Our response to Satan

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Satan emerges throughout Scripture as a multifaceted adversary whose nature and activities shape Christian understanding of evil. He is portrayed as a high angelic creature who rebelled against the Creator before humanity’s creation and became the chief antagonist of God and humanity. 1 

He has been sinning from the beginning, holding no truth, and when he lies, he speaks his native language as the father of lies. (John 8:44)

Biblical accounts depict Satan engaging in several destructive activities. He leads the whole world astray (Rev 12:9–10), while he accuses believers before God day and night. (Rev 12:9–10) He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet 5:8) 

He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14), and he blinds the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the gospel’s light. (2 Cor 4:4) In the Old Testament, he roams throughout the earth seeking to do injury, opposes God’s people and incites disobedience, and accuses the elect before God’s throne. 2

The trajectory of Satan’s fate runs from rebellion to ultimate defeat. Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (Luke 10:18) The Son of God appeared to destroy the devil’s work. (1 John 3:8) 

His judgment was predicted in Eden and accomplished at the cross.1 He will be thrown into the lake of burning sulphur and tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev 20:10)

Christian response involves both vigilance and confidence. Believers must put on the full armour of God to take their stand against the devil’s schemes. (Eph 6:11–12) By submitting to God and resisting the devil, he will flee. (James 4:7)

Additional biblical passages illustrate Satan’s activities: Matthew’s account shows Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, challenging him to prove his divine identity through miraculous acts and offering him all the world’s kingdoms in exchange for worship. (Matt 4:1–11) In Job, Satan presents himself before the Lord and claims to have roamed throughout the earth. (Job 1:6–12)


1. Walter A. Elwell, in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology: Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 1054.

2. Moyer V. Hubbard, 2 Corinthians, ed. Mark L. Strauss, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017), 35.

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