Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matt. 4:8-10)
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)
The devil offers the world and its pleasures in exchange for a person’s soul. He’s always ready to make a deal if it will lead to mankind’s demise. In contrast, Christ offered Himself to save our soul. His going was not dependent upon our receiving His gift, but those who do receive Him, share in His glory forever (John 17:22).
Satan’s motive is pride: he has absolutely no care for those he has enslaved. In contrast, Christ’s motive is love: He was willing to give Himself for those who were enslaved by sin and take their place.
Satan desires glory out of pride. He wants to be like God (Isaiah 14:14). God has intrinsic glory– that is to say, it is His by virtue of who He is. He desires glory from mankind because it is His own and He will let none steal it (Isaiah 42:8), and because of His love. He longs to bless us and feel the appreciation of our hearts for all He is and does for us, as a Father who cares for His children.
Satan promises a moment of pleasure. God promises an eternity of abundant life.