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In the second Holy Book of Samuel chapter 24 and also in the first Holy Book of Chronicles chapter 21 we read that the actions of God and Satan appear to be identical. Does the Church believe that God and the devil have similar motives?

The two passages in the Holy Book of 2 Samuel 24:1-15 and Holy Book of 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 describe the same incident. Although God does not tempt any man, He is frequently described in Scripture as doing what He merely permits to be done; and so in this instance He permitted David to fall into temptation, by withholding His supporting and restraining grace. "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God" for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" (James 1:13).

Does the Church believe that God and the devil have similar motives?

God and the devil have contrary motives. While God wants the salvation of everyone, the devil wants everyone to perish. If both had the same motive why would God warn us against the devil and his tricks? "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph 6:11).

When the Lord appeared to St. Paul on the way to Damascus He gave him clear instructions about the mission He wants him to carry. "I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:17-18).

It is clear here that light and the power of God are the opposite of darkness and the power of Satan.

Our Lord Jesus Christ (God Incarnate) answered this question: when He was accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub "So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end" (Mark 3:23-26).

If God and Satan were in agreement and had the same will, why would Jesus cast them out, push them away from Him, rebuke them, call them liars, order them to keep silent and send them to dwell in a herd of swine?

In the Holy Book of Acts we read about two different wills "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38).

Clearly God sent His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to earth to defeat the devil and protect and save us "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

St. James says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

How can we submit to one and resist the other if they both have the same motives?
Let us have faith in God and ask for His protection, mercy and love "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one" (2 Th 3:3).