Question 77 – Who are Satan and his demons?
The Devil, Satan, the Deceiver, the Evil One, Lucifer, Lightbringer, Father of Lies, Beelzebub, Tempter—these are all names for the same spiritual being who once held a magnificent and privileged position in the hierarchy of God's angels. However, together with many others, Lucifer rebelled against God, and he now acts against Him and the people whom God so dearly loves. From a biblical perspective, he is a fallen (rejected) angel, just like the other fallen angels we call demons.
Czech culture
In our culture, we are greatly influenced by the image of the little devil from fairy tales. This character is often depicted as comical, powerless, and incompetent, or even as assisting others. He has a hoof, tail, horns, and a beard. This portrayal is so unrealistic that the mere mention of his real existence elicits mockery. Yet, the being described by the Bible is very powerful. Essentially, this world belongs to Satan along with all the people who resist God. His goal is to lead every person to his side so that they do not believe in God, do not place their trust in Him, and do not discover His love in Jesus Christ.
The good news is that Satan, along with his demons, are defeated foes. Jesus triumphed over them through His death and resurrection. Thus, He also secured for us the path to victory. They can only rule over us if we permit it (by living in sin, resisting God, or opening ourselves to demons through magic, the occult, New Age practices, etc.). However, if we resist him and call upon God, upon Jesus Christ, He can help us and free us from Satan's dominion.
Without realizing it, countless people around us are heavily bound by demonic influences. Psychology knows hundreds of mental illnesses, but because it is based on materialistic assumptions that deny God and the spiritual realm, it fails to recognize that a significant number of these illnesses might indeed be caused by demonic influences (although, of course, not all). Psychiatric institutions today are filled with people who need Jesus and His liberation from spiritual bondage, not sedatives and therapy. The world, in its denial of God, overlooks this reality. The Bible leaves Christians in no doubt as to whom they battle against in their service to God:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
Satan is the leader of these evil forces. Though powerful, Jesus is mightier than he, and neither Satan nor his demons hold any power over Him! Their powers are not equal. Against God, demons stand no chance. God merely temporarily tolerates their existence and allows their influence on fallen humanity. Even this influence, however, is limited. If it were not so, these hostile spiritual beings would have destroyed us long ago!
What more can be said about Satan and the demons? It is crucial to realize that they often disguise themselves, and particularly in the West, they enjoy free reign because many people deny their existence. This makes their task far easier. Jesus also said of Satan that he is the Father of Lies. He continuously deceives masses of people, questions the word of God, or even His very existence, and encourages rebellion, selfishness, and lovelessness. He often performs miracles to draw attention to himself while concealing his identity (spiritistic séances, conjuring spirits, magic, spirit apparitions, communication with "spirit guides," false Marian apparitions, UFO phenomena, etc.). In the final days of this civilization, Satan will have a crucial role to play. The Antichrist will emerge before the second coming of Jesus, acting powerfully and taking control of the world under the guise of false humanity and love. He will claim to be the Messiah Himself, leading many Christians astray. However, those who stand firm on biblical truths will recognize his identity.
Summation
Satan and all his demons are powerful spiritual beings with whom no human can compare. In the world, they perpetrate much evil. They hold sway over all false religions, including atheistic cultures. Yet, they lose their influence over those who have become the "property" of the Lord Jesus Christ. He created all the angels, both good and fallen. None of them can match His power.