2 Responses to “While Satan doesn’t have a physical body, can he take on tan…”
Luciano Santana
2008-03-02 22:17:18
Mormons believe that Satan was not given the privilege of receiving a physical body because he rebelled against God. Consequently, Satan's "body" is made of spiritual material, not physical matter.
On very rare occasions, Satan can possess human bodies, as described in the New Testament. This phenomenon is distinct from mental disorders like schizophrenia, which are much more common. Through the power of the priesthood, the authority given by God to act in His name, exorcism is possible. So rare is demonic possession that in the 27 years that I've been a Mormon, I've never witnessed an exorcism, nor have I ever talked with anyone who has witnessed one. Thankfully, Satan tends to leave us Mormons alone for the most part! :)
Most Mormons believe that Satan's physical manifestation as a snake in the Garden of Eden is symbolic. Most believe he appeared to Adam and Eve as a spirit being, not as a snake.
Richard
2008-03-03 05:23:16
With Satan falling he becomes the father of lies and thus one of his tactics is to appear in different forms and attempt to deceive. In the garden, as I understand it, Satan was able to take possession of a snake, and he used the snakes body to talk with Eve. (hence the curse that was pronouced upon the snake in that it would go on it's belly all its days and eat dust). Jacob, the younger brother of Nephi in the Book of Mormon talks about the devil able to "... Transform himself nigh unto an angel of light... " (2 Nephi 9: 9) but explained in the Doctrine and Covenants section 129:
"1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—
2 For instance, Jesus said: handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.
4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
6 If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear— 7 Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.
8 If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.
9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.
So yes Satan can transform himself nigh unto an angel of light or to take possesion of willing creatures, but through the studying the restored gospel can and will know how to avoid such lies and deception.
Webmaster: Thanks for your answer, Richard. Regarding Satan possessing the body of a snake, I appreciate your articulating what I believe to be a minority view (but still a valid view) within Mormonism. I think this view is particularly prominent among Mormons who have not yet participated in temple worship, though even some temple-going Mormons hold this same view.
On very rare occasions, Satan can possess human bodies, as described in the New Testament. This phenomenon is distinct from mental disorders like schizophrenia, which are much more common. Through the power of the priesthood, the authority given by God to act in His name, exorcism is possible. So rare is demonic possession that in the 27 years that I've been a Mormon, I've never witnessed an exorcism, nor have I ever talked with anyone who has witnessed one. Thankfully, Satan tends to leave us Mormons alone for the most part! :)
Most Mormons believe that Satan's physical manifestation as a snake in the Garden of Eden is symbolic. Most believe he appeared to Adam and Eve as a spirit being, not as a snake.
"1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—
2 For instance, Jesus said: handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.
4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
6 If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—
7 Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.
8 If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.
9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.
So yes Satan can transform himself nigh unto an angel of light or to take possesion of willing creatures, but through the studying the restored gospel can and will know how to avoid such lies and deception.
Webmaster: Thanks for your answer, Richard. Regarding Satan possessing the body of a snake, I appreciate your articulating what I believe to be a minority view (but still a valid view) within Mormonism. I think this view is particularly prominent among Mormons who have not yet participated in temple worship, though even some temple-going Mormons hold this same view.