Satanism – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Satanism refers to a range of belief systems that define themselves in opposition to biblical Christianity. Some forms, such as the Church of Satan founded by Anton LaVey, are atheistic and deny that Satan exists as a literal being. In these systems, Satan functions as a symbol representing self-rule, indulgence, rejection of moral restraint, and resistance to biblical authority. Other forms of Satanism are theistic, treating Satan, or similar figures, as spiritual beings worthy of reverence. Despite these differences, all forms of Satanism align themselves with Satan-like values: rebellion against God and the celebration of sin or autonomy.

The Bible teaches that Satan is a real created being who rebelled against God and now works to deceive humanity and oppose God’s purposes (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8). He deceived Eve, contradicting what God had told her and lying to her about God (Genesis 3:4-5; Revelation 12:9). Rejection of God’s authority places a person in opposition to Him (Matthew 12:30) and in alignment with Satan (1 John 3:8). Embracing sin leads to death, while forgiveness and life are found through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). God calls everyone to repent of sin and receive salvation through Christ (Acts 17:30), who came to rescue sinners from Satan’s domain (Colossians 1:13–14; 1 John 3:8).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Satan first appeared in Scripture as a deceiver intent on drawing humanity into rebellion against God. Questioning God’s word, he distorted God’s character and tempted Adam and Eve to doubt God’s goodness and authority (Genesis 3:1–5). The result was humanity’s fall into sin, and death entering the world (Genesis 3:6–19). From the beginning, Satan’s work has always been destructive. He leads people away from trusting God, and his deception brings separation from God rather than the autonomy or fulfillment he promises.
• Though Satan is a force of rebellion, Scripture makes it clear that Satan is not equal to God and does not act independently. In the book of Job, Satan needed God to permit him to afflict Job, and God limited what Satan could do (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6). This limiting shows God’s authority over Satan.Satan is a created being and under God’s rule, like us. Though Scripture presents him as real and dangerous, he is subordinate to the sovereign LORD and absolutely unworthy of allegiance.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Satanism refers to belief systems that define themselves in opposition to biblical Christianity. Some forms treat Satan as a literal spiritual being worthy of reverence, while others deny his existence but use “Satan” as a symbol of self-rule, indulgence, and rejection of moral restraint. In both cases, Satanism openly embraces values that Scripture associates with rebellion against God and resistance to His authority.
• Though some Satanists use that designation to denote an ideology of self-rule and rejection of moral restraint, the New Testament teaches that Satan is a real spiritual being. The Bible presents him as a deceiver because He opposes truth and seeks to lead people away from God. Jesus described Satan as “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Aligning oneself with Satan’s character means embracing deception, which Scripture presents as spiritually destructive (Colossians 3:9-10).
• Satanism often celebrates self-rule and autonomy, but the New Testament identifies this as an expression of humanity’s deeper problem. Satan’s rebellion is rooted in pride and refusal to submit to God, and those who adopt the same view place themselves in opposition to God’s purposes. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of getting power from Satan, Jesus pointed out their illogic, but also noted, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters”(Matthew 12:30). Those who rebel against God are following Satan’s example.
• Satan’s influence encourages sin by minimizing its consequences. Yet, Scripture teaches that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Jesus came to break that bondage by defeating Satan’s work and delivering people from his domain through forgiveness and new life (Colossians 1:13–14; 1 John 3:8).
• While Satan’s influence on this world is real, God has already promised that He will one day cast Satan into Hell to be eternally punished for what he has done (Revelation 20:7–10). All those who follow him, whether explicitly or implicitly, will join him in his horrible fate (Revelation 20:11–15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Satan’s defining mark is rebellion. He refuses God’s authority, distorts His Word, and encourages others to do the same. When a person chooses self-rule over submission to God, that person is walking Satan’s path. That is true whether someone openly embraces Satanic beliefs, treats Satan as merely a symbol, or simply lives their life in defiance of God’s commands. The issue is not whether Satan is worshiped, but whether God is obeyed.

Scripture is clear about where rebellion leads. When God’s patience with humanity and Satan ends, all unbelievers, all demons, and even Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment (Revelation 20:7–15). Hell is not where people party with Satan—it is where they go to be tortured like Satan.

In other words, it’s a place believers won’t go, so for that, we praise Jesus. But what of our unbelieving friends and relatives? Our concern for them to avoid the same fate as Satan should compel us to share the truth about Christ with them. We don’t have to grab them by the lapels and shove a Bible in their faces. But we should share the Gospel with them by living it ourselves and telling them about Jesus. The good news about Christ is the life preserver to a drowning world.

UNDERSTAND

• Satanism rejects God’s authority, whether Satan is viewed as a symbol or a literal being.
• Satan is a real, created deceiver, not God’s equal, and works to oppose God’s truth.
• Following rebellion leads to death; forgiveness and life are found only in Christ.

REFLECT

• Where do you see subtle forms of self-rule or resistance to God’s authority influencing your life?
• How do you respond when God’s commands challenge your desires or sense of independence?
• What does trusting Christ for rescue—from sin and deception—look like in your life right now?

ENGAGE

• How do we see the values of rebellion and self-rule normalized or celebrated in our culture today?
• Why is it important for us to understand that Satan is a real but limited created being, not God’s equal?
• How can we live and speak the Gospel in ways that lovingly confront rebellion and point others to Christ?