How Does the Bible Picture the Devil?
The Bible offers a composite picture of the devil—often called Satan or the adversary—not as a cartoonish figure with horns and a pitchfork, but as a fallen angel, a deceiver, a tempter, and a destroyer. His appearance and nature are described not through a single image but through titles, metaphors, and actions.
1. A Fallen Angel of Light
Satan was once an exalted being. Ezekiel 28:14 says, “You were the anointed cherub who covers… You were on the holy mountain of God.”
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This reminds us that evil doesn’t always look ugly—sometimes it appears attractive, persuasive, and luminous. Deception is part of his nature.
2. A Roaring Lion
In 1 Peter 5:8, we read, “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Here Satan is pictured not as passive but active—predatory, dangerous, and relentless.
3. The Serpent
The first picture of the devil in Scripture is the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Revelation 12:9 later confirms this identity: “That ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.”
He is cunning, subtle, and whispers lies that twist the truth.
4. The Accuser
Revelation 12:10 calls him “the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night.”
Satan thrives on condemnation. He aims to rob believers of joy and assurance.
5. The Tempter
In Matthew 4:3, during Jesus’ wilderness fast, Satan is described as “the tempter.”
He seeks to pull us away from trust in God by exploiting weakness and offering false promises.
6. The Prince of This World
Jesus calls him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31) and Paul refers to him as “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), showing that he holds sway over systems of darkness, influencing hearts and minds.
7. A Defeated Foe
Though powerful, the devil is not God’s equal. His end is certain. Revelation 20:10 says, “The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire… and will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
How Then Should We Picture the Devil?
Not in grotesque imagery, but as a spiritual enemy who is subtle, persuasive, prideful, and predatory. The Bible calls us to resist him (James 4:7), to be alert (1 Peter 5:8), and to stand firm in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).
C.S. Lewis cautioned in The Screwtape Letters:
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
Our eyes must be open to his reality, but our hearts rooted in Christ’s victory. The devil is real, but he is defeated. The cross and the resurrection have broken his power. Jesus is Lord. That is our confidence and hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment