SATAN: EVIL PERSONIFIED
(This is blog 16 in the series “Names of Satan.”)
We’ve seen many names of Satan that show how awful he is: Dragon, Lion, Deceiver, Murderer, Accuser, Destroyer and others. It doesn’t seem it can get any worse but it does! This group of names shows how bad Satan really is – not just in what he does but in his basic nature through and through.
One of Jesus’ favorite names for Satan was “Evil One.” Jesus prayed to God, “Keep them from the evil one” (John 17:5). He warns His followers to be aware of Satan taking God’s truth from the minds of people: “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatchers away what is sown in the heart” (Matthew 13:19). The Greek word here, “poneros,” means “wicked, evil, bad, base, worthless, vicious, degenerate.” This refers to the very character of Satan.
Paul uses a similar title, “Wicked One” (Ephesians 6:16). He also calls Satan the “Lawless One” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10) and the “Man of Sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). “Man of Sin” refers to the Antichrist, but he is indwelt and used by Satan so they are technically one and the same (Revelation 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
To the Pharisees Satan was known as “Beelzebub” (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22). This could mean “lord of the dung,” “lord of the flies (gather at garbage)” or “lord of the demons” (Matthew 10:25; 12:24, 27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15-28). All carry the same idea of mockery of this ‘god’ Satan claims to be!
Despite his love for evil, many are attracted to Satan. In fact, Satanism is one of the fastest growing religions today. The dark nature of it has a strong appeal to those already demonized, and of course any involvement in it opens a person to deep demonizing. Children and teens are more and more drawn into this through drugs, sex, rock music, movies and other avenues. Satanists believe Satan represents indulgence (instead of abstinence), vengeance (instead of turning the other cheek), and meeting your sensual desires (instead of spiritual pipe dreams). Man is just another animal free to indulge any desire he wants. Satan represents power and immediate gratification instead of Jesus’ seeming weakness and living for the future. Satan seems near and concerned, willing to quickly do whatever a person wants. Involvement in Satanism is usually the end result of a path that starts very subtly by allowing other openings to demonizing. Of course, God is greater and it can be broken, but even dabbling with it in curiosity is very serious business.
There are many good Christian books in Christian bookstores that can give much more detailed information about this subject than we can here. If necessary, please avail yourself of them
Where do you see Satan working in your life or the lives of your friends? Stop and pray against each and every work of his. Ask for God’s power and protection.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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