Topical Bible: Satan: The Power of Darkness

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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. His role and influence are depicted throughout the Bible, where he is portrayed as the tempter, deceiver, and the ruler of the powers of darkness.

Origin and Fall

Satan's origin is alluded to in passages such as Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, which describe the fall of a once-glorious being due to pride and rebellion against God. Although these passages primarily address the kings of Babylon and Tyre, they are traditionally interpreted as symbolic of Satan's fall. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this event, saying, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).

Role as the Tempter

Satan's role as the tempter is most famously illustrated in the account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan attempts to entice Jesus into sin by appealing to physical needs, pride, and power. Jesus resists these temptations by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word against the devil's schemes.

The Accuser and Deceiver

Satan is also known as the accuser of the brethren, as seen in the book of Job, where he challenges Job's righteousness before God (Job 1:6-12). In Revelation 12:10, he is described as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God." His role as a deceiver is evident from the beginning, as he deceives Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:1-6).

Ruler of the Powers of Darkness

The New Testament frequently refers to Satan as the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air. In Ephesians 2:2, Paul describes him as "the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience." This highlights his influence over the present age and his opposition to God's kingdom.

Spiritual Warfare

Believers are called to be vigilant against Satan's schemes. Ephesians 6:11-12 instructs Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for divine protection and strength.

Ultimate Defeat

Despite his current influence, Satan's ultimate defeat is assured. Revelation 20:10 prophesies his final judgment: "And 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 reflects the ultimate victory of God over the forces of darkness and the restoration of His creation.

Satan, as the power of darkness, serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. His presence in Scripture calls believers to remain steadfast in faith, relying on God's power and truth to overcome his deceptions and temptations.

Nave's Topical Index

Colossians 1:13
Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Doctrine of Satan.
... Acts 26:18""To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from
the power of Satan unto God." Col.1:13""Who hath delivered us from the ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Christ the Conqueror of Satan
... Gethsemane's sorrows were to a great degree caused by a personal assault of Satan,
for our Master said, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness." He said ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the conqueror of satan.htm

An Era of Spiritual Darkness
... The prince of darkness wrought with the leaders of the ... In their secret councils Satan
and his angels controlled ... to God for vengeance upon that apostate power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 3 an era of.htm

The Gethsemane Prayer
... Alone He must drink the cup, alone He must tread the winepress of God's fierce wrath
and of Satan's power and darkness, and of man's envy, cruelty and ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xii the gethsemane prayer.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... evil and malignity of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power
of the prince of darkness. There is little enmity against Satan and his ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... evil and malignity of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power
of the prince of darkness. There is little enmity against Satan and his ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Declarations of Old ...
... On the eve of His crucifixion our Lord expressly declared, "This is your hour, and
the Power of Darkness: (Luke 22:53). Thus was Satan allowed to bruise the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/i the redeemers return is.htm

And when all were in Such Joy, came Satan the Heir of Darkness...
... Satan says: O all-devouring and insatiable Hades, art ... Hades answered: Heir of darkness,
son of destruction, devil ... the tomb, how and with what power shall he be ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 4 20 and when.htm

Introduction
... between truth and error; to reveal the wiles of Satan, and the ... That through its
influence souls may be delivered from the power of darkness, and become ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/introduction.htm

Note on Demons.
... hour and power of darkness." The leaven of Christianity has been infusing itself
through the world and has, no doubt, immensely limited the power of Satan. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/note on demons.htm