DEVIL

The term means to slander, accuse (cf. Rev. 12:9-10). This word is used thirty-three times in the N.T. of the arch-enemy of man, Satan (Mt. 13:28). Since only deity is characterized by underived immortality (1 Tim. 6:16), Satan obviously was created (Col. 1:16). But inasmuch as everything created was judged "very good" (Gen. 1:32), one must conclude that Satan "fell" (cf. 1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). His characteristic activity is tempting others to sin ("tempter" in Mt. 4:3 is a present tense participle, indicating sustained action). His temptation of the human family, together with the destruction that has followed, casts him into the role of the "murderer" of mankind (Jn. 8:44; cf. Rom. 5:12). His power over us is limited by our own freewill, so we must resist him (Jas. 4:7; Mt. 26:41), The devil's ultimate destiny is eternal torment in hell (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).