"The devil knows many signs but does not know the sign of the Son of Man, or Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God until he has handled something, and this can only be in the Holiest of Holies." (Joseph Smith, WJS)

Satan at one time stood in the presence of God.

"I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18)

"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." (Revelation 12:7-8)

The devil knows many signs. He can deceive us with them. He is the great imitator.1 The serpent is a symbol of Christ2 and Satan appeared to Adam and Eve as a serpent. He can appear dressed all in white as an angel of light.

There are some men that give us a sign that we can rely on them, and if we do so we will never be deceived. They also say we need not seek the sign of the Son of Man. "In this life or the next it is all the same." By doing so they deny the Christ, they deny knowledge, they deny men the means of salvation. It is a solemn mockery of the only being we are to worship, the only being that cannot lead us astray. But by sitting in the temple of God, they are shewing themselves that they are God3 "for he has done his work and given his power unto men,4 and behold a sign: look at how we prosper!"5

"There are signs in heaven, earth, and hell, the Elders must know them all to be endowed with power, to finish their work and prevent imposition." (Joseph Smith, WJS, emphasis added.)

 

Notes

1. "When a man goes about prophesying, and commands men to obey his teachings, he must either be a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones." (Joseph Smith, HC 6:17, p. 364)

2. See Moses when he lifted up the serpent for all to look to an be healed.

3. 2 Thessalonians 2:4

4. 2 Nephi 28:5

5. 2 Nephi 28:21, Mosiah 12:15