Who is Satan?

Understanding His Origin, Nature, and Role in the Biblical Narrative

The name “Satan” means accuser or adversary. In Scripture, he is described as the one who accuses God’s people before Him day and night (Revelation 12:10, NKJV). His mission is to oppose God’s work and lead humanity away from truth and righteousness.

The Origin of Satan: Lucifer Before the Fall

Before his rebellion, Satan was known as Lucifer, which means “morning star” or “light-bringer”.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”
— Isaiah 14:12 (NKJV)

Lucifer was created as a glorious angelic being, a cherub with great beauty, wisdom, and authority in heaven. He held a high rank among angels and served in the very presence of God.

“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”
— Ezekiel 28:14–15 (NKJV)

These passages are often seen as dual references: while they address earthly kings (Babylon and Tyre), many theologians understand them as symbolic descriptions of Satan’s original state and fall.

The Rebellion in Heaven

Lucifer’s heart became proud because of his beauty and wisdom. He desired to exalt himself above God and sought to be worshiped.

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’”
— Isaiah 14:13–14 (NKJV)

Through his deception, Lucifer led a rebellion, drawing a third of the angels in heaven to join him.

“His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.”
— Revelation 12:4a (NKJV)

This resulted in a spiritual war in heaven.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan… he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
— Revelation 12:7–9 (NKJV)

Satan’s Role on Earth and the Ongoing Battle

After being cast out of heaven, Satan’s activity shifted to earth. He became the deceiver of the world and the tempter of mankind. The spiritual war that began in heaven continues here on earth.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

While Satan was defeated in heaven, he still influences the world until the final judgment. This ongoing battle is not just cosmic; it involves every believer. Our spiritual struggle is described clearly in the New Testament:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

The Final Defeat of Satan

Satan’s end is certain. Scripture assures us that he will ultimately be judged and cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
— Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)

Conclusion:

Satan was once a glorious angel named Lucifer, but pride led to his fall. He now stands as the adversary of God and humanity. However, believers have victory through Jesus Christ, and the Bible assures us that Satan’s time is limited. The war may still be ongoing, but the outcome has already been written—God will triumph.

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