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Questions tagged [satan]

Satan (שטן) is "the Evil One," often called Lucifer, the Devil, or Beelzebub (בעל זבוב). He is an antagonist to God and his church.

From the Hebrew "Ha-Satan" (השטן), literally the "Accuser." Also know as the "Devil" or the "Evil One", Satan is at the head of the spiritual forces arrayed against God, His elect, and the holy angels.

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Are Lucifer and Satan different beings?

I have heard an interview where a Jesuit exorcist said that Lucifer and Satan were different beings. I'd always thought that they were the same. Are both Lucifer and Satan mentioned by name in the Bible? What is the support for considering them the…
aceinthehole
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What is the origin of the Devil's red pointy costume and pitchfork?

So, biblically, Satan comes as "an angel of light." and yet, in the popular imagitation, he is usually wearing a red costume with a pointy tail, a sharp beard, and a pitchfork. When and how did this characterization develop?
Affable Geek
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What could persuade a presumably otherwise-rational Satan to turn on God?

It's said that Satan is a very smart creature. Satan, and 1/3 of the other angels, chose what seems to be a very foolish fate. Knowing that God is all-powerful, we ask, what could have compelled Satan - presumably a rational, intelligent being - to…
Chris's sister
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When did Lucifer's fall take place?

Was it the act of seducing Eve to eat the apple that was his downfall, was he already fallen before that, or was it after?
Derek Downey
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Theology question: why hasn't God stopped Satan and his demons?

I'm just trying to find some theological or philosophical discussion of why God hasn't stopped Satan and his demons. Why not imprison them? Why not take away their free will? Why not annihilate them? Why allow them what dominion they have over us? I…
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Of what nature is Satan?

Recently, a good friend of mine posed the question: What (or who) is Satan and how do we know? I answered him, saying that Satan is an evil angel because this is what I've been taught since I was a child. However, after further investigation…
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The Power of Satan over Believers and Unbelievers

In tormenting Job, Satan had to ask God for permission concerning what he could do (economic damage, family, health). Before sifting Peter, Satan had to ask Jesus for permission. Question: For believers, is there some time mark after which Satan…
unregistered-matthew7.7
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How does the devil work?

In Christianity what are specific real life examples of how the devil works? Also, any specific examples of how the devil works in the Bible?
Greg McNulty
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Where in Scripture, did it mention the fallen relationship between God and Satan?

I have once heard that, in someone's remarks, stated that, "Satan was a beautiful angel and was created by God. Later, He became jealous of God and was cast out of Heaven". However, I haven't find any valid passage that support this claim. Perhaps…
user54585
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Since Satan was defeated by Jesus on the Cross, why is he still allowed to vex us today?

In the Revelation it says that Satan was overcome by Salvation, and yet he continues to vex Christians today. I know that at the great white throne judgment he will be cast into the lake of fire, but it seems that once we give our lives to Christ,…
BYE
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Is to ignore Satan also to underestimate the potential he has to assault the Christian?

I've often thought that, once indwelt by the Holy Spirit and saved by the grace of God, Satan has nothing against me. But, is to ignore Satan also to underestimate the potential he has to assault the Christian? What do the apostles and disciples of…
user900
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If Satan is not omnipresent and supposedly wanders around like a roaring lion, how can he tempt and interact with all humans?

There are millions of human beings and there is no way that Satan can interact/tempt all of us in a one-on-one relationship. So how does Satan perform his evil works? I know that I am a sinner and have sin inherently in me but I don't see how Satan…
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Who is "the devil"?

Have you noticed that the devil is not mentioned in the Old Testament? There is a serpent in Genesis 3 yes, but is it the devil? Nowhere does God call it that. In fact in Genesis 2 it says that God created all the host of heaven and the host of the…
Lisa Cremer
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Did God create Earth as a temporary place of confinement for Lucifer and his Angels?

I have often wondered if Earth was created not for man, but as a place of temporary confinement for Satan and his demons. That idea was provoked by, Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. and; Rev 12:7 And…
BYE
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Does Satan actually laugh?

I've watched a lot of horror movies and I can't help noticing Satan or any demons are often portrayed 'diabolically' laughing somewhere in the movie. But then, Satan is supposed to be our prosecutor* at the Last Judgement and a professional…
Alexander
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