Topical Bible: The Devil: Character of Wicked

◄ The Devil: Character of Wicked ►

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The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. His character is consistently portrayed as wicked throughout the Scriptures, serving as the adversary of both God and humanity. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature and actions of the Devil, highlighting his role as the ultimate deceiver and tempter.

Origin and Fall

The Devil's origin is alluded to in passages that describe a rebellion against God. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 are often interpreted as references to Satan's fall from grace. These passages depict a being of great beauty and wisdom who became prideful and sought to exalt himself above God, leading to his downfall. This pride and rebellion are foundational to the Devil's wicked character.

Deceiver and Tempter

The Devil's role as a deceiver is evident from the beginning of human history. In Genesis 3:1-5, he appears in the form of a serpent, cunningly deceiving Eve into disobeying God. This act of deception introduces sin into the world, showcasing his intent to lead humanity away from God. Jesus refers to the Devil as "a liar and the father of lies" in John 8:44, emphasizing his nature as a deceiver.

The Devil's character as a tempter is further illustrated in the New Testament. In Matthew 4:1-11, he tempts Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to sway Him from His divine mission. Despite his efforts, Jesus resists, demonstrating the Devil's persistent yet ultimately futile attempts to corrupt the righteous.

Accuser and Adversary

The Devil is also depicted as an accuser, seeking to condemn humanity before God. In the book of Job, Satan challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that his faithfulness is solely due to God's protection and blessings (Job 1:9-11). This role as an accuser is reiterated in Revelation 12:10, where he is described as "the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night."

As an adversary, the Devil actively opposes God's purposes and seeks to thwart His plans. 1 Peter 5:8 warns believers to be vigilant, describing the Devil as "a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This imagery underscores his relentless pursuit of those who follow God, aiming to lead them astray and cause spiritual harm.

Enemy of Righteousness

The Devil's wickedness is further highlighted by his opposition to righteousness and truth. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul warns that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light," indicating his deceptive nature and ability to present evil as good. This ability to disguise wickedness as righteousness is a key aspect of his character, making him a formidable foe for believers.

Ultimate Defeat

Despite his current influence, the Bible assures that the Devil's power is limited and his defeat is certain. Revelation 20:10 prophesies his ultimate end, stating, "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This final judgment underscores the temporary nature of his wicked reign and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness.

In summary, the Devil's character is marked by pride, deception, accusation, and relentless opposition to God and His people. His wickedness is evident in his actions and intentions, as he seeks to undermine God's work and lead humanity into sin. The Scriptures provide a clear portrayal of the Devil as the embodiment of evil, destined for ultimate defeat.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 2:13
I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... which refers rather to essential character, as well ... plural) guilt; masculine (singular)
the devil, or (plural ... evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

Library

Against those who are of Opinion that the Punishment Neither of ...
... not grudge to angels of any rank or character that they ... reason is there for believing
that the devil and his ... God, which is to be pronounced on wicked men and ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 against those who are.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... On this account he left the wicked in the midst of ... the clothing of the flesh, and
this the Devil destroyed on ... For the character of calamities is not of such a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest ...
... XXVI."Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second ... of men,"in short, to remove
the wicked from the ... both by the innate sanctity of thy character, and by ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvi of the loosing of.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... Hence it is that all wicked men are constantly on ... "Doth Job serve God for nought?"
said the devil. ... find no fault with Job whatever, his character was untainted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... HIS CHARACTER. ... 3. WICKED ONE. ... The Bible, however, is very clear and positive in its
teaching regarding the existence of a personality of evil called the devil. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Origin of the Devil, in the Criminal Excess of the Sorrow of ...
... odium felt amongst them [6830] against the devil is the ... 6831] even because the
peculiarly sordid character of his ... angels, and demons, and all the wicked spirits ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxii origin of the devil.htm

Is the Devil a Relation?
... Chapter XVIII."Is the Devil a Relation? ... said: "Is he then a mere relation, and in
this way wicked? ... who cheats; and other things of a like character are good ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xviii is the devil a.htm

God Produced the Wicked One, but not Evil.
... thus, since all things have been begotten from Him, the wicked one is ... Ignorant, then,
of the character of each, [1431] he makes his ... [1431] The devil is plainly ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xii god produced the wicked.htm

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... Now you have the general character of such, in the ... power of the air, that impure
and wicked spirit, who ... darkness: they are going on as the devil himself would ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... II."On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and ... of His mouth, who takes away
the wicked with His ... of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm