Identifying Satan: What Every Christian Must Know

Understanding the identity, position, power, and strategies of the spiritual enemy is crucial for every believer. Many Christians fail to take their enemy seriously because they lack sufficient knowledge about him. The spiritual life is not a passive activity or an afternoon athletic contest; it is a life-or-death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels.

The Apostle Paul instructs the Ephesians that believers (“my brethren”) must be strong to enter this battle against the enemy. This fight is not reserved only for apostles, pastors, deacons, or leaders; it is for all brothers and sisters—the lines have been drawn: it is the Lord and the brethren against Satan and the demons.

Satan’s Personality and Origin

Before his fall, the enemy had a different name and position.

Original Identity (Lucifer) Satan’s original name was Lucifer, which means “shining one,” “morning star,” or “son of the morning”. The prophet Ezekiel describes Lucifer before his fall as a holy angel, characterized as the seal of perfection, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. He was the anointed cherub who covered God’s presence, established by God, and walked on the holy mountain.

The Sin of Pride Lucifer remained perfect in his ways until iniquity was found in him. The first sin ever committed in the universe was the sin of pride. Lucifer, in his heart, determined that he would lift himself up. Isaiah 14:12-14 records his five ambitious “I will” statements, including:

1. “I will ascend unto heaven.”
2. “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.”
3. “I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.”
4. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.”
5. “I will be like the most high.”

When these words were uttered, Lucifer was cast out of heaven, brought down to the earth, and ultimately destined for hell. He ceased being Lucifer, the son of the morning, and became Satan, the enemy of God and God’s people.

Paul identifies our enemy as the devil (Ephesians 6:11) and the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). We are fighting against the enemy of our souls and his strategies.

Satan’s Position and Authority

The Bible assigns Satan three major names that describe his role and position in the universe.

1. The Prince

Satan is referred to as a prince multiple times:

• The Prince of this World: He is in charge of evil men. The Bible states the Prince of this world is coming (John 14:30), and he now stands condemned (John 16:11).
• The Prince of the Power of the Air: He is the ruling spirit over the children of disobedience, overseeing evil spirits.

Satan is identified as the architect of evil in the world.

2. The Ruler

Satan is also called a ruler because he is the power behind the world system.

• The Bible says the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
• The world system Satan dominates is characterized by greed, selfish ambition, lust for power, intrigue, hatred, lies, aggression, rivalry, and brutality; Satan is the father of it all.

Satan reigns over his own kingdom. If Satan casts out Satan, his kingdom would not last (Matthew 12:26). He rules over his angels, and many theologians believe that one-third of the angels in heaven rebelled with him and now comprise his army of rebellion against God. Satan is not a lone evil figure, but the head of his own kingdom with hierarchies of principalities, powers, angels, and demons.

3. The God of This Age

The Bible describes Satan as a god, specifically the god of this age, who has blinded the minds of people.

• Satan is a religionist, acting as the founder and president of his own religion. He often does his best work in religious circles.
• Satan has his own church (Revelation 2:9, 3:9), his own gospel (Galatians 1:8), his own ministers (2 Corinthians 11:15), his own doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1), and even his own communion table and cup (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

The Scope of Satan’s Power

Satan’s power is formidable, but it has limits. Men are held captive by the power of Satan until they are delivered by the power of the Savior. The workings of Satan often manifest with all power and signs and lying wonders.

Crucially, we must not overestimate Satan’s power. He is not, and never will be, equal to Almighty God. Satan is not all-knowing and all-powerful. Believers should not fear that they have God (all-powerful for good) and Satan (all-powerful for evil) balanced against each other.

Satan is no match for God. The scripture reminds believers, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world”. While we must be respectful and serious about the power of Satan, we should not be driven to extremes of fear. If one word were chosen to describe Satan, it would be ruthless. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of disrupting and destroying your faith, your joy, and even your well-being.