Titles and Names of the Devil: Father of Lies
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The title "Father of Lies" is one of the many names attributed to the Devil in the Bible, highlighting his role as the originator and propagator of falsehood. This designation underscores the deceptive nature of Satan and his influence over those who reject the truth of God.

The primary scriptural reference for this title is found in the Gospel of John. Jesus, in a confrontation with the Pharisees, explicitly identifies the Devil as the "father of lies." In John 8:44 , Jesus declares: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies."

This passage reveals several key aspects of the Devil's character:

1. Deceptive Nature: The Devil's very essence is rooted in falsehood. Unlike God, who embodies truth, the Devil is inherently deceitful. His lies are not merely occasional but are intrinsic to his nature.

2. Origin of Lies: As the "father of lies," Satan is portrayed as the progenitor of all falsehood. This title suggests that all lies, deception, and untruths can trace their origin back to him.

3. Influence on Humanity: The Devil's lies have a profound impact on humanity. By calling the Pharisees "children of the devil," Jesus indicates that those who reject God's truth and embrace falsehood are under the influence of Satan.

4. Contrast with Truth: The title "Father of Lies" stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This dichotomy emphasizes the spiritual battle between truth and deception, with Satan leading the forces of falsehood.

Throughout Scripture, the Devil's role as a deceiver is further illustrated in various narratives. In the Garden of Eden, he deceives Eve by twisting God's words, leading to the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:1-5). In the Book of Revelation, he is depicted as the one who "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9).

The title "Father of Lies" serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant against the Devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This spiritual armor includes the "belt of truth," highlighting the importance of truth in combating deception.

In summary, the title "Father of Lies" encapsulates the Devil's identity as the ultimate deceiver, whose lies stand in opposition to the truth of God. This understanding calls believers to discernment and steadfastness in the truth of the Gospel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... Lie." That this is one of the many names of the ... was God incarnate, so will Judas
be the Devil incarnate; and ... fuller notes on the force of these titles we again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm

The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... much soever we arrogate these holy titles unto us ... Thus grandfather Devil, father
World, and mother Hypocrisy, have ... them come in again with their names; and that ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/the second sermon in the.htm

On the Arian Symbol "Unoriginate. " this Term Afterwards Adopted ...
... all things with craftiness like their father, the devil; for as ... This then being the
force of such titles, in like ... the Spirit of the Word in us names through us ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vii on the arian symbol.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... suffer of His own will, that the malice of the devil, working in ... Thou didst send,
even Jesus Christ, omitting all His usual names and titles, natural and ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm

On Rational Natures.
... Now the titles of these beings have to be explained ... our first inquiry may begin with
the names themselves, let ... that by the dragon is understood the devil himself ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on rational natures.htm

It Will be Attempted to Give a Complete List of his Writings In
... two books are also known under separate titles: Book I ... and nothing that is the work
of the devil. ... and successfully circulated under celebrated names (infra, on ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 it will be.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... So precious are their names that God enters them in the book ... Positively: They have
titles of honour ... So when the devil strikes us by his temptations, let us run ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Antichrist.
... heart, false peace, and a deceitful devil can make ... have invented so many places,
offices, names, titles, orders, vows ... times and seasons which the Father has put ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... formally belong to the essence of the Son, but are names given Him ... Persecution is
from the Devil. ... The titles Word and Wisdom guard our thoughts of Him and His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... hast it in the Gospels, Then the Devil departed from ... And He is called by two names,
Jesus Christ; Jesus ... inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Resources
What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.org

What is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.org

Is God male or female? | GotQuestions.org

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Titles and Names of the Devil: Evil Spirit
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