Satan, Devils, Demons

The evil being known as Satan or the devil appears very rarely in the Old Testament, but several times in the New.

In spite of his being pictured with horns and a pitchfork, the Bible says nothing whatever about his looks. (Since Satan is evil, artists naturally portray him as ugly.)

Satan and the devils/demons who serve him are depicted as harmful to mankind, tempting us to do evil things and to reject God. The Bible’s last book, Revelation, claims that Satan and his followers will be annihilated at the end of time.

For the present, Satan and the devils can lead people astray—but not unless the people are willing. Comedian Flip Wilson’s old line, “The devil made me do it,” doesn’t square with the Bible.

In the Bible, Satan doesn’t make anyone do anything. Human beings are responsible for their own sins. The devil may tempt people, but people themselves choose to do wrong.
See 209 (angles); 231 (sin).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Personal Promise

Charles Stanley

Jesus came to earth with the view of offering you salvation. He wanted you to have a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that was so close, so intimate, that you would have your special place in the Father’s house (John 14:1–4).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Unexpected Savior

John MacArthur

Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Reflections on the Incarnation and Freedom of God

Philip Yancey

Think of the condescension involved: the incarnation, which sliced history into two parts had more animal than human witnesses. Think, too, of the risk. In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Blessing of the Presence of Jesus

Charles Spurgeon

He is as certainly with us now as He was with the disciples at the lake when they saw coals of fire, fish on the coals, and bread (John 21:9). Not physically, but still in real truth, Jesus is with us!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

God’s Awesome Love

Charles Stanley

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. With great awe and in complete reverence, the shepherds looked upon the baby Jesus. It was true.