LUCIFER

Devil or Satan, names applied in Christian theologyto the supreme personification of evil. He is considered to possess outside of man and placed at the head of a host of fallen angels whose continual purpose is to thwart the purpose of God and the progress of his kingdom in the hearts of men.

From the Biblical perspective, Satan is not just the personification of evil, he is a real person. Like other angels he is immortal but there are limits in his power. Satan is not a figment of the imagination. It is just as certain of the existence of Satan as it is the existence of God. The evidence presented in the Bible for the activity and existence of Satin is formidable. The Old Testament assumes the existence of Satan. There is not formal proof given for the existence of Satan and demons, but the entire Bible unfolds depending on the reality of their existence. Seven books of the Old Testament specifically teach the reality of their existence. They are: Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. The Bible states that Satan is both a genuine person and a fallen angel.

Satanism

Satanism or diabolism is the concious worship of the devil or principle of evil, usually embracing profane rites and the caricature of Christian ceremonies.

Early polytheistic systems of belief, many gods or powers were worshiped, both good and evil, and that believers in later dualistic systems paid homage not only to the god of light but also to his counterpart, the prince of darkness. Probably in order to lesson his anger.

The sorcerers, witches, and magicians of the past were frequently thought to have contact with satanic powers and the Inquisition was empowered to stamp out satanism.

In later times, groups of blatant unbelievers with dissolute morals devised and practiced rituals such as the 'black mass' at the 'witches' sabbath.

Names of Satan

There are at least 40 names for Satan in the Bible. Here are a few.

Abaddon- Revelations 9:11 The angel of the abyss. Accuser- Revelation 12:10 "Accuser of the bretheren." Adversary- 1 Peter 5:8 Angel of the Bottomless Pit-Revelations 9:11 Apollyon- Revelations 9:11 Belial- 2 Corinthians 6:15 Beelzebub- Matthew 12:24 Destroyer- Revelation 9:11 Devil- Luke 4:2 Evil One- John 17:15, 1 John 5:18 Father of Lies- John 8:44 God of this Age- 2 Corinthians 4:4 Great Dragon- Revelation 12:3,7,9 Lucifer- Isaiah14:12 Murderer- John 8:44 Old Serpent- Revelations 12:9 Prince of this world- John 12:31 Prince of the Power of the Air- Ephesians 2:2 Prince of Demons- Matthew 12:24, Luke 11:15 Ruler of Darkness- Ephesians 6:12 Tempter- Matthew 4:3 Unclean Spirit- Matthew 12:43 Wicked One- Matthew 13:19 Satan -Zechariah 3:1, Revelations 12:9 It is significant that that the name satan occurs but five times in the Old Testament: three times in Job, where he represents himself among the 'sons of God' before the Lord. However this common title for the devil is used 52 times in the Bible. The remainder all appearing in the New Testament. Satan is Hebrew for adversary or opposer.

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