When we think about what Satan is doing in the world, it seems obvious that Satan’s decisive destruction will occur not in circles huddled around a pentagram chanting “Hail Satan” but in Christian counseling groups where participants look one another in the eye and tell each other that God is fine with their sin. Indeed, this was Jezebel’s activity, who professed to be a prophetess yet taught people to commit sexual immorality (Rev 2:20). In the end, Satan can do much more damage manifesting himself through a “pastor’s heart” than he can wielding weapons of power.

Recently, I read of a CRC minister praising the ordination of an LGBTQ “elder” (I use scare quotes here because endorsing sin would render one unqualified to be an actual elder). Responses to this CRC minister’s endorsement varied, but one person said in effect, “I know this man to have a pastor’s heart.” Immediately, I knew what he meant.

The phrase “pastor’s heart” immediately conjures certain images in our minds. For most of us, it is indicative of a gentle man who walks alongside those who are downtrodden and struggling. The man with a pastor’s heart cares for wandering sheep, never yells, is quick to forgive, and looks past our sins. He is a man who is easy to be around, and he demonstrates love no matter what the situation is or who he is talking to. Some may disagree with the above description of a man with a pastor’s heart, but in my experience, that is typically the popular conception.

In light of this general conception, I’d like to pose the question, “What does Satan’s heart look like?” Of course, the ultimate answer to that question is that Satan’s heart looks vile as “he was a murderer from the beginning.” His heart is hell-bent on death and destruction.

However, the Bible offers another description as well. Unfortunately, in thinking of Satan as only vile and murderous, we fall prey to a monochrome and outmoded demonology that is no better than the little red devil with a pitchfork and pointy tail. If we think Satan only manifests himself as pure evil, we fail to recognize his presence in all of our lives.

Satan is described more in the book of Revelation than in the other inspired 65 books put together. The book of Revelation is a systematic Satanology.

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