Note: All of the scriptural references below are active links.
Who is satan?
He is a son of God, and one of his names is Lucifer. D&C 76:26
Where does he come from?
He lived in the pre-mortal world before being cast down to earth. D&C 29:36-37, Revelations 12:4
Why was he cast down?
He rebelled against the Father and the Son and sought to destroy the agency of man. D&C 76:25, Moses 4:3
Did he rebel alone, or were there others who followed Him?
A third part of the host of heaven followed him. D&C 29:36
What is he doing now that he is cast down to this earth?
He desires to have you and destroy your opportunity to become like Heavenly Father. Moses 5:23, D&C 10:27
Why does Heavenly Father allow satan to be on earth, among us, when we didn’t rebel?
In order for mankind to have agency we need to be placed in an environment where opposition exist-good and evil. Satan’s temptations are necessary for us to be tried and proven. D&C 29:39, Abraham 3:25
Satan is a spirit and we have bodies, how can he and those who follow him influence (tempt) us?
1. Satan and those who follow him can dwell in the bodies of some mortals. Matt 8:31-32
2. He can influence our hearts and minds. The scripture refer to this as blinding our minds and eyes. 1 Nephi 12:17, 3 Nephi 2:1
3. The Book of Mormon teaches that satan was able to sufficiently blind the Jaredites eyes and minds so that he had full power over their hearts, and the Lord ceased to strive with them. Ether 15:19
4. The Lord revealed that he gives men light and truth and then satan comes and takes away light and truth. D&C 93:28, 39
Church leaders have taught members all they need to know regarding Lucifer. Our job is to understand and then believe what they’ve taught. In my opinion satan has more influence on church members than we are willing to admit. It is natural for us to feel that we are somehow immune to his power. That is what he would like each of us to believe (2 Nephi 28:22).
Church leaders have taught that members are especially prone to temptation when we fail to observe our covenants. If we take our covenants seriously we should learn how to defend ourselves against the evil ones influences–the fiery darts of the adversary.
Ways to Deal with the Adversary
First, I hope all who read these words already have, or soon will have a child like faith. I hope your heart is teachable and not hardened by the deceptions of Lucifer.
Second, be aware of one of the most successful tactics the evil one uses to ensnare the best among us. He will seek to turn our strengthens into weakness. Take a moment and read Elders Dallin Oaks talk on this important topic. Click here
Third, practice doing the following every day, until they become a habit. President Monson said:
1. Study diligently.
2. Pray fervently.
3. Live righteously.
These suggestions are not new; they have been taught and repeated again and again. If we incorporate them into our lives, however, we will have the strength to withstand the adversary. Should we ignore them, we will be opening the door for Satan to have influence and power over us. Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009, 67–70. Click here to read the entire conference talk.
Summary
The Book of Mormon gives a perspective on the power of the adversary that should give us cause to have a healthy respect, even a fear of Lucifer.
Read the following verses to see what I mean–click here