Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Devil, also known as Satan, is a significant theme in the Bible, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. The Devil is depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now seeks to lead humanity astray. This entry explores the biblical portrayal of the Devil, his characteristics, and his role in the spiritual realm.Origin and Fall The Devil's origin is alluded to in passages that describe the fall of a once-glorious angelic being. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 are often interpreted as references to Satan's fall. Isaiah 14:12 states, "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations." These passages suggest that pride and a desire to ascend above God led to his downfall. Names and Titles The Devil is known by various names and titles throughout Scripture, each reflecting different aspects of his character and work. "Satan," meaning "adversary," is one of the most common names, highlighting his role as the opponent of God and His people (Job 1:6-12). He is also called the "accuser of the brethren" in Revelation 12:10 , where it is written, "For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God." Other titles include "the tempter" (Matthew 4:3), "the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and "the father of lies" (John 8:44). In John 8:44 , Jesus declares, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies." Role and Activities The Devil's primary objective is to thwart God's purposes and lead humanity into sin and rebellion. He is depicted as a deceiver, using cunning and deceit to achieve his ends. In Genesis 3, he appears as a serpent, tempting Eve to disobey God, which results in the fall of humanity. This act of deception sets the stage for his ongoing efforts to undermine God's creation. In the New Testament, the Devil's role as a tempter is further illustrated during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Here, he attempts to entice Jesus into sin, but Jesus resists by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming temptation. The Devil is also described as a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and as the ruler of this world (John 12:31), indicating his influence over worldly systems and his persistent opposition to God's kingdom. Defeat and Destiny Despite his power and influence, the Bible assures believers of the Devil's ultimate defeat. Jesus' death and resurrection marked the beginning of the end for Satan's dominion. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." The final defeat of the Devil is prophesied in Revelation 20:10 , where it is written, "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 passage affirms the certainty of his judgment and eternal punishment. Conclusion The Devil, as portrayed in the Bible, is a formidable adversary whose influence is felt throughout human history. However, believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and to resist the Devil, knowing that he will ultimately be defeated by the power and truth of God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 3:4,5And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die: Nave's Topical Index Library The Devil, Since He Emulates the Truth, Has Invented Fables About ... How the Devil was Forced by Many Reasons to the view that Christ ... Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient ... Letter vi. --Difficulties. How the Devil Often Appeared to Brother Ruffino in the Form of a ... The victory of the King Gamaliel's Counsel 'God is no Respecter of Persons' And the Apostles, who Speak of God, in Establishing the Truth of ... The Devil is Well Practised in Falsehood, by which Adam Having ... Resources What is truth? | GotQuestions.orgIs there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth? | GotQuestions.org What is objective truth? | GotQuestions.org Truth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Truth of God is a Shield and Buckler to Saints The Truth of God is Denied by The Devil The Truth of God is Denied by The Self-Righteous The Truth of God is Denied by Unbelievers The Truth of God is One of his Attributes The Truth of God: Always Goes Before his Face The Truth of God: Enduring to all Generations The Truth of God: Exemplified Towards: Abraham The Truth of God: Exemplified Towards: Israel The Truth of God: Exemplified Towards: Jacob The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Administration of Justice The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Counsels of Old The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Dealings With Saints The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Deliverance of Saints The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Fulfilment of his Covenant The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Fulfilment of Promises in Christ The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Judicial Statutes The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Punishment of the Wicked The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Ways The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Word The Truth of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Truth of God: He Keeps, for Ever The Truth of God: Reaching to the Clouds The Truth of God: Remembered Toward Saints The Truth of God: United With Mercy in Redemption The Truth of God: we should Confide In The Truth of God: we should Magnify The Truth of God: we should Make Known to Others The Truth of God: we should Plead, in Prayer The Truth of God: we should Pray for Its Exhibition to Others The Truth of God: we should Pray for Its Manifestation to Ourselves Truth is According to Godliness Truth is Part of Christian Armour Truth is Part of the Christian Armor Truth of God is a Shield and Buckler to Saints Truth of God is One of his Attributes Truth of God: Dealings With Saints Truth of God: Deliverance of Saints Truth of God: Enduring to all Generations Truth of God: Fulfillment of his Covenant Truth of God: Fulfillment of Promises in Christ Truth of God: He Keeps, Forever Truth of God: Judicial Statutes Truth of God: Make Known, to Others Truth of God: Pray for Its Exhibition to Others Truth of God: Pray for Its Manifestation to Ourselves Truth of God: Punishment of Evil People Truth of God: Self-Righteous People Truth of God: we should Confide In Truth: Abides Continually With Saints Truth: Evil People are Destitute of Truth: Evil People Turn Away From Truth: God Desires in the Heart Truth: God Regards, With Favour Truth: God's Servants should Speak Truth: Keep Religious Feasts With Truth: Magistrates should be Men of Truth: Ministers should Approve Themselves By Truth: Ministers should Teach In Truth: Revealed Abundantly to Saints Truth: Saints should Esteem, As Inestimable Truth: Saints should Keep Religious Feasts With Truth: Saints should Meditate Upon Truth: Saints should Rejoice In Truth: Saints should Serve God In Truth: Saints should Speak, to One Another Truth: Saints should Walk Before God In Truth: Saints should Worship God In Truth: Saints should Write Upon the Tables of the Heart Truth: should be Rightly Divided Truth: The Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth: The Ekklesia (Body of Christ) is the Pillar and Ground of Truth: The Evil People are Destitute of Truth: The Evil People are not Valiant For Truth: The Evil People: Plead not For Truth: The Evil People: Punished for Want of Truth: The Evil People: Speak Not Truth: The Evil People: Uphold Not Truth: The Fruit of the Spirit is In Truth: The Gospel as Came by Christ Truth: The Gospel As, Came by Christ Truth: The Holy Spirit Guides Into All Truth: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth: The Judgments of God are According To Truth: The Wicked are not Valiant For Truth: The Wicked Destitute of Truth: The Wicked Turn Away From Truth: The Wicked: Destitute of Truth: The Wicked: Plead not For Truth: The Wicked: Punished for Want of Truth: They Who Speak are the Delight of God Truth: They Who Speak, Show Forth Righteousness Truth: They Who Speak: Shall be Established Truth: They Who Speak: Show Forth Righteousness Truth: Those Who Speak, are the Delight of God Truth: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Truth: Walk in the Presence of God In Truth: Write, Upon the Tables of the Heart Related Terms |