Who Is Satan In the Bible?
History of Satan in the Bible
Satan existed before the creation of the world as the person 'Lucifer' (Isaiah14:12). He is a created being that is not all power, but certainly more powerful and intelligent than any of God's other creatures (Ezekiel 28:12). According to Isaiah, Lucifer wanted to 'be like the most high' (essentially take God's throne), for which he was cast out of heaven. From that point his name was changed and he used his subtilty to recruit one third of God's holy angels to follow him in rebellion.
Satan has opposed all things that God has done on earth since creation, being present in the Garden of Eden and assisting unto the fall of the world in the form of a serpent. Since that time he has NOT disappeared, but has been subtly in the background opposing God's purpose and the people of God (Zech 3:1). The most famous places we see Satan at work is in Job's trials (Job 1-2) and his work of terrifying the earth in the tribulation (see Revelation).
Satan At Work Today
Is Satan still at work today? Absolutely. Just as he has been over the ages, sneakily and subtly opposing God and the things and the people of God.
He is said to be the "god of this world" (2 Cor 4:4), with power over the world in the realm of spiritual darkness (Eph 6:12). He has many other 'devils' at his disposal to work against Christians. One of the most unforeseen ways that he is currently at work in the world is through false religion, as he is able to be "transformed into an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14) and his "ministers also to be transformed as ministers of righteousness". Not everything that appears righteous or from God actually is. Beware.
Satan also possesses the ability to work in the heart of individuals, as is noted with Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5:3). He can put thoughts into our hearts and minds, and even take over people that are not sealed with the Holy Spirit of God, as is evidence with Judas (Luke 22:3) and the man of sin (2 Thess 2:3).
He is only able to be overcome with the equipment given to Christians: the armour of God, the word of God, and prayer and fasting (Eph 6:10-18). No other physical or spiritual means can overcome him.
Satan's Defeat on the Cross
Although Satan has terrorized the earth since the day that he rebelled against God, the bible clearly teaches his defeat on the cross, and the his prophetic defeat and destruction in the future.
The work that Jesus did on the cross was Satan's ultimate defeat. For prior to the cross, death was "passed upon all men" (Rom 5:12). Jesus 'destroyed death' on the cross (Heb 2:14) and destroyed "the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Therefore Satan's power has been bound, as far as sin and death are concerned - for all who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Christ upon the cross have been "translated… into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col 1:3, 2:15).
Satan's Power In Your Life
The only power that Satan has over the life of a Christian is what we allow him. God has given us equipment in the armor of God and information in the word of God that we would not be "ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor 2:11). God will still allow Satan to terrorize Christians, reminding us that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Eph 6:12), but will not leave use helpless in our time of trouble by making "a way to escape" temptation (1 Cor 10:13).
Although God is more powerful than Satan, He allows Satan's schemes, using them to accomplish His own purposes. Satan's trials prove the faith of men (1 Chron 21:1, Job 1-2, Matt 4:1), and Satan's attacks bring about man's weaknesses which makes them more dependent upon God (2 Cor 12:7-10).
Satan's Future Defeat & Destruction
While Satan may seem to be getting away with all kinds of horrendous evil, there is coming a day in which he will be judged, condemned, and destroyed permanently. Jesus tells us that there is a place called "everlasting fire" which is "prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41). He will ultimately be "cast into the lake of fire" (Rev 20:10) at the end of time. Satan has no redeemable quality and WILL be destroyed - perhaps this is why he so vehemently hates God and the people and purposes of God. Praise the Lord that Satan has a final ending, one which he rightfully deserves!