Satan’s names
The most common names for Satan are “Satan” and “the devil.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary lists these names for Satan in the New Testament:”the dragon” (Revelation 12:9), “the old serpent” (Revelation 12:9), “the deceiver” (Revelation 12:9), “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30) , “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) , “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) , “the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2) , “the Evil One” (1 John 5:18–19), “Beelzebub, the prince of the devils” (Matthew 12:24) (Easton, “Satan”).
Satan’s origins
Satan’s origin and fall seem to be described in Ezekiel 28:12-15. Satan is called the King of the ancient city of Tyre because he was the power behind the rulers there.
Satan is described as the height of perfection. He was a beautiful, wise cherub (a kind of angel). He was in the Garden of God (Eden). Satan fell from his high position because of his pride (Ezekiel 28:17). Even though Satan has fallen, he can still appear as a beautiful, good angel (2Corinthians 11:14).
Satan first appears in the Bible’s story in Genesis 3:1-7. The serpent in that story is actually Satan (Revelation 12:9). We can see several characteristics of Satan from this story of his first appearance in the Bible. 1. The devil is smart in an evil way. 2. He is a liar who attacks God’s word. He makes God’s commands seem too restrictive. He contradicts what God has said. He suggests that God has evil motives in His commands. 3. He tempts people to sin against God. 4. He is a murderer because he caused Adam and Eve to die spiritually and physically (John 8:44).
Satan’s work and deceptions
Satan sometimes appears as an angel of light. People are deceived into thinking that what Satan offers is good for them. They give him control in their lives. He enters into people and controls them. This may seem good at first, but having a demon inside you is very bad (please read Mark 5:1-20). Thankfully, Jesus has all power over the devil and his demons (Matthew 8:28–34).
The name “devil” (Matthew 4:1) means “slanderer.” Satan accuses God’s people to God (Revelation 12:10). He is called “tempter” because he tries to draw people away from Jesus and into sin (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Satan is a murderer and a liar (John 8:44). He often makes himself look like a good angel (2 Corinthians 11:14) He looks good and makes his lies seem attractive.
Satan is the head of the other fallen angels (Matthew 25:41). Satan has a large and growing influence in the world (1 John 5:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). However, followers of Jesus do not have to be afraid of the devil (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Satan’s destiny
God created the Lake of Fire (Hell) to punish Satan and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41). At the end, Satan will be tormented in the Lake of Fire forever (Revelation 20:10).