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

The Initiative Against Depression

Oswald Chambers

A human being is capable of depression, otherwise there would be no capacity for exaltation. There are things that are calculated to depress, things that are of the nature of death; and in taking an estimate of yourself, always take into account the capacity for depression.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Inspiration of Spiritual Initiative

Oswald Chambers

When the inspiration of God does come, it comes with such miraculous power that we are able to arise from the dead and do the impossible thing. God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Determination To Serve

Oswald Chambers

The mainspring of Paul 's service is not love for men, but love for Jesus Christ. Paul's realization of how Jesus Christ had dealt with him is the secret of his determination to serve others.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

What God’s Love Can’t Do

Billy Graham

God cannot forgive the unrepentant sinner. The human race is called on throughout the Bible to repent of sin and return to God. This love of God can be entirely rejected. God will not force Himself upon any man against his will.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Pure and Powerful

Zig Ziglar

Too often, we value all received messages equally. God’s Word, though, is more precious and valuable than any other message sent to us. The psalmist describes God’s message as “pure words” that are like silver processed “seven times” in the furnace.