Interestingly enough, most of what Christendom believes regarding Satan does not even come from the Bible.  For example, the image of Satan as a forked-tail, horned demon with a goat's body is derived from the Greek god, Pan, and not from Hebrew Scripture at all. Before we can accurately understand the actual biblical concepts about hell and the devil, let us first gain a proper perspective on them - specifically when speaking or thinking of the devil in comparison to God.  Let us begin by acknowledging that Satan or the devil IS NOT - and never will or can be - the exact opposite of God. Our God has no equal!

We must also remember that each person, even within the same local church, interprets the Bible and its truth differently, especially in regard to hell, evil or (d)evil.  But if we can first agree that our God has no equal, and is the all-powerful creative force in the universe, then, we have found common ground that can serve as our foundation. As believers, let us not allow our focus to be centered on NOT BELIEVING in Hell, but rather, let us declare that we BELIEVE IN a God who is all-powerful. For instance, I acknowledge the existence of the devil or (d)evil.  However, I believe IN God or Ultimate G(o)od - and that is where my focus lies.

The Hebrew name Satan actually means "adversary."  The Greek word for "devil"  (pronounced diabolos) is also translated as "adversary" and is at times used as a proper name for anything that opposes God. This same word is used both to describe the angel of the Lord and for any potential human adversary.  At other times, Satan is seen as an "accuser" who brings a charge against people before God (as in the story of Job). Yet, we must remember that even in this story, it is God who sets the boundaries that this accuser must operate within and be respectful of.

Most often in the Bible, the assigning of the name Satan is not directed at a being or PERSONA, but rather at an object, an obstacle or an idea (such as sickness, poverty or anything standing in the way of our advancing on the journey of realizing more of God's purposes in the earth and in our own lives.)  For instance, Jesus calls Peter the "Rock" and declares that on his revelation the church will be built and that the gates of hell would not be able to prevail against it. Yet, not long after this, Jesus rebukes Peter and calls him "Satan" for standing in the way of His destiny on the cross of Calvary.

So, we must be extremely careful when assigning a persona (personage or personality) to Satan or the (d)evil.  Anything that acts as an adversary to our realizing the abundant life Jesus meant for us can be perceived as the devil.  However, these adversaries and obstacles, as well as the power they have in our lives, are never to be compared with the all-powerful, all-knowing God that we serve!