International Bible Teaching Ministries
Satan and Demons
Question 1: Is the Devil different from Satan and demons? Who is Lucifer?
ANSWER: Revelation 12:9 tells us that the Devil and Satan are one and the same. Demons were evil spirits in subjection to and under the direction of Satan, the Devil (Matthew 12:24-30). The fact of "demons" during the time of Christ cannot be denied (Matthew 4:24). However, we should understand that their presence at that time was for a specific purpose, i.e., in order for Christ to prove His divinity by showing His power over Satan. Jesus clearly taught in Matthew 12:22-30 that he had come to bind Satan. He mightily accomplished that deed as seen in Revelation 20:1-3. This binding of Satan and his servants resulted in their power being limited only to evil influences. Today, when the faithful child of God resists these influences in obedience to the word of God, the devil will flee from him (James 4:7). People today are not possessed by demons, as were some in the first century!
Since the third century some have applied the name of Lucifer to Satan, which is based upon the unfounded idea that the name Lucifer as found in Isaiah 14:12 refers not only to the King of Babylon, but also to the fallen angel of Luke 10:18 and Revelation 12:7-10. That reference is solely to the falling of the King(dom) of Babylon can be seen not only in Isaiah 14:4, but also in Isaiah 13:6-11 where the fall of the Babylonian rulers is clearly represented (Vs.10) as heavenly bodies which were to fail! The same symbolic language is used in reference to the falling of governments with the destruction of the Roman Empire (Matthew 24:29). Lucifer, then, scripturally refers to the King of Babylon!
Question 2: Is Satan a fallen angel?
ANSWER: It is true that Satan is a fallen angel. In fact he was the apparent leader of all other fallen angels who had, because of pride, rebelled against God. Refer to: II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; and Revelation 12:7-9.
Having fallen, it is his design to lead astray and cause to sin those who would be in a right relationship with God, thereby seeking to destroy the glory and honor that should otherwise belong to Him.
Satan's power over humans today has been restricted only to evil and ungodly influences. Those who succumb to such influences will experience the same destiny that has been prepared for Satan at the end of time (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
Question 3: Are there male and female devils?
ANSWER: The Bible always refers to the devil and demons by use of masculine nouns and pronouns. For example; Mark 3:22; John 8:44; John 12:31; Mark 5:9-10.