Satan

Satan, also known as the devil, is the chief adversary of God and the tempter of humanity. The name "Satan" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "adversary" or "accuser." He is portrayed as a spiritual being who opposes God's purposes and seeks to lead people into sin and destruction. <BR>In the Old Testament, Satan appears as an accuser in the heavenly court (Job.1.6-12; 2:1-7; Zechariah 3:1-2). He challenges the integrity of Job and receives permission from God to test him. The Old Testament also uses the term "satan" or "adversary" to describe human opponents or obstacles (1Sa.29.4; 2Sa.19.22; 1Ki.5.4). <BR>In the New Testament, Satan is identified as the tempter of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Mrk.1.13; Luke 4:1-13), the oppressor of God's people (Luke 13:16; Act.10.38), and the deceiver of the world (Revelation 12:9; 20:3, 8). He is also called the "ruler of this world" (Jhn.12.31; 14:30; 16:11) and the "god of this age" (2Co.4.4). <BR>Jesus defeated Satan through His death and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14; 1Jn.3.8), and believers are called to resist him (Jam.4.7; 1Pe.5.8-9). The New Testament portrays Satan as a real and active spiritual adversary, but one whose power is limited and whose ultimate defeat is assured (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:10). <BR>Other names for Satan include Beelzebub (Matthew 10:25; 12:24-27), Belial (2Co.6.15), and the serpent (Revelation 12:9; 20:2). These names highlight his role as the leader of demons, the personification of evil, and the deceiver of humanity.