At the very core of all sin is Satan! John penned, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning…” (1 John 3:8a). Since all humanity has sinned (Romans 3:10; 23), we are all somewhat familiar with the Devil. However, familiarity is often just enough to sink us spiritually deeper. As the old adage goes, “better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t.” Knowledge is powerful, especially when that knowledge concerns the one who has his sights set on your eternal soul. What can we know about the deceiver of the world?
Firstly, the deceiver’s derivation. Although the Bible does not directly address the derivation of Satan, there is, however, enough divine revelation from which we can draw a logical conclusion as to his origin. There is ample evidence from the Scriptures to affirm that Satan was originally an angel of light, but due to arrogance and pride (1 Timothy 3:6-7), he rebelled against God and fell (cf. Job 4:18; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7ff). Satan, like every other part of God’s creation was very good (Genesis 1:31), but due to his poor choices, he became the deceiver of the whole world!
Secondly, the deceiver’s deception. It is fruitless for Satan to strike back at Deity, for the Devil knows he cannot win that battle. As Thompson suggests, “God’s power was too great, and His omnipotence too all-consuming (Job 42:2; 1 John 4:4). Another target was needed; another repository of satanic revenge would have to be found. And who better to serve as the recipient of hell’s unrighteous indignation than mankind—the only creature in the universe made “in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:26-27)?” (15). Thus, Satan has waged war on each and every accountable soul. He attempts to catch his prey (1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26) by crouching secretly (Genesis 4:7), with cunning craftiness (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11), all the while waiting to consume them (1 Peter 5:8). Leach captured the deceptive nature of Satan when he wrote, “He is the great pretender and the first liar and hypocrite with special skills in deception…. No one escapes his trickery; every man knows something of deception. He will influence men to conceal or distort truth for the purpose of misleading, cheating and fraud. If he cannot overthrow truth he will neutralize it, water it down to dilute it” (14).
Lastly, the deceiver’s damnation. Fortunately, the deceiver of this world will not always be able to use his deception. The last book of the New Testament affirms that the destiny of this deceiver is eternal hellfire (Revelation 20:10). In fact, hell itself is “…prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41b). If the fact that the devil will be in hell does not give us greater zeal to avoid that terrible place, then surely nothing will.
Often when we think of Satan and his schemes we become discouraged. Although we currently stand on the battlefield of this tricky adversary, all is not lost! “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, emp. added). Although we deal daily with the deceiver of this world, our Savior’s victorious resurrection assures that the devil’s power is limited (1 John 3:8; cf. Genesis 3:15). Hang on brethren, for the day is coming when Satan’s influence will end, faithful saints will be secure and the beauty of heaven will be enjoyed!
Works Cited
Leach, Virgil. Get Thee Behind Me Satan. Abilene: Quality, 1977.
Thompson, Bert. Satan- His Origin and Mission. Montgomery: Apologetics Press, 1999.
