When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the evil one was identified by three different “names” on that occasion. “Jesus was led…into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). As “the devil,” he is our accuser and slanderer. “Now when the tempter came to Him” (4:3). As “the tempter,” he is the tester, the enticer, the try-er of our souls. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan!’” (4:10). As “Satan,” he is our adversary, our enemy.
Scripture refers to him by a variety of other “names”: “the evil one” (Mt. 6:13); “the wicked one” (Eph. 6:16); “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4); “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31); “a roaring lion” (1 Pet. 5:8); “a murderer” (John 8:44); “a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44); “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14); “the serpent” (2 Cor. 11:3); “the power of darkness” (Col. 1:13); etc.
Whatever the “name,” he has nothing (nothing! nothing! nothing!) in his heart for us but eternal damnation in the fire of hell (Matt. 25:41; 2 Thess. 1:8-9). God help us to resist Him!