Now that the reality of Satan is confirmed, we need to understand what he is like before we can identify his schemes. What does the Bible teach us about the nature and character of Satan?
John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Jesus was quite clear about Satan being the father of lies, which is the basis of all deception. He routinely distorts and denies the truth of the Scripture. He has created a number of false truths in books that deny the Scriptures. He has developed many false narratives, other books, and belief systems that all draw people away from God and into his lair.
1 Peter 5:-9 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
Just like in the Job passage from the last blog post, he roams the earth seeking to destroy all who worship God. He is evil to the core and just like a lion, his nature is to kill. While looking like a big cat, many people come to think of lions as potentially large pets. But, lions true nature won’t accommodate this error. This is the same with Satan, most don’t really think he is all that dangerous. Their error is terrifying.
Satan is also our accuser, always trying to bring charges against God’s chosen elect. Zec 3:1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.
Zecariah 3:2 The LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?"
Satan is so bold to accuse us directly to God. He is also so bold to tempt Jesus. Since he is so bold to tempt Jesus, he would not hesitate to tempt you. He is also very persistent.
Luke 4:13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.
Since he continued to try and destroy God’s eternal plan of salvation, he persists to this day to destroy God’s people, God’s church, and God’s plan of final judgment. Yes, Satan is evil, powerful, deceptive, and bold. One more terrifying characteristic is his demeanor, charisma, and appearance.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
More later.