angel of Jehovah, the preincarnate Son of God.

We conclude that the Old Testament fully support the reality of Satan's existence and influence as a person.

2.2 Evidence in the New Testament

Satan's existence is recognized by every writer of the New Testament, though not necessarily by every book. In fact, 19 of the 27 books mention Satan by one of his names. Even of the 8 that do not specifically mention him, 4 imply his existence by the mention of evil angels or demons. The evidence in the New Testament is extensive.

2.3 Evidence from Christ Himself

In the gospels there are 27 references to Satan. In 25 of these, it is Christ who speaks of Satan as actually existing as a person. The report of the temptation of the wildereness could have come from none other than the Lord Himself, as He described the person-to-person encounter He had with Satan. The essence of the testings and the details of the conversations seem to have been related directly by the Lord to the disciples for their information and later writings. When Christ speaks on a subject, the reverent receive it as truth.

 

3. THE PERSONALITY OF SATAN

Here we consider the evidence for Satan's personality. What further evidence is there that Satan is a genuine person and not just a figment of imagination or personification of evil? Consider three lines of evidence as follows:

  1. traits of personality;

  2. personal pronouns; and

  3. moral responsibility.

3.1 Traits of Personality

An accepted proof of personality consists of demonstrating that one possesses intellect, emotion, and will. Satan has these. His intellect is obvious in his scheming to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:3) and in his communications through speech to other persons (Luke 4:1-12).

His emotions are clearly involved in his rebellious desire to oppose God (Isaiah 14:12-17) and conquer Christ (Luke 4:1-12). He emotes fury and rage in his hatred of God's people, especially the Jewish nation and those who protect them out of faith in the Jewish Saviour (Revelation 12:12, 17).

We see Satan's will in operation appealing to the will of Christ in commands (Luke 4:3, 9) and in his determined and never giving up rebellion against God (Revelation 20:7-9).

3.2 Personal Pronouns

The Scripture uses the personal pronouns of him. God says of him, "You were the anointed cherub who covers, and I placed you there ... And you sinned" (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). Paul writes, "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). James commands, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). In the last two instances, note the association with other persons.

3.3 Moral Responsibility

Neither impersonal animals nor forces are held moral accountable, but only persons who reflect the moral image of their Creator. Judgment has come and will further come upon Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; John 16:11).

3.4 Conclusion

We conclude that Satan is a person in a genuine sense. This is observable from the evidence and was determined when he was made in God's image, as were all other angels.

 

4. THE NATURE OF SATAN

Certain facts are clear about Satan's basic makeup:

  1. creature;

  2. spirit being;

  3. cherubim class; and

  4. first in rank among all creatures.

4.1 Creature

Satan was created by God, not in his present corrupt form, but wonderfully constituted and holy. God describes him: "You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you" (Ezekiel 28:15). Colossians 1:16 includes Satan as one created by Christ, since he is one of the invisible powers that owe their existence to the Son. As a creature, he is infinitely less than God.

4.2 Spirit Being

As other angels, with whom he is constantly associated (Isaiah 14:12-13; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9), Satan is in essence a spirit, finite and limited. This means he is incorporeal and invisible (Colossians 1:16), though at times he may manifest his presence in temporary, visible form.

4.3 Cherubim Class

Satan is called by God, "the anointed cherub" and "O covering cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). "Cherubim" speaks of God's presence, glory, holiness, and sovereignty. They were created for this specific ministry. This title describes Satan's original exalted position.

4.4 First In Rank Among All Creatures

The terms "the anointed cherub" and "covering cherub" indicate that before he fell, Satan was a high-stationed guardian for God. "Anointed" indicates that he had a special position, just as anointed kings had special position. The further description in Ezekiel 28 seems to leave little room for a greater angelic creature: "You had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty ... Every precious stone was your covering" (Ezekiel 28:12-13). He was probably the highest rank of the highest class of angelic beings before his fall. After his fall, his leading role is being replaced by the archangel, Michael, (Revelation 12:7-9) and his original duties are being replaced by the four living beings (Revelation 4:6).

Satan still retains some of the dignity he had before he fell into sin. He is regarded as the leader of the fallen angels, one without equal in their ranks (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:4, 7). Michael the archangel respected his authority and dignity when disputing with him over the body of Moses (Jude 8-9). It is most likely that Satan is equivalent to an archangel among the evil angels or demons.

4.5 Summary

Satan was created a person of the angelic class of cherubim, possibly first in position among all created spirit beings. Great beauty and power were his from God. Today, after his fall, he is still powerful, but his power is limited and resisted by God the infinite Creator and Sovereign. He retains some of his dignity, but he is no longer beautiful, since he lost his holiness in his fall. We need to remember that God is in complete control, and no creature can overthrow God or any of His purposes.

 

5. THE ORIGINAL STATE OF SATAN

All angels were created by God through His Son, the Lord Jesus (Colossians 1:16-17). There is no creature that was not created by Him (John 1:3). God cannot be directly involved in the creation of evil, for He is holy. So it is obvious from reason and from the Bible that all angels were created in a holy state, each a direct creation of God and all at or near the same time.

Satan fell from his originally holy state when he rebelled against God, incurring his own condemnation (1 Timothy 3:6) and enticing perhaps a third of the angels to defect with him (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:4). Now Satan and his angels are permanently wicked and opposed to God and His program and people.

Two major passages are usually connected with Satan's original state and fall which we will consider:

  1. Ezekiel 28:12-19; and

  2. Isaiah 14:12-17.

5.1 Identification of Persons

Ezekiel 28:1-19 speaks of God's judgment on a rebellious ruler or rulers. Many debate whether or not Ezekiel 28:1-19 has Satan in view, but if it does, then it provides us with a number of descriptive details as to the characteristics of Satan's original condition at his creation. All agree that the subject of Ezekiel 28:1-19 is judgment on Tyre and its leader. But the question is, do Ezekiel 28:11-19 go beyond the human leader to reveal things about something or someone else? The candidates for that something or someone else called the king of Tyre are:

  1. a symbol drawn from pagan mythology;

  2. a primal being who lived in the Garden of Eden and was driven out through pride;

  3. a mythological, unreal being presented in Phoenician mythology and incorporated and applied in this story to the king of Tyre;

  4. an "ideal," though unreal, person;

  5. the ideal man, the same as the historical first man, Adam, whose histories (initial privileges and subsequent sin) are analogous;

  6. the sinister being Satan; and

  7. Satan's masterpiece, Antichrist.

5.1.1 Views 1 through 5 are inadequate

Views 1 through 4 are incompatible with the principles of normal interpretation, for there is no justification for introducing such mythology into the text. View 5 though possible, seems to fall short of fulfilling the totality of the sinister nature of the figure behind the king of Tyre.

5.1.2 Both the human leader and Satan were in mind

Views 6 and 7 can be combined; i.e. Satan is the one behind it all including being behind Antichrist who will be the climax of all people whom Satan has indwelt throughout history. The king of Tyre was one whom he indwelt in the past, as Antichrist will be the final one he will indwell in the future. To understand the prophecy as including references to Satan does not mean that Ezekiel did not also have a historical leader of Tyre in mind in his denunciations. The question is, did he only have the historical human leader in view or did he also have a greater being, Satan, in mind?

I would say that two persons are addressed:

  1. the human leader (Ezekiel 28:1-10); and

  2. behind him the superhuman leader, Satan (Ezekiel 28:11-19).

My reasons are as follows:

  1. It would not be unusual for a prophetic passage to refer both to a local personage and also to someone else who fully fulfill it. This is true of many passages that relate both to King David and Jesus Christ. It is also true of the reference to the prince of the kingdom of Persia in Daniel 10:13, a reference that must include a superhuman being related to the kingdom of Persia. So for Ezekiel 28 to refer both to the then-reigning king of Tyre as well as to Satan would not be a unique interpretative conclusion.

  2. The whole pronouncement of judgment in Ezekiel 28:1-19 speaks to two different persons with:

    (a)     different titles, "prince or leader" of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2) and "king" of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:12); and

    (b)    different natures, "man (Ezekiel 28:2, 9) and "the anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14).

  3. The passage includes too many superlatives and figures to be true of only an earthly king no matter how great he was, for examples:

    (a)    the superlatives used of the kind, "full of wisdom and perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12);

    (b)    difficult to apply to any earthly king, "You were the anointed cherub who covers ... walked in the midst of the stones of fire" (Ezekiel 28:14); and

    (c)    the perfection of the king, "You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created" (Ezekiel 28:15).

5.1.3 Conclusion

I conclude that the historic king of Tyre was simply a tool of Satan, possibly indwelt by him, and in describing this king, Ezekiel also gives us glimpses of the superhuman creature, Satan, who was using him. Therefore, I take Ezekiel 28:1-10 to refer to the human leader and Ezekiel 28:11-19 to refer to Satan.

5.2 Initial Privileges of Satan

Before his fall Satan seems to have had the greatest privileges ever accorded to a creature, including:

  1. nature;

  2. position;

  3. habitation; and

  4. perfection.

5.2.1 Nature

Satan belongs to the cherub class of angelic being. He is probably of the greatest class and highest order. Among them he was the anointed one, a privilege given to a God-appointed leader (Ezekiel 28:14). The expressions, "You had the seal of perfection," and "full of wisdom and perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12), indicate that he was the greatest of all creatures. The figurative language of this verse speaks of his exquisite perfection.

5.2.2 Position

Not only was he an anointed leader, but twice was called a guardian (i.e. covering) cherub (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). This could refer to his role as a guardian - an honor guard - and proclaimer of God's glorious presence and holiness.

5.2.3 Habitation

"You were in Eden, the garden of God" (Ezekiel 28:13) probably refers in earthly terms to God's paradise in heaven. Within the paradise was "the mountain of God," from which abode he was cast (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). So he seems to have been in the very presence of God, for he "walked in the midst of the stones of fire" (Ezekiel 28:14).

5.2.4 Perfection

This term summarizes his personal and moral qualities. He "had the seal of perfection" and was "perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12). He was perfect or blameless in his ways from the day he was created until his first sin (Ezekiel 28:15).

5.3 Beginning of Perversion

Without explaining how it happened, God says, "Iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:15). The only clue as to what occurred in Satan's mind is found in Ezekiel 28:17: "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor." His sin is obviously a proud heart and self-occupation. Reflecting upon his God-endowed beauty, he became enthralled with himself and was lifted up with pride (1 Timothy 3:6). Sin uses God's gifts for selfish ends.

He also perverted other angels from God's way. The words merchandise (Ezekiel 28:16) and traffick (Ezekiel 28:18) may refer to a soliciting to his evil cause a large group of fellow angels (cf. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:4, 9). His habitation was defiled by his sin also: "By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade, you profaned your sanctuaries" (Ezekiel 28:18).

5.4 Indictment and Punishment

Because of Satan's sin of arrogance and violence, God cast him from his privileged position near the throne of God ("out of the mountain of God," Ezekiel 28:16). He may have been cast to the earth after his original sin ("I cast you to the ground," Ezekiel 28:17). So God accused him of flagrant and unwarranted rebellion and banished him from His presence. His ultimate punishment is the lake of fire, Christ said (Matthew 25:41).

 

6. THE FALL OF SATAN       

Sin was found in him (Ezekiel 28:15). This is really the only verse in the Bible that states exactly the origin of sin. The details of Satan's sin are specified in Isaiah 14:12-17.

6.1 Identifying the Persons

Like the Ezekiel 28:11-19 passage there is a question as to whether or not this refers at all to Satan. There are three different interpretations in Isaiah 14:3-21:

  1. it refers to the fall of the king of Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 14:4;

  2. it relates only to the fall of Satan; and

  3. two persons addressed, the first being the king of Babylon and the second being Satan, called Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-17).

6.1.1 The fall of the king of Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 14:4

Some Bible scholars think that this passage is not a reference to Satan due to the following reasons:

  1. The unusual language in Isaiah 14:12-17 as containing allusions to Canaanite Ugaritic mythology which are applied to the pagan king. Similar language in pagan literature referring to their idolatrous and astrological worship.

  2. They also note that Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12) is also called a man (Isaiah 14:16-17) and that he is compared with other kings of the earth (Isaiah 14:18-19).

  3. The Babylonian king had desired to be above God, and so fell from heaven. He falls to Sheol, and his power is done away. Not so Satan. His fall was against God, but he continues yet his tyrannical acts against God's people. "His doom is sure," for Christ has died, but not until the final judgement will he be confined to the lake of fire. Inasmuch, then as this passage describes a king's downfall and removal from the scene, it cannot apply to Satan.

The whole passage of Isaiah 14:3-21 announces judgment against the king of Babylon mentioned by name in Isaiah 14:4. Isaiah is prophetically speaking of the fall of Nebuchadnezzar, who was the epitome of a Babylonian king in all of his pride and arrogance. Scripture itself mentions that he was eventually brought low (Daniel 4:1-18). A second view is that Isaiah is speaking of the Assyrian kings who ruled over Babylon at the time of Isaiah. This view stems primarily from verses 24-27 where the Lord vows to break Assyria (v. 25). It has been pointed out that Pul (2 Kings 15:19), also known as Tiglath-pileser, was the king of Babylon and may be the prototype in Isaiah's day of an arrogant, proud king who is set against the Lord of Israel and Judah.

According to this view, to fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12) is to fall from a great political height as in pagan literature. There also may be a parallel in Daniel 8:10 in reference to Antiochus causing stars to fall from heaven. The name "son of the dawn" (Isaiah 14:12) could be a reference to a pagan deity. "The mount of assembly" (Isaiah 14:13) may refer to a mountain about 25 or 30 miles northeast of Ugarit, a place where the gods were supposed to gather.

The setting for the taunt is Sheol, the place of the dead. The picture is a gathering of the great kings of the earth after the time of the earth receiving rest from the warfare that has been pronounced in Isaiah 13:4b-8. The king of Babylon arrives in Sheol, where he is met by the kings and leaders of the earth, who are amazed that even the mighty king of Babylon has met the same fate as they (vv. 9-11). They make a point of noting that in contrast to the wonderful conditions that that king had on earth this bed now is made up of maggots and his covering is of worms. That is highly figurative language noting the utter humiliation of the king of Babylon who stands for the anti-God forces that are against the people of God in Israel and Judah.

6.1.2 It relates only to the fall of Satan

There are those who hold that Isaiah 14:12-17 refers to Satan only. They cite the unusual language as far beyond applying to a human king. In favor of this view is the repetition in these verses of what was basically been said in Isaiah 14:4-11. Even some of the specific terms are repeated. Then, too, the assertions of rebellion and pride fit what is known about Satan.

6.1.3 Two persons addressed, the first being the king of Babylon and the second being Satan, called Lucifer

Some of the early church fathers believe that the king of Babylon is viewed as a tool or a front for the real, unseen ruler of the cosmos. We have the following reasons to support this view:

  1. Satan is called in the New Testament the "prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) and the "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4). There are a few other instances in Scripture in which Satan is addressed through one of his instruments. The earliest, of course, was in Eden after the Fall, when God addressed Satan through the serpent (Genesis 3:15), and in the New Testament the Lord Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). The pattern here parallels the pattern set in Ezekiel 28 where the king of Tyre is first addressed, and then Satan, the highest cherub, is addressed as the power behind him.

  2. We note that the whole passage, as determined by the opening verses (Isaiah 14:1-4), looks forward to that day when God shall have restored the nation Israel to its land and leadership among the nations. The nation shall enjoy rest when all her enemies are defeated by the Lord Jesus, who returns to earth to reign in His kingdom (Isaiah 11:11-12:6). Then Israel will rule over her oppressors. Babylon is singled out as representative of all Israel's enemies and of the future Antichrist who is empowered by Satan (Daniel 7:23-27; 9:26-27; 11:36-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10; Revelation 13:4). In these passages there is terminology very similar to that used in Isaiah 14:12-17. It seems, then, that Isaiah would not be referring to the historic king of Babylon as the primary oppressor of Israel, but rather the future one with Satan behind him.

  3. The language especially befits Satan, who is pictured here and elsewhere as fallen from his high station in heaven (Luke 10:18) and cast down to earth (Ezekiel 28:13-14, 17; Revelation 12:7-9). In addressing this one God calls him "star of the morning" (NASB, NIV). The KJV uses the equivalent Latin term Lucifer, which has become generally known in English as a title for Satan before his fall. He seems to be first among other heavenly beings, for he is the "star of the morning" and would rule over "the stars of God," a term which does describe angels (Job 38:7). His character and actions certainly compare to those described here. The Lord Jesus is also called the "bright morning star" (Revelation 22:16). If this address in Isaiah is indeed to Satan, he is the false daystar in contrast to the Lord Jesus, the true One (2 Peter 1:19).

Isaiah 14:4-11 refers to a future "king of Babylon," or the coming Antichrist associated with Babylon, a politico-religious system existing just before the second coming of Christ. This one is pictured in Revelation 13, 17, and 18, and is described in 2 Thessalonians 2. There seems also to be an inclusion of Satan in Isaiah 14:12-17 to retrace Satan's sin as analogous with Antichrist's character and actions in the future. We must remember that the Antichrist is empowered by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). According to this view, Isaiah reveals the true nature of the Antichrist and his ultimate defeat, even though he is empowered by the highest of all heavenly creatures. Satan will be defeated and all his heavenly and earthly hosts.

This passage should be compared with Ezekiel 28:12-19, which seems to be a similar hidden message to Satan. Ezekiel views the career of Satan from the beginning forward to its end, whereas Isaiah sees his career from its end backward to its beginning. Many Bible students consider Isaiah 14:12-17 to be the central passage in the Bible on the origin of sin. The fall from heaven mentioned in verse 12 is in reality a prophecy. The sin or moral fall described belongs to the dateless past, but the final expulsion of Satan from heaven evidently will not occur until the end time, at the middle of that period often spoken of as the seventieth week of Daniel (Daniel 9; Revelation 12:9).

The five "I wills" uttered by the "morning star" constitute the very essence of sin, culminating in the boast "I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:4). If the human king of Babylon exalted himself as a god, certainly Satan has to the highest degree. Ezekiel describes the "anointed cherub" as being lifted up because of his beauty (Ezekiel 28:14, 17), having been perfect or blameless in all his ways until iniquity was found in him (Ezekiel 28:15). 

6.1.4 Conclusion

I conclude that the third view is the best interpretation.

6.2 Identifying the Sin

The basic sin of Satan seems to be pride, as we previously noted from Ezekiel 28:17. Pride or conceit is specifically labeled by Paul as the reason for "the condemnation incurred by the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6). Isaiah pictures his pride expressed in determined rebellion. Note the five occurrences of "I will" in Isaiah 14:13-14. This fits the description of the future Antichrist, pictured by Paul as a proud rebel (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

6.3 Expression of Sin

The five statements of "I will" specifically express Satan's self-assertion and rebellion. These statements are probably flashbacks to his original intentions in his original situation just before he was cast out the presence of God. This seems to fit the indictment (probably by God) in Isaiah 14:13: "But you said in your heart." So at the time of Satan's future defeat in the defeat of the Antichrist, God reminds him of his original scheme and how it has come to complete failure. The five assertions speak of Satan's desire to rise above the sphere in which he was created and placed (Isaiah 14:13-14). He asserted his own will against the beneficent will of the Most High in the following ways:

  1. "I will ascend to heaven."

  2. "I will raise my throne above the stars of God."

  3. "I will sit on the mount of assembly."

  4. "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds."

  5. "I will make myself like the Most High."

6.3.1 "I will ascend to heaven"

Since Satan had access to the very presence of God as the leading cherub (Ezekiel 28:13-14), this assertion does not mean he would visit, but abide there. It means that he desired to occupy the abode of God, probably desiring equal recognition with God.

6.3.2 "I will raise my throne above the stars of God"

The stars, as we have seen, are references to angels (Job 38:7; Jude 13; Revelation 12:3-4; 22:16). Satan already was the greatest angelic being, and it may be that all angels took orders from him as the chief administrator under God. Angels would recognize that orders through him came directly from God. He may be saying, "I will usurp God's rule over all the angels." If the stars refer to the luminous heavenly bodies, then he wised to rule in the heavens.

6.3.3 "I will sit on the mount of assembly"

According to Isaiah 2:2 and Psalm 48:2, the mount of the assembly is the center of God's kingdom rule. It seems associated with Messiah's earthly rule from Jerusalem. Satan would also, then, seek to rule over all human affairs, usurping the place of Messiah.

6.3.4 "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds"

The atmospheric clouds are hardly in view here. Isaiah's pattern helps us to understand the figurative use of clouds. Stars refer here to angels, mount to a place of rule; now clouds are associated with the glory of God. (Note the connection of clouds with God in Exodus 13:21; 16:10; 40:34; Job 37:15-16; Matthew 26:64; Revelation 14:14-16; 19:1). Lucifer had in him a great glory that reflected his Creator. Now he desired a glory equal to or above God's glory.

6.3.5 "I will make myself like the Most High"

This is the climax of all self-assertion and defiance of God! Why did Lucifer choose this title among all the titles of God? Because it refers to God as the "possessor of heaven and earth" (Genesis 14:18-19). Two points are worth noting here. First, Satan did not want to be unlike God. He respected God's power and authority, and he wanted it for himself. He would usurp God's authority rather than be submissive to it, for no one can be like God and still let God be God; for there is none like Him (Isaiah 42:8; 43:10; 44:6; 45:5-6, 21-33). God will not share His glory or position with any other. Second, Satan would be like God primarily in the matter of authority and control. He originally thought to replace God, but he ended up a counterfeiter, not a replacement. With rebellion there came a change in character, all the holiness he had derived from his Creator was lost, and corruption replaced it. He could no longer be like God, even in reflection.

6.4 Wretchedness of His Sin

Satan's sin is peculiarly heinous for several reasons:

  1. There was no previous example; this was the beginning of rebellion against the most high God.

  2. He was created beautiful and perfect; he lacked nothing as the greatest of all creatures.

  3. His greatest of all intelligence gave him greater light and understanding of the greatness and goodness of the God against whom he sinned.

  4. His highest position gave him the privilege of the greatest service to God.

  5. In his perfection and holiness, he had the privilege of intimate fellowship with God.

  6. His sin was more damaging because of the widespread effects of it. It affects other angels (Revelation 12:7); it affects all people (Ephesians 2:2); it positioned him as the ruler of this world (John 16:11); it affects all the nations of the world, for he works to deceive them (Revelation 20:3).

6.5 Results of His Sin

In Isaiah 14 there are statements and intimations of what issued from Satan's fall:

  1. Banishment from heaven.

  2. Corruption of character.

  3. Perversion of power.

  4. Retention of dignity.

  5. Destined to the pit.

6.5.1 Banishment from heaven

"How you have fallen from heaven," says God of the one who would ascend to heaven (Isaiah 14:12). His privileges and position were permanently lost.

6.5.2 Corruption of character

The one whose name was Lucifer, who shone with the holy light of God, the "star of the morning, son of the dawn," now has become Satan, the opposer of all that God is.

6.5.3 Perversion of power

Satan's power, once used for God's glory and the good of His creatures, is now turned to disruptive and destructive purposes. He weakened the nations (Isaiah 14:12) and caused the earth and governments to tremble (Isaiah 14:16). His prisoners have no relief (Isaiah 14:17).

6.5.4 Retention of dignity

Though cast from his exalted position, Satan yet retains some of his great dignity. The passage indicates that his influence and power was yet felt. Even Michael the archangel "did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment" (Jude 9).

6.5.5 Destined to the pit

God's judgment had to come in His moral rectitude against so great a sin. He will "be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit" (Isaiah 14:15; cf. Revelation 20:3) and so will all who follow him (Isaiah 24:21-22).

6.6 The Time of His Fall

There is no clear revelation as to exactly when Satan fell, but there are limits to the possible time which we may deduce from Biblical evidence.

If we assume that angels were part of the creation of Genesis 1:1, then their fall follows that point. However, it may be that angels were created prior to the creation of the heavens and the earth. In either case, angels were present when God "laid the foundation of the earth" and "set its measurements" (Job 38:4-5), for it was then that "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). This involved all the angels rejoicing with God. Satan and his angels fell, then, sometime after the original creation of the heavens and the earth, all of which was "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

It is certain that Satan had fallen before Genesis 3 where the temptation of Adam and Eve is recorded. He fell before man fell; but whether he fell before or after man's creation, we cannot say certainly. It would be an unwarranted assumption to say that man was created to teach previously fallen angels a lesson, and that angelic warfare is God's primary reason for the existence of all the rest of creation.

6.7 The Fall of Angels with Satan

It is obvious from the Bible that Satan has his angels. They follow his orders and fight for his causes (Matthew 12:24-26; 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 12:7). Satan solicited their following in his initial revolt against God. The expression "the unrighteousness of your trade" (Ezekiel 28:18) may refer to Satan's selling his rebellious cause to other angels. This fits in with his plan to rule over angels (Isaiah 14:13). Once Satan seduced these angels, they were fixed in their moral degeneration. As many a a third of the angelic creation may have followed Satan in his defection (Revelation 12:4).

6.8 The Moral Problem in the Fall of Angels

It is inevitable that men would ask why a good and powerful God should allow the fall of Satan and his angels to occur. It introduced sin into the universe, affecting angels, all mankind, and even God to some extent. This is really part of the whole problem of the existence of evil. From the Bible we may deduce some possible reasons. In working toward the solution of the problem, the following factors must be kept in mind:

  1. The character of God.

  2. The control of God.

  3. The choice of God.

  4. The choice of angels.

  5. The confinement by God.

  6. The condemnation by God.

6.8.1 The character of God

We must remember that the same Bible that records the inception and continued existence of evil also presents God as One who is holy, righteous, and perfect in all His ways, One in whose eyes sin is exceedingly wicked and worthy of judgment (Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 45:21; Romans 3:4). He could not and did not promote or perpetuate the sin (Psalm 5:4; James 1:13, 17).

6.8.2 The control of God

At the same time, the Bible presents God as both omnipotent and sovereign. He is in control of all things, and He has no potential successful rival (Isaiah 41:4; 43:13; 45:5; 46:8-11; Ephesians 1:11; Revelation 4:11). Evil did not rise up apart from His control; otherwise He would no longer be God.

6.8.3 The choice of God

It seems best to say that God, for good reasons, allowed evil to come into being. Not all these reasons are evident, but a few are genuinely probable. In any case, we must confess that God is the Author of a plan, a perfect plan, that included allowing His creatures to sin (Isaiah 45:7; Acts 15:16). Just as a composer of a musical score may include some discords to create an overall pleasing effect, so God's ultimate purpose is best served by such a plan. Perhaps He allowed angels to sin in order that He might give a concrete example of the wretchedness and degradation of sin. Perhaps He used the test to gain a group of angels to serve Him from choice and love. Perhaps He allowed sin to enter so that He might show in specific form His hatred and judgment of sin (compare Pharaoh's case, Romans 9:17-18). It may have been necessary to allow the fall of angels to finally show the grace of God in the preserving of some angels and in the redemption of unworthy, sinful man who fell because of Satan. In man, God will magnify His grace forever before angels (Ephesians 1:10-2:7).

6.8.4 The choice of angels

It was obviously Satan and the angels who chose to sin. They felt no pressure from God or His decree. They were conscious only of their own desires and planned their wretched rebellion in light of all they knew of the greatness and goodness of God. Everywhere in the Bible, they are treated as fully responsible.

6.8.5 The confinement by God

When God did allow sin into His universe, He did not allow it to run without control. He confined the expression of sin and so limited its devasting effects. It was allowed only for a finite duration between what might be termed two aspects of eternity. Further, it was controlled even within that time (Psalms 11:4-7; 96:11-13; 140:12; Romans 2:1-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-9).

6.8.6 The condemnation by God

God has condemned sin in the fullest sense in accord with His righteousness. He has judged it in man through human history. He judged it in awesome dimensions in the judgment of His Son at Calvary. It cost God more than all creatures could ever suffer through the suffering and sacrifice of His eternal Son. Finally, God will forever punish the evildoers in the lake of fire and will banish forever the presence of sin from the universe when He makes all things new (Revelation 20:10-15; 21:4-5).

6.9 Summary

Certainly Ezekiel 28 and probably Isaiah 14 gives us insight as to Satan's original privileged position as the greatest of all angels. His self-occupation and self-promotion were a deliberate attempt to overthrow God. As a result, he was banished from heaven, corrupted in character, and now opposes God and man with his perverted power. Most likely his fall occurred shortly after the creation recorded in Genesis 1, and in his fall he took many angels with him. In all this, the righteousness of God and the sovereignty of God is upheld by Scripture. Satan is fully responsible for his wicked deeds.

 

7. THE PRESENT CHARACTER AND POSITION OF SATAN

Knowledge of the corruption of Satan's person and the position he now occupies should help in our battle against this enemy.

7.1 His Present Character

His present character includes:

  1. Murderer (John 8:44).

  2. Liar (John 8:44).

  3. Confirmed and practicing sinner (1 John 3:8).

  4. Opposer of the righteous (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10).

7.1.1 Murderer (John 8:44)

Satan cannot truly give life; he brings only death. He caused the spiritual death of angels and of mankind in Eden. Christ said, "He was a murderer from the beginning," probably referring to all that happened in Genesis 3 and 4, including the murder of Abel.

7.1.2 Liar (John 8:44)

Four statements by Christ describe Satan's relation to truth: (a) he does not stand in the truth; (b) there is no truth in him; (c) he speaks lies from his own nature, for he is a liar; and (d) he is the father of lies, he promotes outright lies and some truth for the sake of his lie (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

7.1.3 Confirmed and practicing sinner (1 John 3:8)

Jesus and John present the devil as continuing in sin. They also present those who continue in sinning as children of the devil. There is a universal fatherhood of Satan among unbelievers (John 8:44).

7.1.4 Opposer of the righteous (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10)

Satan, as his name indicates, opposes God and truth. He also opposes God's people. He is "the accuser of our brethren." He accused Job before God (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5), and he charges God's elect before God and probably in their consciences as well (Zechariah 3:1; Romans 8:33). Peter labels him our adversary who stalks about as a ferocious killer lion seeking whom he may next devour (1 Peter 5:8).

7.2 His Present Position

Satan has been cast out of God's presence and removed from his former office, yet he retains a great position in the plan of God.

7.2.1 His dignity

Satan retains, under God's permission, such dignity that even Michael the archangel dared not "bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 9). He is a majesty in his perverted and permitted realm.

7.2.2 His dominion

His dominion includes:

  1. ruler of fallen angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9); and

  2. ruler of the world system (John 12:31; 16:11).

7.2.2.1 Ruler of fallen angels

Satan rules a vast army of angels, perhaps a third of the originally created number (Revelation 12:9, 40). They battle with God's angels under Michael in the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:7). Even now they wrestle with believers as the power behind all sorts of opposition, direct and indirect (Ephesians 6:10-13). Satan is recognized by the Jews and by Christ as the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24-28). However, he will not rule when cast by Christ into the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

7.2.2.2 Ruler of the world system

The world (cosmos) includes men and angels in an organized system under Satan as its god. He is "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) in that he dominates, with knowing or unknowing consent, men who know not God. The whole world has been affected by him (1 John 5:19). This world stands in opposition to believers, promoting as life's great values pleasure, possessions, and pride (John 17:14; 1 John 2:15-17).

7.2.3 His domain

His domain includes:

  1. Abides in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:11-12);

  2. Access to heaven (Revelation 12:10); and

  3. Active on earth (1 Peter 5:8).

7.2.3.1 Abides in the heavenlies

The heavenlies seem to be a spiritual sphere of operation and combat. The believer sits positionally with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6), and it is the sphere of his blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). However, the believer finds authorities and powers of Satan and Satan himself in the heavenlies. Cast from heaven, Satan seems to operate in the realms of both the earth and the heavenlies.

7.2.3.2 Access to heaven

God evidently allows Satan to appear before Him on limited occasions. Satan cannot, since he sinned, abide there in the holy presence of God, but he appears with other "sons of God" to assemble and answer to God (Job 1:6; 2:1). There he accuses the brethren (Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10).

7.2.3.3 Active on earth

He roves the earth, he and his cohorts, seeking to oppose and defeat believers and God's purpose in individuals and in the church. He seeks to oppose the spreading of the gospel (Matthew 13:38-39; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12-19).

7.2.4 His detention

Though Satan is not now bound, as he will be in the future (Revelation 20:1-3), he is limited in his operations by God. God limits who and how much he can touch (Job 1:12; 2:6; John 17:15; 1 John 5:18).

7.3 Summary

Satan retains a great position over men and angels. But with his perverted character as a liar and murderer, he continues sinning and opposing God. God limits his place and power in the universe.

 

8. THE PRESENT POWER AND ACTIVITY OF SATAN

Satan's power is great and his activity is extensive, seen in several relationship.

8.1 In Relation to God

In relation to God, Satan is:

  1. the opposer of God's person; and

  2. the opposer of God's program.

8.1.1 The opposer of God's person

As Satan desired to be like the Most High, so his power and activity are directed primarily against God. Other activities are understood as stemming from this rebellious aim. His attack on Adam was really an attack on the character and control of God (Genesis 3:1-5). Satan induced Cain to murder Abel, a man of God (1 John 3:12). The opposition to God in this is mentioned in 1 John 3:10. The opposition obviously comes from a character opposite to that of God's. Once reflecting the light from God as Lucifer, the shining one, now he is full of darkness and keeps the light from others (Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12). God is love and promotes love, whereas Satan is hateful and promotes hatred (1 John 3:7-15). God is life and creates life, whereas Satan operates in the realm of death (Hebrews 2:14).

8.1.2 The opposer of God's program

Satan desired to oppose God's program in the following ways:

  1. counterfeiting God's system of truth; and

  2. counteracting God's sovereign rule.

8.1.2.1 Counterfeiting God's system of truth

In line with his purpose to be like the Most High, Satan promotes a system that we may call "the lie" (see Ephesians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11).

Satan's counterfeit system may be irreligious. He may deny the existence of God or His control (Psalm 14:1-3). To explain the world, he substitutes evolution for creation, uniformitarianism for providence, human progress for divine Salvation, and man's utopia for God's kingdom on earth. Atheism, agnosticism, pragmatism, existentialism, and relativism are his substitutes for truth.

However, Satan also promotes counterfeit religions. He authors or encourages non-Biblical religions or distortions of the true religion. In this latter category, we find false ministers, Satan's messengers who transform themselves into messengers of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Satan may be found in the chair of theology or the pulpit. He seeks and sometimes gets control of a work of God (2 Corinthians 2:9-11; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 2:9; 13-15).

Satan also promotes false doctrine. These he propagates through his demons, who teach works-righteousness (1 Timothy 4:1-3) and self-seeking through ministering in religious matters (2 Peter 2:1, 15). Some so-called churches follow his teaching in idolatry and intrusion into the occult (Revelation 2:14, 24).

In his counterfeit religion we also find false christs, or antichrists. In 1 John 2:18, 22, and 4:3 we read of many antichrists presently invading and deceiving the world and even Christian communities. These are forerunners of the Antichrist who, as Satan's man, one day will promote himself as God and through his lying miracles deceive many (2 Thessalonians 2:3-11).

During this age we also find false followers. They profess to believe in Christ, but they are Satan's counterfeits (Matthew 13:38-39).

8.1.2.2 Counteracting God's sovereign rule

Rebellion against God's personal and constitutional authority is the essence of Satan's every expression. A rebel at heart, he is a rebel in every deed. He cannot, of course, step outside of God's overall sovereign control; but within the limits of his creaturely freedom, he is totally anti-God.

The great rebel counteracted God's rule in the Garden of Eden. He turned man's submission to God into rebellion toward God and submission to him. He has opposed God's kingdom and church from without and within throughout the centuries. A highlight of his opposition to God came in his attack upon Christ, confronting Him in temptation, counteracting His ministry, and instigating His death (see Matthew 4:1-11; John 13:26-30).

An apex of his rebellious opposition will be found in his empowering of the future Antichrist, who himself is a proud rebel who would pass himself off as God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This lawless one will deceive and dominate man in an unprecedented sense (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11; Revelation 13:1-18). He will assume a religious pose and use a religious system, called Babylon, to oppose true religion, and then he will destroy even that false religious system (Revelation 17). Even now "the mystery of lawlessness is already at work" under the restraining influence of God (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8). Its full manifestation will come in the Tribulation.

During the Great Tribulation, Satan will be cast down from heaven. Though he knows his time is short and his doom sure, yet he increases his rebellious activities persecuting God's people, Israel (Revelation 12:9; 12-13). Even after he has felt defeat from Christ and has been bound for one thousand years, he will make one last rebellious attempt to overthrow God and Christ after his release, but he will be defeated (Revelation 20:1-10). 

8.2 In Relation to the Nations

In relation to the nations, Satan is:

  1. deceiving the nations;

  2. influencing governments of nations; and

  3. directing the governments of nations.

8.2.1 Deceiving the nations

Right now Satan is deceiving the nations, leading them astray from the truth as it is in God and Christ. At the second coming of Christ he will be bound for a thousand years, "that he should deceive the nations no more" (Revelation 20:3). Upon release, he will deceive the nations again, to assemble them against Jerusalem and God (Revelation 20:7-10).

8.2.2 Influencing governments of nations

Satan is "the god of this world," which includes men and angels outside the family of believers (2 Corinthians 4:4). He offered the nations to Christ in the temptation. Christ did not dispute the legitimacy of the offer, but refused to rebel against God in submitting to Satan's method of obtaining the rule (Matthew 4:8-10).

Satan uses his angels to influence the affairs of nations, particularly in their opposition to God's program with Israel or with the church (Daniel 10:13, 20; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:18).

Hitler's occult involvement and Stalin's staunch atheism gave Satan great opportunity through their great hatred and murderous actions to destroy many Jews and Christians.

Today he would use governmental authorities to hinder the spread of the gospel at home and abroad. Recently, certain African nations in their nationalistic programming have been insisting on a return to animistic and idolatrous religions and are persecuting and murdering national Christians and deporting missionaries.

8.2.3 Directing the governments of nations

During the tribulation period, Satan will actually direct the affairs of a ten-nation coalition through his man, the Antichrist. Ten rulers will give to the Antichrist their power (Revelation 17:12). This may constitute a revived Roman Empire, since it is related in Daniel's vision to the fourth world empire of the Gentiles (Daniel 2:31-45; 7:1-12). This Antichrist will even control the nations at that time for at least three-and-one-half years (Revelation 13:4, 7). Behind this world ruler is none other than Satan, called "the dragon" (Revelation 13:2, 4). These conditions will exist just before the second coming of Christ, who will destroy these world powers and the Antichrist (Daniel 2:35; 44-45; 7:8-14; Revelation 19:11-21). Even now it appears that Satan is assembling the national alliance predicted for those days.

8.3 In Relation to the Unsaved

In relation to the unsaved, Satan is:

  1. preventing acceptance of truth; and

  2. promoting attraction to falsehood.

8.3.1 Preventing acceptance of truth

Satan is preventing acceptance of truth by:

  1. snatching away the gospel (Luke 8:12); and

  2. blinding minds to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

8.3.1.1 Snatching away the gospel

Some who hear the gospel are prevented from understanding it, lest they believe and be saved.

8.3.1.2 Blinding minds to the gospel

He causes a barrier to the gospel's penetrating the mind with enlightenment concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. This is one of the reasons for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). As a result of Satan's work in this line, the gospel sounds foolish and irrelevant to the perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18).

8.3.2 Promoting attraction to falsehood

Satan is promoting attraction to falsehood by:

  1. indoctrinating in false religion (1 Timothy 4:1-3); and

  2. ingraining a false lifestyle (Ephesians 2:1-3).

8.3.2.1 Indoctrinating in false religion

Satan and his demons use men who knowingly or unknowingly preach his lies. Either he promotes a Salvation by human works, attractive to sinners who would bypass the Saviour's work of Salvation; or he persuades men that there is no need for Salvation, only progress. This progress may be purely human, as in systems of ethical idealism that deny sin and evil; or it may include recourse to the spirit world, as in spiritism or oriental mysticism. So today we see a great increasing interest in the occult practices, including witchraft and satanism. John warns us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1-4).

8.3.2.2 Ingraining a false lifestyle

We formerly walked in this philosophy of the age ("course of this world"). It may change expression from generation to generation, but it is still creature-centered and creature-promoting. This philosophy is based on pleasure, possessions, and position (1 John 2:15-17). It is opposed to our Father God. Satan is now constantly energizing "the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2) to follow this spirit. It is basically the egocentric ambition of Satan that characterizes the world. Satisfied with these things of man and materialism, unbelievers are kept from desiring a relationship with the living God. Satan has captured attention and influenced moral behaviour through the mass media's promotion of illicit sex, pornography, homosexuality, and violence. Films, TV, videos, magazines, and heavy metal and satanic rock music are his effective tools for promoting his destructive propaganda.

8.4 In Relation to Christians

In general, Satan seeks to defeat believers in their individual and corporate life and service. The wise Christian does not dismiss this part of spiritual warfare as superstition. He will be aware of Satan's tactics and guard against them (2 Corinthians 2:11). Some of his tactics are obvious from Scripture:

  1. waging warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18);

  2. accusing and slandering (Revelation 12:10);

  3. planting doubt (Genesis 3:1-5);

  4. tempting to sin;

  5. inciting persecution (Revelation 2:10);

  6. preventing service (1 Thessalonians 2:18);

  7. infiltrating the church; and

  8. promoting division (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

8.4.1 Waging warfare

What we might relegate to human opposition may indeed be Satan's interference. Our ultimate wrestling is not with "flesh and blood" but with spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenlies. We might get an idea of what sort of attacks Satan makes by noting the type of armor provided in the wisdom of God. He seeks to influence and control our minds.

8.4.2 Accusing and slandering

As devil means slanderer, so Satan lives up to his name. He accuses us before God for our sins and imperfections. He may also work on sensitive consciences not standing firm in God's grace. To answer these accusations, we have a defense lawyer, Jesus Christ the Righteous, who satisfied God for all our sins and who stands as witness to our right standing before God, thus defeating Satan (1 John 2:1-2).

8.4.3 Planting doubt

Satan would make us doubt God's goodness, His Word, His concern for us. He emphasizes God's restrictions as unjust (Genesis 3:1), His warning and Word as untrue (Genesis 3:4), His interests as selfish and limiting man's development (Genesis 3:5). So he maligns God's character and challenges God's authority.

8.4.4 Tempting to sin

Satan is tempting Christians to sin through the following ways:

  1. to lie (Acts 5:3);

  2. to sex sins (1 Corinthians 7:5);

  3. to occupation with this world (1 John 2:15-17; 5:19);

  4. to relying upon human wisdom and strength (1 Chronicles 21:1-8; Matthew 16:21-23);

  5. to pride in spiritual matters (1 Timothy 3:6); and

  6. to discouragement (1 Peter 5:6-10).

8.4.4.1 To lie

Satan is the author of lies, and he tempts others to acts against the truth. To lie is to tell a falsehood in whole or in part for personal gain and to the loss or hurt of another. It is part of the self-seeking philosophy of Satan.

8.4.4.2 To sex sins

Satan promotes the philosophy of the priority of bodily satisfaction. Perversion of sex in fornication, adultery, homosexuality, or masturbation comes from pre-occupation with bodily needs. The first three are specifically forbidden in God's Word, and the last is distracting and debilitating in a perverted self-gratification. God has provided marriage for the normal expression of sex, and partners must recognize their mutual responsibilities. They provide Satan with an opportunity to tempt to sexual sins when there is not satisfaction in marriage. However, there is never justification to yielding to Satan and these sins.

8.4.4.3 To occupation with this world

The world is Satan's system, built up on the principle of self-promotion. Its philosophy and practice are anti-God. Satan would influence and defeat us through "the lust of the flesh" (pleasures), "the lust of the eyes" (possessions), and "the boastful pride of life" (self-promotion). This attitude affects all of us somewhat, knowingly or unknowingly. Satan is actively promoting it (Ephesians 2:1-3). Some have succumbed to his temptations through it (2 Timothy 4:10; James 4:1-7).

8.4.4.4 To relying upon human wisdom and strength

Satan knows that he can defeat what is purely human, since it does not conform to God's standard or rely on God's power. So he tempted David to have confidence in numbers of soldiers, and he tempted Peter to resist the Lord in human wisdom. He moved the Corinthians to judge the gospel message and ministry according to human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 3:18-4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7).

8.4.4.5 To pride in spiritual matters

The privilege of leadership in the church has its perils. Satan attacks the leaders to affect the congregations. So Paul urged that novices not be ordained to leadership, lest, being proud, they fall into the condemnation also incurred by the devil. Any spiritual ability carries with it the danger of self-satisfaction and self-confidence that precludes God's best blessings and affords Satan an opportunity.

8.4.4.6 To discouragement

Satan would have us occupied with our difficulties and overcome with cares. Perhaps this is why Peter first tells us to cast all our cares upon God, assuring us of God's care, and then tells us to beware of our adversary the devil, who prowls about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:7-8). He may be involved in the case of the man who, hearing the Word, is then overcome by the worry of the world (Matthew 13:22). Persecution, rejection, lack of appreciation, physical and spiritual difficulties may lead us from discouragement to despair, to disheartenment, to defeat (see Revelation 2:9-10; 3:9-10).

8.4.5 Inciting persecution

Persecution, privation, and imprisonment may be motivated by Satan. The church and Israel are his primary objects of attack by this method (Revelation 12:13; 13:7).

8.4.6 Preventing service

On one occasion, Satan thwarted Paul from coming to help the Thessalonians. How this was done we are not told. Perhaps it was through a physical illness (2 Corinthians 12:7) or through some human agency (2 Corinthians 11:22-27).

8.4.7 Infiltrating the church

Satan is infiltrating the church through:

  1. false teachers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-19); and

  2. false disciples (Matthew 13:38-39).

8.4.7.1 Through false teachers

Satan sends his messengers disguised as messengers of light. As deceitful workers, they oppose true ministers and promote as legalistic or humanistic form of religion. Satan may use demons in this (1 Timothy 4:1-5). They can attract even sincere persons into false forms of Christianity and into the occult. John warns against "the completely open mind" policy (1 John 4:1-4). We must test all things by God's Word, particularly its teaching on the person and work of Christ.

8.4.7.2 Through false disciples

While God sows good seed through His messengers, the enemy, Satan, also sows evil seed. "The tares are the sons of the evil one," and they at first look like wheat, but soon they are evident as impostors. The presence and activity of the false disciples hinder the work of the church and confuse the true nature of the church and the gospel for those on the outside.

8.4.8 Promoting division

A member of the Corinthians church had been disciplined to promote holiness (compare 1 Corinthians 5:1-11). Paul instructed the church to receive him back to fellowship. But where there is not agreement on full forgiveness, there is occasion for Satan to cause strife and division. This seems the case here. Certainly the Corinthians were influenced by Satan's promotion of worldly wisdom that had already caused other divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10-11; 3:1-9; 5:2; 6:1; 8:1-13). Harboring anger gives the devil an opportunity to promote division (Ephesians 4:26-27).

8.5 Summary

Satan's present power and activity are wide and varied, but always directed against God and His program and people primarily. He is anti-God in character, and he opposes God's program by counterfeiting His program and by counteracting God's authority. He is now deceiving the nations and influencing their governments, and he will one day direct world government through the coming Antichrist. Regarding the unsaved, he prevents acceptance of the truth and attracts to falsehood in doctrine and life. Against the genuine believer he wages constant warfare, accuses, plants doubts, tempts to sin, incites persecution, prevents service, infiltrates the church, and promotes division. As born again Christians, we must be aware of Satan's schemes and tactics.

We must also be aware that we cannot divorce the activity of demons from the activity of Satan. They serve to extend his power and influence. Satan, though a powerful creature, is but one person and so is limited. He sought the demons' support in his rebellion against God (Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14). We now move on to see how demons' nature and activities are similar to Satan's and how they serve his purpose and program.

 

9. REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER STUDY

  1. Basic Theology, Chapters 22 to 25, ChariotVictor Publishing, 1986, by Charles Caldwell Ryrie.

  2. Lectures in Systematic Theology, Chapters XIII to XIV, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1992 Edition, by Henry C. Thiessen.

  3. Angels: Elect & Evil, Chapters 11 to 15, Moody Press, 1995 Edition, by C. Fred Dickason.

  4. Every Good and Evil Angel in the Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997 Edition, by Larry Richards.

 

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