The word, “Satan” is mentioned 53 times in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word means “opponent” or “adversary.” The word, “devil” is mentioned 60 times in the New Testament Bible. This word literally means “traducer.” It is defined as a false accuser or as one who slanders, misrepresents or maligns. But where did the devil come from and why hasn’t God destroyed him? We shall find the truth surrounding these questions once again in the reliable word of God.

Note: God created this angel to be a “model of perfection.” He was once in the presence of God in the courts of heaven until “wickedness” was found in him.

Note: “Lucifer” became proud because of his beauty and position and wanted to be exalted higher than the stars of heaven. Little by little he began to indulge the desire for self-exaltation.

Note: The word “trade” in the Hebrew comes from a root word, “rakiyl” (raw-keel) which means to slander and tell falsehoods. Lucifer began to spread lies against the character of God as well as to entice discontent to the other angels. He wanted to spark a rebellion against God.

Note: When God created the world, he gave it to Adam to become its ruler. But when Adam sinned, Satan then took control of the earth. Notice that Jesus did not argue when Satan said, “it has been given to me.” Jesus even refers to him as the “prince of this world.”

Note: Several times in the book of Hebrews, (in the original Greek), it says that God made the “worlds,” plural. Is it plausible that God who is a creative genius was sitting for billions and billions of years in heaven and one day thought he would make a world? No, the universe appears to be inhabited by many worlds.

God certainly could have destroyed Satan at the time of his rebellion but what would the angels have thought? God would have made a martyr out of Satan and caused doubt and distrust in their minds. Of course, God could have destroyed all the angels and started all over but what about the other worlds? What would they have thought? How far back would God have to go in dealing with sin while being fair and still allowing free choice, all at the same time? He needed to allow sin to run its ugly course in order to vindicate His true and loving character.

Note: Satan not only prevents our understanding of the good news of the gospel but he also tries to drive a wedge between God and ourselves. He tempts us to sin and when we fall prey to his schemes he accuses us by telling us how bad we are. He whispers in our ear that God cannot forgive us. He even mocks God by flaunting our sins in God’s face.

“Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, “Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me, and wills not that I should perish.”

Steps to Christ, p. 53

Note: Our only safety is in submitting and coming close to Christ. Allow our Savior to shield you from the wiles of the enemy. You are not strong enough to deal with Satan on your own.

Note: Temptation only becomes sin when we agree to it in our minds. Sometimes we may be tempted with an evil thought or desire but we turn away from it. Such things are not considered sin but only when we consent to them.

Note: When God created the world he made Adam the leader or representative of the human race. Satan then took control of this world and became it’s new representative when he deceived Adam into sin. Jesus rightfully took back possession of the world when he won it back for us at the cross.

Conclusion: God did not create evil. Lucifer was created as a beautiful and transcendent angel in heaven until pride corrupted him and he led a rebellion against God taking a third of the angels with him. He is still in rebellion with God and is considered our enemy. He is looking to see whom he may devour and while temptation is not sin it is the means he uses to lead us into sin. And although sometimes we may fail and fall we have Jesus, our High Priest who lives to make intercession for us. He loves us so!