Topical Bible: Satan: That Old Serpent

◄ Satan: That Old Serpent ►

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Introduction

Satan, often referred to as "that old serpent," is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. His role and influence are depicted throughout the Bible, from the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis to his ultimate defeat in Revelation. This entry explores the various aspects of Satan's character, his actions, and his significance within the biblical narrative.

Biblical Names and Titles

Satan is known by several names and titles in the Bible, each reflecting different aspects of his character and role. The name "Satan" itself means "adversary" or "accuser," highlighting his opposition to God and His people. In Revelation 12:9 , he is called "the great dragon...that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray." This passage links him to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing his deceptive nature.

The Serpent in Genesis

The first appearance of Satan as the serpent occurs in Genesis 3, where he tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. The serpent's cunning and deceit lead to the fall of humanity, introducing sin and death into the world. Genesis 3:1 describes the serpent as "more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." This event marks the beginning of Satan's ongoing effort to thwart God's plans and corrupt His creation.

Role as the Accuser

Satan's role as the accuser is prominently featured in the book of Job. In Job 1:6-12 , Satan appears before God, challenging the integrity of Job's faith. He accuses Job of being faithful only because of God's blessings, prompting a series of trials to test Job's righteousness. This narrative illustrates Satan's desire to undermine the faith of believers and his persistent efforts to accuse them before God.

The Tempter of Christ

In the New Testament, Satan's role as the tempter is evident in the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:1-11 , Satan attempts to entice Jesus with various offers, including turning stones into bread, throwing Himself from the temple, and gaining all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating His obedience to God and His authority over Satan.

The Deceiver of Nations

Satan's influence extends beyond individual temptation to the deception of entire nations. Revelation 20:3 describes how Satan "must be released for a short time" to deceive the nations before his final defeat. This passage underscores his role in leading humanity astray on a global scale, opposing God's kingdom and spreading falsehood.

The Adversary's Defeat

Despite his power and influence, Satan's ultimate defeat is assured. Revelation 20:10 proclaims that "the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This final judgment signifies the end of Satan's reign of terror and the triumph of God's justice.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, Satan is portrayed as a formidable adversary, yet one whose power is limited by God's sovereignty. His various roles—as the serpent, accuser, tempter, and deceiver—highlight his persistent efforts to oppose God's will and lead humanity astray. However, the Scriptures affirm that his defeat is certain, offering hope to believers in the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 20:2
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
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Library

The Binding of Satan.
... The "Dragon" is expressly called "that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan."
With the appendages of heads and horns"symbols of political sovereignty ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the binding of satan.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Satan.
... And he laid hold on the Dragon, that old Serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan,
and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the Bottomless Pit, and shut ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/1 the millennium in relation.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... connection we may speak of the cunning and malignity of Satan (Gen.3:1). Satan
transforms himself ... The "old serpent" is more dangerous than the "roaring lion.". ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Christ the Conqueror of Satan
... "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the conqueror of satan.htm

Satan's Wiles against the Truth How they Take the Form of the ...
... Chapter I."Satan's Wiles Against the Truth How They Take the Form of the ... Here the
old serpent has fallen out with himself, since, when he tempted Christ ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter i satans wiles against the.htm

The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan
... literal Seed of that old Serpent, the Devil; as Christ was, according to the flesh,
the actual and literal Seed of the woman. "Thy seed," Satan's seed, refers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/ii the antichrist will be.htm

Radical Exposition.
... 3, that "the serpent beguiled Eve," and states definitely who the serpent is""that
old serpent called the devil and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world." ( ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/ix radical exposition.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of ...
... In the very first mention in Scripture of that old Serpent, the Devil, he is seen ...
Milton's conception of Satan now seated upon a throne in Hell is altogether ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/v the redeemers return is.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... Whether the "glorious darkness" denoted by the name Satan is an actual ... with Michael
and his angels fighting against the dragon, "that old serpent called the ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

Satan's Devices.
... CM Satan's devices. Now Satan comes with dreadful roar. And threatens to destroy; ...
Like innocence and love; But the old serpent lurks within. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 157 satans devices.htm