Satan may be powerful, but according to Christian teachings, there are certain things he simply cannot do.
Know everything
Satan is certainly knowledgeable and wise in his deception. After all, he has studied humanity for centuries. But Satan does not know everything. Psalm 139: 1–4 says that God knows what we will say before we speak. Satan has no such verses in the Bible.
He may understand people’s sinful nature and know how to appeal to our weaknesses, but believers should not assume that he always knows what we are thinking privately or knows every hidden sin in our lives.
Be everywhere at once
Psalm 139: 7–10 speaks of God’s ability to be present everywhere at the same time. Satan, on the other hand, says of himself that he “goes back and forth on the earth” in Job 1:7.
There is also the traditional view of Satan as a spiritual being with limitations, rather than an omnipresent deity. Popular illustrations of Satan as trailing behind each person all the time are not something the Bible explicitly teaches.
Create life
God is Creator of all things. John 1: 3 says that all things were made through Jesus, while Colossians 1:16 says that God created everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.
Satan is not mentioned in this list of God’s creation activity, implying that he is also a created being. Satan can kill, corrupt, and manipulate creation, but he cannot create something from nothing.
Force someone to sin
Christian tradition correctly separates temptation from sin. When Satan tempted Christ in Matthew 4:1–11, Christ resisted every temptation.
James 1: 14–15 says that humans are tempted when they give in to their own desires. While Satan can tempt us and expose our weaknesses, Christians believe that each individual person is responsible for their own sins.
Overpower God
God establishes limits on Satan’s power in Job 1–2 when Satan attempts to attack Job but cannot do so beyond what God allows. Satan is defeated and judged at the end of time as well, according to Revelation 20:10. Satan is God’s adversary, but that does not mean that Satan is on equal standing with an all-powerful God. Satan cannot surpass God’s power.
Know the exact future
God alone knows what will happen in the future. Isaiah 46: 9–10 says that God alone knows the end from the beginning. Satan can never be described as having this kind of power or knowledge.
He can tempt, entice, and manipulate situations based on prior knowledge. He can even use deceit to appear very knowledgeable about certain future events. But Satan does not know the future to the extent that God knows the future. Christians should not assume that Satan knows the date of Christ’s return, for example.
Snatch believers from Christ’s protection
Jesus tells his disciples in John 10: 28–29 that no one can snatch those who belong to Him from His hand. Satan cannot overpower Christ to take away his followers.
Different denominations believe variously about whether a Christian can leave their faith or be pulled out of salvation. Believers cannot be taken from Christ’s hand without His permission, but individuals still have personal responsibility over their own actions.
Receive the worship that belongs to God
Satan seeks worship. In Matthew 4: 8–10, Satan attempts to get Jesus to worship him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world.
Jesus responds by telling Satan that worship is to be given to God alone. Satan can try to lead people astray and have them worship him. But Satan will never be God because he is not capable of being worthy of the worship God deserves.
Escape his final judgment
Christianity teaches that Satan will not always get to do what he wants. Revelation 20: 10 describes that Satan will be ultimately cast into the lake of fire. Matthew 25: 41 affirms that this lake of fire was prepared for Satan and his angels.
Christians understand these passages differently regarding the nature of the lake of fire. However, most traditional Christians would agree that Satan will receive a final judgment for his sins.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
10 things Christians are tired of hearing from outsiders
Talking about faith is made so difficult when you have to explain away the same distracting, overbearing caricatures before any real discussion can even start.
