DEVIL

The term devil means one who slanders or accuses (cf. Rev. 12:9-10). This word is used thirty-three times in the New Testament of the arch-enemy of man, Satan (Mt. 13:28).

Since only the deity is characterized by underived immortality (1 Tim. 6:16), Satan was obviously created (Col. 1:16). But since everything created was judged "very good" (Gen. 1:32), we must conclude that Satan "fell" at some point (cf. 1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). His fall must have been swift, as it preceded or at most coincided with the fall of Adam and Eve. 

His characteristic activity is tempting others to sin. In Matthew 4:3, he is described as the "tempter", a present-tense participle indicating sustained action. His temptation of the human family, together with the destruction that followed, casts him into the role of the murderer of mankind (Jn. 8:44; cf. Rom. 5:12). Our own freewill limits his power over us, 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).