A Theology of Satan

There is no theology of territorial demon spirits in the Old Testament. Scripture states Satan opposes the work of God, but that he can go no further than God allows at any time. We should pray to God and continue doing His will, as His purpose will prevail. The Bible does not teach that we should pray against demon powers, except when casting out an evil spirit by a gift of faith.

The Old Testament has very little theology on Satan. The Bible shows us that Satan is:

1. God’s creature and therefore subject to God’s dominion. (Is 54:16 says God created the destroyer to destroy, to “take out the garbage”.) This text does not refer to Satan but to Israel’s enemies, but the principal is the same. God created all beings (Heb 1:3, Col 1:16).

2. Responsible for his own sin and rebellion (James 1:13).

God is morally upright and in Him there is no darkness, or shadow of turning (1 John 1:5). The question of evil has been tackled by many. God said He cannot be tempted with evil, or tempt any man (James 1:13). God tested Abraham’s faith, but did not tempt him to disobey (Gen 22:1). The book of Job is the best statement on the reason for evil, which basically says two things: Do not counsel God on what we do not understand and God will always do that which is right.

Yet in His sovereignty, God allowed Satan to fall. He uses Satan to achieve His purposes, as God said in Isaiah, “I create good and evil, light and darkness.” (Is 45:7). This is referring to enemy nations, by which God brought down other nations in judgement. In all this, God is never responsible for evil. God is not the author of sin, but only of judgement in His time and way.