Satan is a created being. He is a wicked and evil angel, more so than any other. He is the Devil and Apollyon (destroyer). He has many titles in the Scriptures. He is also called the serpent, the devouring lion, and the dragon (Rev. 12:9; 20:2; 1 Pet. 5:8). SATAN is a liar, a deceiver, a tempter, a murderer, and the wicked one. His titles of “ruler of this world” and “god of this age” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4) all refer to his role before he was judged by the Lord in AD 70.
Satan is the leader of the fallen angels, who are demons. He is a defeated enemy of Christ. At the judgments in AD 70 Satan was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone and is tormented day and night forever and ever. Brimstone is the same as sulfur. It not only has an offensive odor, but probably keeps the fires going. It burns very hot and was used to melt metals (Rev. 20:10).
Satan has been condemned to function on a restricted basis. The Lake of Fire is his eternal headquarters from which he may operate with his demons like a “mob boss” in prison. His lies and deceptions would only be effective on unbelievers (unsaved sinners) who leave themselves open to his influence. Everything they do is sin to one degree or another. They do not have the Holy Spirit, so their efforts are not counted as righteous by God.
Satan has no power against Christians whatsoever. Our sins and faults have been completely forgiven forever by the redemptive work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Humans still sin even without the influence of Satan. James even tells us that it has always been our own fault and we should not try to provide an excuse to ourselves and accuse Satan, or another. Our sin comes from allowing a temptation to draw us away and be “enticed by own desires,” “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;” (James 1:14-15). The difference between us and non- believers is that our sins have been forgiven in Christ. People act on their strongest desires. Christians need to continually pray, study the Word, and live by faith. This will bring their will in line with God’s will and thus have strongest desires that please the Lord.
Related full “Study Series” (available upon request if not hyperlinked):
[For a more in-depth study see eschatology “Study Series 16 Lesson 7 Rev. Chapters 19 and 20”]
[Also see: under ‘Articles,’ subsection ‘Bob Stokes Articles,’ under L: “Lucifer or Satan?”]