What are the powers and limitations of Satan?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that the greatest truth about Satan is not his power, but his limitation—he is a defeated enemy whose every action is confined by the sovereign will of God (Question 90). He is not the opposite of God; he is merely a created angel (Question 126) who rebelled and now uses his intelligence to oppose the Creator.
The Bible reveals his power not to make us fearful, but to make us alert (1 Peter 5:8). Our confidence is not in our ability to fight him, but in the authority of Jesus Christ, who has already won the war. Therefore, while we acknowledge his influence, we never fear his ultimate power.
The Simple Answer
Satan (whose name means "adversary") is the central enemy of God and humanity. His power is real, but it is strictly controlled because he is a creature, not the Creator.
Satan's Powers (What He Can Do):
Influence and Temptation: He is a master strategist who works to lure us into sin by suggesting deceptive thoughts (Question 107) and manipulating circumstances.
Deception: He blinds the minds of unbelievers and distorts biblical truth to lead people astray (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Accusation: He acts as the "accuser of our brothers" before God, pointing out our failures (Revelation 12:10).
Infliction: With God's permission, he can inflict physical harm or cause natural troubles (Job 1).
Satan's Limitations (What He Cannot Do):
He is not Omniscient: He cannot read your private thoughts; he can only infer them based on your outward actions and words (Question 132).
He is not Omnipresent: He cannot be everywhere at once; he is confined to space and time and must rely on his demons.
He is not Omnipotent: He cannot act without God's explicit permission (Job 1:12); he can never thwart God's ultimate plan.
He is defeated: He has been eternally conquered by Jesus' death and resurrection, and his final destruction is guaranteed.
The Deeper Dive: His Roles and Strategy
Satan’s strategy is sophisticated, but his roles are clearly defined in Scripture.
1. The Power of Deception and Influence
Satan’s primary power lies in deception. He is called the "father of lies" (John 8:44). He works to:
Tempt: He suggests doubts and temptations (Question 107) to lead people into disobedience (Genesis 3).
Blind: He tries to blind the minds of unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Distort: He seeks to corrupt biblical doctrine (Question 128) and create false religious systems (Question 125).
2. The Power of Accusation
Satan is referred to as the "accuser of our brothers" (Revelation 12:10). His power is to stand before God and condemn believers based on their failures (Question 123).
The Counter: This power is neutralized by the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate Advocate (1 John 2:1). When Satan accuses us, Christ defends us by pointing to His own blood (Romans 8:33-34).
3. Absolute Divine Limitations
The most comforting assurance for the Christian is the absolute limit placed upon the enemy:
Limits on Personal Harm: Satan could not touch Job's life or property without explicit permission from God (Job 1:12). God draws a protective line around His children.
Limits on Authority: Satan's "authority" over the world is temporary. Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
Limits on Salvation: Satan cannot snatch any true believer out of the hand of God (John 10:28-29).
God's Assurance
God assures you that you have been given superior authority over the enemy through your identity in Christ.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7 (NIV)
You are assured that the Holy Spirit residing in you is greater than the power of darkness that is in the world (1 John 4:4, Question 66).
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not magnify the power of Satan; magnify the power of God. You defeat the enemy not by being consumed by fear or research about him, but by living a life of joyful, committed obedience to Christ. Focus on the truth, confess your sins promptly, and trust in Christ’s finished work. The best defense is a constant, devoted walk with your victorious Lord.
