Topical Bible: Satan: Evil Spirit

◄ Satan: Evil Spirit ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Satan, often referred to as the adversary or the accuser, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. The name "Satan" is derived from the Hebrew word "śāṭān," meaning "adversary" or "accuser." In the New Testament, Satan is depicted as a personal being who opposes God and His purposes, seeking to lead humanity astray.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, Satan appears in several key passages. In the Book of Job, Satan is portrayed as a member of the heavenly court who challenges the righteousness of Job, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to God's protection and blessings (Job 1:6-12). Here, Satan acts as an accuser, questioning the integrity of human devotion to God.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1, Satan incites David to take a census of Israel, an act that leads to divine displeasure. This passage highlights Satan's role in tempting individuals to act contrary to God's will.

New Testament Depictions

The New Testament provides a more developed portrayal of Satan as the chief antagonist of God and His people. In the Gospels, Satan is identified as the tempter who confronts Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to derail His mission through a series of temptations (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus' resistance to these temptations underscores His authority over Satan and His commitment to God's plan.

Satan is also described as the "prince of this world" (John 12:31) and the "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4), indicating his influence over worldly systems and his role in blinding the minds of unbelievers. The Apostle Paul warns believers of Satan's schemes and urges them to put on the full armor of God to stand against his attacks (Ephesians 6:11-12).

Satan's Nature and Activities

Satan is characterized by deceit and malice, often appearing as an "angel of light" to mislead and deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14). He is the father of lies, as Jesus states in John 8:44 , and his primary objective is to thwart God's purposes and lead humanity into sin and rebellion.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of Satan's ultimate defeat. He is described as the "great dragon" and "ancient serpent" who is cast out of heaven and ultimately bound and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:10). This imagery underscores the eschatological hope of Satan's final judgment and the triumph of God's kingdom.

Role in Christian Theology

In Christian theology, Satan is understood as a fallen angel who rebelled against God. His rebellion and subsequent fall are alluded to in passages such as Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, which, while primarily addressing earthly kings, have been traditionally interpreted as symbolic of Satan's pride and downfall.

Satan's role as the tempter and accuser serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face. Christians are called to resist the devil, standing firm in their faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9).

Conclusion

Satan's presence in the biblical narrative serves as a stark reminder of the reality of evil and the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. His ultimate defeat is assured through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, offering believers hope and assurance of victory in the spiritual realm.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 16:14
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan
... this be the case, then we have further evidence that the coming One will be no mere
man indwelt by Satan, but a fallen angel, an evil spirit, the incarnation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/ii the antichrist will be.htm

1 John iii. 8
... sense, and follow it out to its necessary results, we must understand by Satan a
spirit in his origin and essence the opposite to the holy God, evil in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 8.htm

Of Evil Angels
... 5. Next to the love of God, there is nothing which Satan so cordially abhors ... and
works which spring from them, are the fruit of the evil spirit: Insomuch that ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 72 of evil angels.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... The Lord said to Satan, "Hast thou considered my servant Job?" Let us deliberate,
first, in what sense the evil spirit may be said to consider the people of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
... and then will he spoil his house. [Satan is the strong man, his house the body
of the demoniac, and his goods the evil spirit within the man. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlviii blasphemous accusations of the.htm

Who are My Brethren?
... Christ's day, as there are today, over whom the control of Satan for the ... daily, that
Christ might dwell in the heart; and when the evil spirit returned, with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 33 who are my.htm

Ministry
... to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18), Satan seeking to ... For a moment,
Jesus permitted the evil spirit to display his power, that the beholders ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm

Prayer is Projecting One's Spirit Personality.
... such prayer is breathed out, my spirit personality is ... the power of Jesus' victory
over the evil one there ... Satan is a trained strategist, and an obstinate fighter ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/prayer is projecting ones spirit.htm

At Capernaum
... to long for freedom from Satan's control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ.
When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ...
... become a more suitable and more secure habitation of Satan; because, from its cleanness
and beauty, his presence and rule there as an evil spirit would not be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first peraean.htm