Satan is not a myth
But, Satan is taught differently than what the Bible teaches.
Satan was created as a beautiful angel also known as Lucifer [1]. Almighty God gave him the job to be a caretaker of the earth. He believed he could be worshipped like the Almighty God and exalted himself to be like God.
This study shows that Satan is able to present himself to God’s throne and to the earth. There are no scriptures describing a horned creature surrounded by fire, tormenting people, in “hell”, for all eternity. Satan is ever-present and tempting all humans on the earth. He is in direct opposition to God. Satan is trying to keep people from reading and learning what the scriptures say. He is enticing all mankind with the distractions of this world. We cannot say “The devil made me do it” because we are tempted by our own desires. Learning God’s will and following God keeps us from inadvertently following Satan. We are either for God or against Him. Satan is a spiritual force that we should be aware of and protect ourselves from his evil influences. Satan, along with those who follow him, will be permanently destroyed by Almighty God. But if we are strong and trust in our one true God, through His son, Jesus Christ, then we will overcome Satan’s deception.
Study 16: Satan
Ezekiel 28:13-19
Satan was a beautiful angel and is described as a perfect, wise creature (he was created) who was also in the Garden of Eden. Read verse (3), it speaks about how Satan is wiser than Daniel the prophet. In verse (14), Satan was described as the anointed cherub that covers (cherub, defined in the Concordance, 3742 (Hebrew). What does Satan cover? Satan was appointed as caretaker to the earth, but instead lied. He walks up and down in the midst of the stones of fire, the universe. But he became evil through his lies and desire to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-14). In verses (15-20), he will be cast out of heaven to the earth and finally be destroyed. In John 8:37-45, Christ told the scribes and Pharisees, you are of your father the devil. Satan was a murderer from the beginning because he caused Adam and Eve to sin because of his lie. Without forgiveness and redemption through Christ, we would have no chance.
Source: H3742 – kᵊrûḇ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3742/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Genesis 3:1-13
In verse 1, who was in the garden of Eden at the beginning? Adam, Eve, and Satan (known as the serpent). Satan has been a liar and deceiver since the beginning of man’s creation.
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7
Satan was going back and forth from heaven to the earth. The sons of God (angels) presented themselves to God and Satan was there also. Satan said to God that Job was a righteous man because he had God’s protection. Satan was allowed to tempt Job but not kill him. Whatever evil came upon Job, he never cursed or blamed God. Job patiently endured Satan’s afflictions. This scripture also indicates that Satan is not confined in a fiery “hell” because he presents himself before God in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Satan has deceived the minds of those who do not believe. He is the god of this world. In Ezekiel 28, he was called the cherub that covers or protects. He is not protecting or taking care of the earth or its inhabitants. Look at other versions of verse 4, such as the New Living Translation.
Matthew 4:1-11
Christ had not eaten for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and Satan went to tempt him. He was not weak, and Satan could not turn him against his Father. Satan wanted to be worshipped and offered Christ, all the kingdoms or governments of the world. Christ said to get behind me Satan, and that he would only worship the one true God as Christ was quoting scripture from Deuteronomy 6:16 and 8:3.
Ephesians 6:11-18
We are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the evil influence of Satan in this world. Put on the whole armor of God. Study the scriptures. Have faith. Behave righteously. Pray fervently. Do all these things with diligence to resist the adversary and overcome his deceptions by the power of the spirit through Jesus Christ and his Father.
Reference
[1] Hebrew Concordance 1966 הֵילֵל noun masculine appellative shining one, an epithet of the king of Babylon, בֶּןשָֿׁ֑חַר ׳אֵיךְ נָפַלְתָּ מִשָּׁמַיִם ה Isaiah 14:12 how art thou fallen, shining one, son of dawn! i.e. star of the morning. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1966.htm And compare with Hebrew Concordance 1984, to be boastful. https://biblescan.com/searchhebrew.php?q=1984
Additional references for further research:
- John 8:43-44 Satan is the father of lies, “Ye are of your father the devil.”
- Isaiah 14:12-14 Satan desires to be like God.
- Revelation 12:7-12 Satan and his demons cast to the earth.
- Revelation 20:1-3,7,10 After 1000 years, Satan is permanently destroyed.
- Refer to the Bible Research study: Heaven and Hell.
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