Satan's need for permission to attack us is illustrated by his requests in Job 1 and 2 and in Luke 22:31–32, where he sought to test Job and to sift Peter. However, there is no consistent biblical evidence that Satan always requires God's explicit permission for every attack. The New Testament often depicts Satan as actively opposing and tempting without specific divine consent, indicating that his authority as the ruler of this world allows him to operate more freely. Despite this, believers are equipped with spiritual armor to resist his schemes, and we are promised victory through Christ's power. Ultimately, while Satan can cause significant challenges, his power is limited, and his final defeat is assured.
Satan comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). First John 5:19 teaches, "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." Yet we are to "give no opportunity to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27) and to set our mind on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Ephesians 6:10–20 also offers clear advice regarding how to respond to Satan's attacks. We stand firm, wearing God's "spiritual armor" to successfully respond to the devil's schemes: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (v. 11). For those who believe in Christ, we can rest in His promise that, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Satan’s power is limited, and God’s power is infinite. Nothing, not even Satan, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37–39). In the end, Satan will be defeated, and his power will end (Revelation 20:10).