Is the Bible clear on Satan’s role in the world?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: A lot of people ask what God is like, but it seems that few ask what Satan is like. I’m not sure if the devil’s name is Lucifer, Satan or both, but is the Bible clear on Satan’s role in the world? – S.K.
A: In the millenniums past, there was a time when the universe was in a state of complete harmony with its Maker. It was an existence beyond the comprehension of our finite minds. Into this Paradise came Satan, probably the most misunderstood person in the universe. Before Satan there was no sin, and before sin there was no pain.
Who is Satan? He is underestimated and frequently caricatured. Some think he is only a spiritual force; others have imagined him as a goblin or dismissed him as a myth. Today, however, when Satan worship is increasing at an alarming rate, we had better be aware of him, his origin, his aims, his abilities, and his limitations. Satan was a dazzling creature. Lucifer (meaning “morning star” in Hebrew) was an angel created to glorify God, but this was not the role he wanted. His heart’s desire was to be the chief authority; he wanted to sit on God’s throne and rule the universe (see Isaiah 14).
While we shouldn’t study Satan and his tactics, and we certainly should not try to communicate with him, Scripture warns us to be aware of his craftiness and cunning ways. We should indeed study the Bible: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against … the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:11–12, NKJV). Scripture says to resist the devil and he will flee, and we should flee from his temptations as young Joseph did.
Someone once coined a worthy statement: “When the devil knocks, I just send Jesus to the door.”
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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