Don Stewart :: What Contrasts Are There between the Devil and the Holy Spirit?

The Bible makes a number of contrasts between the Devil and the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

1. Serpent And Dove

Satan comes in the form of a serpent, while the Holy Spirit comes in the form of a dove. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form, like a dove.

and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are My Son, the Beloved; with You I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22).

Satan, on the other hand, comes in the form of a serpent.

And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him (Revelation 12:7).

2. Father Of Lies And Spirit Of Truth

Jesus called Satan the father of lies, while the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.

You are from your father the Devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

The Holy Spirit speaks the truth.

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but will speak whatever He hears, and He will declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13).

3. Mute Spirit Or Praise To God

When Satan possesses a human being through his demons, they are able to keep that person silent.

And as they went forth, behold, there was brought to Him a mute man possessed with a demon (Matthew 9:32).

The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, loosens the tongue of the believer to praise God.

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:18,19).

4. Murderer Of Life-Giving Spirit

Satan was a murderer from the beginning.

You are of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44).

The Holy Spirit is the one who gives life.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you (Romans 8:11).

5. Slanderer And Advocate

The Devil is a slanderer - one who makes accusations against believers.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God (Revelation 12:10).

The Holy Spirit is the Advocate for the believer.

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).

6. Search Deep Things Of God

The Holy Spirit searches the "deep things" of God.

But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Satan also has his "deep things."

But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call 'the deep things of Satan,' to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden (Revelation 2:24).

Summary

There are a number of contrasts that the Bible gives between Satan and the Holy Spirit - the Third Person of the Trinity. Satan is the serpent, while the Holy Spirit is the dove. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, while Satan is a liar. The Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God, while Satan also has his deep things. The Holy Spirit is a life-giving Spirit, while Satan is a murderer. Satan is the slanderer of God's people, while the Holy Spirit is the Advocate of the believer.