The deceiver of the nations, the accuser of the brethren, and the defeated enemy of God.
The doctrine of Satan reveals the nature, history, and destiny of God’s great adversary. Once a powerful angel created for glory, Satan fell through pride and rebellion, becoming the tempter, deceiver, and destroyer of mankind. Though he now rules the world system of sin and lies, his defeat is certain through the blood of Jesus Christ.
This doctrine is foundational to understanding evil, temptation, and spiritual warfare. It connects directly to The Doctrine of Angels and Demons and The Doctrine of Sin.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
1. Satan Was Created Perfect but Fell Through Pride
The doctrine of Satan begins with his origin. He was created by God as Lucifer, a glorious angel full of wisdom and beauty. But pride led him to desire God’s throne and glory. His rebellion caused his fall from heaven.
Ezekiel 28:14–17
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God… 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee… 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.
Isaiah 14:12–14
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! … 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… 14 I will be like the most High.
Lucifer’s rebellion turned him from light-bearer to adversary. The name Satan means “accuser” or “enemy.”
2. Satan Leads the Fallen Angels in Opposition to God
The doctrine of Satan teaches that he became the ruler of a vast demonic kingdom — the fallen angels who followed him in rebellion. Together they oppose God’s truth and seek to destroy His creation.
Revelation 12:7–9
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.
Satan’s rebellion brought corruption to heaven’s harmony — yet God’s sovereignty was never broken. Every act of Satan still fulfills God’s eternal plan.
3. Satan Is the God of This World
The doctrine of Satan explains that he currently operates as “the god of this world” — influencing governments, religions, and people through deception and sin. He blinds the minds of unbelievers and tempts believers to compromise.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ… should shine unto them.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Satan’s kingdom operates through lies, pride, and rebellion — the same sins that caused his fall. But his power is limited by God’s hand and destroyed by Christ’s cross.
4. Satan Tempts, Deceives, and Accuses
The doctrine of Satan reveals his three main works: temptation, deception, and accusation. He tempted Eve in the garden, accused Job before God, and tempted Jesus in the wilderness. His goal is to destroy faith and twist truth.
Genesis 3:1–5
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made… And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.
Job 1:9–11
Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? … But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Matthew 4:1–4
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Satan’s greatest weapon is deceit — twisting God’s Word to make sin seem wise, rebellion seem right, and pride seem noble.
5. The Doctrine of Satan Is a Defeated Enemy Awaiting Final Judgment
The doctrine of Satan ends with his doom. Jesus Christ destroyed his power through the cross. Though Satan still works, his defeat is certain and his destiny is sealed.
Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The believer’s victory is not in human strength but in Christ’s blood and authority. Satan’s end will glorify God’s justice forever.
Application and Affirmation
The doctrine of Satan calls believers to be alert but not afraid, discerning but not distracted. We resist Satan not by debate but by devotion to God’s Word. The same Scripture he twists is the sword that defeats him.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Affirmation:
- Satan was created as Lucifer but fell through pride.
- He leads a host of fallen angels in rebellion against God.
- He is the god of this world, deceiving the lost and tempting believers.
- His power is limited and his defeat is guaranteed by the cross.
- He will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
