Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11

SATAN: What Every Christian Must Know

By Dave Cotner

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Third Updated Edition

Reformatted and corrected minor errors in punctuation, spelling, and etc.

Scripture quotations are from the HOLY

BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION.

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To

Teddie

my dear wife

and

best friend

INTRODUCTION

THE Scriptures are abundantly clear that human beings are not alone in the universe. The stars are inhabited by an innumerable company of angels and demons (Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12). The earth as well serves not only as home to the people of every nation and language, but it is also the sphere in which Satan and his angels (Revelation 12:9) seek to imitate God, oppose His purposes, and corrupt the children of men as much as their depraved powers are able to do.

The study of the person, power and plan of Satan should be undertaken with the utmost seriousness by every child of God. He is our enemy and constantly seeks to thwart the plan of God in our lives and cause us to live and die defeated in our service to God and in the process of sanctification. There is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16b) and Satan would have every Christian commit it. What is this most evil of sins? Romans 8:13 tells us that “if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die.” Living after the dictates of our own hearts, living to fulfill our own wants and desires, rather than living for and loving our Creator and submissively following Him is the great temptation of the child of God. May we not be ignorant concerning Satan and may he never get an advantage over us.

[This] subject is vital to any right understanding of the age in which we live, and of the personal conflict which we wage; for the existence, personality, and power of Satan are awful facts and of immense present significance. We walk in the midst of his snares, hear on every hand his doctrines proclaimed by men of blameless lives “transformed as the ministers of righteousness,” and are allured by the pleasure, place and power of his perfectly organized world-system. (C. I. Scofield in the Forward of Satan, by Lewis Sperry Chafer)

In light of the prophesied onslaught of deceiving spirits against the Church in the last days (1 Timothy 4:1-3), so apparent in its incipient fulfillment now, the unbelief of Christian people is all the more tragic as many believers suffer demonic deception and despoliation [damage] because of sheer ignorance of Satan and his devices. Even many spiritual believers are unable to wage a successful war against this army of wicked spirits, through lack of knowledge of what is involved. Many shrink from the subject altogether, insisting that so long as Christ is preached, occupation with Satan and demons is unnecessary and spiritually unhealthy. All the while, however, Satan is continuously gaining advantage because of the believer’s ignorance. (Merrill F. Unger, Biblical Demonology, pp. 201-202)

In undertaking to outline the Biblical teaching on Satan, there are three general conditions which will serve as “ground rules.” They are:

The authority of the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments will be accepted without question.
Evidence will be drawn from the Word of God alone, since no final light can be found on this subject other than it has pleased God to reveal it in the Bible.
There will be no discussion as to the actual existence of Satan; this being both assumed and taught from Genesis to Revelation.

CHAPTER ONE - SATAN’S CREATION AND CAREER

His Creation

SATAN is a created being and as such he is not all-powerful and all-knowing like God is. God, the Creator, is the only completely independent and autonomous Being. He needs no one and nothing. Everything that is, including Satan, derives its life from Him. As a result, no creature can ever truly live independently from its Creator or it would cease to exist (a notion foreign to the wisdom of God; He never uncreates; He never annihilates). The greatest insanity of any creature is the attempt to live independently of the Creator. Yet, this is the delusion of Satan and is the great lie that he introduced to our first parents and continues to promote today.

Created By Jesus Christ

Colossians 1:16-17 teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Creator of all that has ever existed and will ever exist. Satan (who was originally created Lucifer, son of the morning) is His creation. The question that appears at this point is why God created a creature that He knew would introduce sin into the universe and be the instigator of the fall of mankind.

Sin Allowed to Exist

The answer is seen in the manifold wisdom of God. “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” (Psalm 104:24) “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” (Ephesians 3:10) Mere creatures cannot hope to fully comprehend this “manifold wisdom.” However, it is suggested that God has determined that all propositions made by the creature in opposition to the Divine will are put to an experimental test. This God did with Satan’s suggestion that Job served God only for payment (Job 1:9-11). God evidently did the same in the case of Lucifer’s rebellion too. The all-wise, all-knowing God allows even men the same opportunity to challenge His authority. Does He not allow us to go our own way and do our own thing until we realize the result?

Satan’s Original State

The central passage detailing the original estate and condition of this Fallen Angel is found in Ezekiel 28:11-19. The statement is directed to “the king of Tyrus.” However, it is obvious that no earthly king could fit the description that we find here of the origin of Satan. (It should be noted also that many of the Messianic passages are spoken to or about some particular person, but could not possibly be fulfilled by anyone but the Messiah. See, for example, Psalm 16:9-11 where David speaks of things that were fulfilled in Christ. This was explained by the apostle Peter in Acts 2:25-31.) The passage is as follows:

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

Perfect

Here we see Lucifer in his original created state is described as “sealing up the sum.” He was the highest created being of all the angelic creation. We are told that he was perfect (v. 12) in both wisdom and beauty. The jewels that made up his covering either symbolize or demonstrate his great importance (v. 13a). It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for serpent in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1) is nahash and means “the shining one.”

Musical

We find also that this highest of all the angels was created a musical being (v. 13b). Some have suggested that he led the angelic hosts in their music of praise, worship and adoration of the Most High. The fact that Satan still is a musical being, accounts for the great use that Satan has made of music to blind, hold captive and destroy not only people in heathen lands among the savages and the masses in so-called civilized nations, but also the people that name the Name of Christ in our churches. It is not surprising that Satan uses music as a major source of division and conflict among the people of God. What is sad is that so many churches are being destroyed by it. It seems that Satan does have the advantage in many churches because God’s people are ignorant of his devices.

Highest of the Angelic Creation

Lucifer was made to be the “anointed cherub that covers” the Throne of God as the highest officer in the court of Heaven who guarded or protected the Holiness of God (v. 14, 16b). To some extent, he is still (in his warped and twisted way) attempting to vindicate the holiness of God by accusing the brethren (Revelation 12:10) when they sin. It seems that he cannot understand the grace of God in the cross of Jesus Christ, so he feels he must bring every sin to the attention of the Almighty.

His Career

Pride

We may not be able to fully understand why God would allow such a being as Satan to exist, but we can grasp the reasons for his fall. Ezekiel 28:15b tells us that “iniquity was found in” him. This iniquity was that his heart was lifted up because of his beauty. Isaiah 14:12-14 reveals what he said in his heart: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Satan desires a throne in Heaven like God. This entails both independence and worship, position and power. More will be said about this in the next chapter.

The Lie

This pride of heart in Lucifer corrupted his wisdom. It is this satanic insanity—the thought that he can live and be happy apart from God—that misguides and deludes Satan and every being who would follow him. This is the lie, the delusion that Satan has sought to perpetuate by any and all means through-out his followers in both the angelic and earthly realms.

Current Abode

As a result of his sin, Lucifer, son of the morning, fell (or was cast) from Heaven to the sphere of the earth and air (Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:17b; Luke 10:18; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8). He, however, still has access to the Throne of God as seen in Job 1:6 and Revelation 12:10.

Satan’s Throne

From his earthly throne (see “my throne” Isaiah 14:13) Satan administers his kingdom. His plan is to delude the multitudes by imitation of God and destroy them by encouraging them in opposition to God. Satan hates God; he hates anything connected to God. He is now roaming the earth seeking those that he may delude and destroy. But why does Satan spend all his time in this way? The next chapter will attempt to answer this question by examining Satan’s motivation and method.

CHAPTER TWO

SATAN’S MOTIVATION

AND METHOD

His Motivation

S

atan’s primary motivation for his career of evil pride is clearly revealed in his statement: “I will be like the most High” in Isaiah 14:14. Being “like God” involves two main things: independence or self-determination and worship.

Independence

As stated in the previous chapter, God alone is the only absolutely independent being. Only God can unconditionally determine a course of action and then proceed to carry it out to completion. This is because God alone possesses omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, and eternality; no creature shares in these attributes of God. The possession of these is what makes God who He is. The lack of these attributes means that we are not God. And neither is Satan. Since Satan does not have these attributes, he cannot be independent or self-determining. This is the satanic insanity—Satan and his followers have lost the ability to understand that they will never be completely independent of the Creator.

The apparent success of Satan and his followers to live independently of God is no proof of their ultimate and final victory over the rule of God in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Remember, all proposals are allowed by God to work themselves out to the end so that they will be shown to be false. “But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men.” (2 Timothy 3:9)

Worship

God is the only proper object of worship; anything else is a perversion (Exodus 34:14; Revelation 19:10; 22:9). Worship has been variously defined as:

- Homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being (Exodus 34:14; Isaiah 2:8). Such worship was refused by Peter (Acts 10:25; 10:26) and by an angel (Revelation 22:8-9). –Easton’s Bible Dictionary

- To make obeisance, do reverence to (from pros, “towards,” and kuneo, “to kiss”), is the most frequent word rendered “to worship.” It is used of an act of homage or reverence. –Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words

- Chiefly and eminently, the act of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being; or the reverence and homage paid to him in religious exercises, consisting in adoration, confession, prayer, thanksgiving and the like. –Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

This is what Satan desires—the homage, reverence and adoration of angels and men. His insatiable lust for worship drove him to convince the first Adam to act independently of God, to become “like God” (Genesis 3:5) and then to tempt the last Adam to do the same.

Satan’s Defeated Condition

His first endeavor was successful and resulted in the scepter of dominion over the earth passing from the vanquished Adam to Satan. His second attempt to make a full end of God’s dominion by tempting God the Son to worship him and act independently of God the Father ended in failure. Satan was defeated in the cross of Christ. “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15) “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)

Jealousy

A secondary motive of Satan is suggested by the fact that he is not only jealous of God in his position and power, but he is jealous of every true child of God for the following reasons:

First, all men are made in the image of God. This image which was lost in the fall is restored in the new birth. The Bible clearly states that this image of God is righteousness and holiness. “That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:75) “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Romans 6:19) “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) Satan hates this righteous and holy image of God, he is jealous of it, and he would corrupt and destroy it in every Christian has much as possible.

Second, Satan and his wicked hosts are not afforded the opportunity of salvation and forgiveness. The reason for this, although unrevealed, may involve the exalted position they enjoyed in Heaven and the Great Light that Lucifer and his angels sinned against. Men, however, have salvation by grace through faith in the blood of Christ offered to them freely. It would be reasonable for Satan and demons to be jealous of this and to be enraged because of it.

Third, 2 Peter 1:4 says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Believers share in the divine nature as a result of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Satan will strike at God through the believer at every opportunity. The believer’s only defense against these hellish attacks is faith in God through Christ and complete reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Satan also resents the process of sanctification in the believer’s life and opposes it at every step. This process of sanctification ultimately leads to (1) glorification, (2) being an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ, and (3) being joined to Christ as His Bride who will rule and reign with Him forever. The believer who would remain within God’s will for his life will continually submit to the Holy Spirit and the sanctification process.

His Method

The method that Satan uses depends on the object of his activity. His activities may involve either God, the unregenerate, or Christians.

Method Toward God

As the activities of the Devil involve God, they are described as opposing and imitating Him. The central verse concerning Satan’s work of opposing and imitating God is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and states: “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” This, of course, describes the Satan-energized Man of Sin who will be the Devil’s final and most perfect attempt at dethroning God and enthroning himself. His work of opposing and imitating does not, however, begin with the Antichrist, it rather ends with him as both he and his false prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire at the return of Jesus Christ.

Opposing

It must be remembered that the Evil One opposes all of God’s purposes, works and people all the time, unceasingly. He never stops, he never quits or gives up. It is not revealed whether or not Satan knows that his plans and works of opposition are sure to fail. He is probably self-deceived, sinfully-blinded and satanically insane to the point that he does not know or understand the plain and simple statements of the Word of God concerning his utter failure and doom.

Imitating

His imitation of God is as complete as his wicked power can devise. For example: God’s great example of perfect man is Jesus Christ, Satan’s masterpiece is Antichrist. Both God and Satan have a plan for making humankind “like God.” It is simply a matter of method. The Satanic lie says you can be like God while being independently autonomous. God’s system of salvation and sanctification says that we become like God (Jesus Christ) by being dependently submitted to Him (the Holy Spirit). God is a Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Satan would have an unholy trinity of Himself, the Son of Perdition and the False Prophet. God has provided a religion whereby sinful mankind may be saved and enjoy eternal felicity in Heaven. Satan has devised a religion in which sinners can enjoy sin now, but suffer eternal anguish in Hell. Both of these religions are the same in every respect but one. The Great Omission of Satan will be discussed in Chapter Five.

Method Toward the Unregenerate

Blinding

Concerning the unregenerate, the Wicked One is blinding them to the truth, binding them in slavery to sin, and murdering everyone he can by separating them from God for eternity. His work of blinding is unfolded in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” As a result of this blinding, the unbeliever lacks the ability to comprehend spiritual truth. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Binding

The Devil not only blinds men to the truth, he also binds them in sin. Jesus mentions a binding of a Jewish woman in Luke 13:16 when he asked, “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” Similarly the apostle Paul tells us, “that [some people] may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26) Interestingly, the Bible reveals that Satan himself will be bound for a thousand years. “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 20:2-3) A fitting punishment for one who bound so many for so long.

Murdering

The Lord Jesus teaches that Satan is a murderer. In John 8:44 he said to some of the Jews who did not believe on Him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Since death is not an end, but a separation, murder (in the spiritual sense) is any activity that causes someone to be separated from God. This is how Adam and Eve “died” on the day they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Satan tempted them to do it, therefore he killed them, he was and is a murderer.

Method Toward Christians

The work of Satan as it relates to the Christian is that he is lying to and deceiving them about the end result of their choice between independence and autonomy from God (relying on the flesh) or their duty of submission to God, he is hindering their work and testimony, and he is accusing them before God. As this subject will be taken up in Chapter Seven, no more will be related at this point. Let it suffice to say that the Christian’s obligation in this regard is to resist. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

CHAPTER THREE

SATAN’S KINGDOM

Its Reality

T

he reality of Satan’s kingdom is seen in Matthew 12:25-26, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” Our Lord makes clear reference here to the kingdom of Satan. Additionally, Luke 4:5-7 reveals the assertion of Satan concerning his dominion over “all the kingdoms of the world”. “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.” All the kingdoms of the world and the power and glory of them have been delivered to Satan, but not by God; they are his by right of conquest over Adam. Jesus did not contest Satan’s dominion, but rebuked him for asking for worship. Certainly, if all the kingdoms of the world and the power and the glory of them were not Satan’s, the temptation would not have been real because based on a falsehood and Jesus would have pointed this out.

The Demons

Satan’s kingdom includes not only this world, but also the spirit realm—Satan’s angels, the demons. There are two important passages that must be considered in order to form a proper understanding of the Devil’s kingdom of darkness in the spirit realm.

Satanic Army Highly Organized

By Evil

Ephesians 6:12 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Here (and in the parallel passages: Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; Romans 8:38; Colossians 2:15; and 1 Peter 3:22) we find that Satan has an army of evil spirits who are organized into ranks or levels of power and evil. Jesus mentioned a difference in evil in the demons in Matthew 12:43-45a. “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Here we see that some demons (unclean spirits) are more evil than others. Just what this evil ranking entails is not revealed. Satan is, however, without doubt, the Most Evil and, therefore, of the highest rank among the fallen angels. Demons are not only ranked according to evil, but also by power.

By Power

Daniel 10:12-14 – “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” This is an amazing insight into the spirit realm. There are many important truths revealed here: (1) There are demons (and holy angels) who are more powerful than others. We find this in the fact that both the demon, called the prince of the kingdom of Persia, and Michael, said to be one of the chief princes, were stronger than the angel who was delivering the divine message to Daniel. (2) There is conflict between the holy angels and the fallen angels that mankind is generally unaware of because it is unseen. (3) Satan has demons set up over countries and kingdoms. It is also intimated that there are holy angels (see “the kings of Persia” verse 13b) assigned to geographical areas and nations.

The Cosmos

Definition

The biblical word used to describe Satan’s entire evil system (both physical and spiritual realms) is the cosmos, translated world, in the King James Version. (It should be noted that three other Greek words are also rendered world in the KJV. If the student is unfamiliar with biblical Greek, a concordance should be consulted to determine which word is used in the original language.) The Greek word, cosmos, means literally “ornament, arrangement, order.” (Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 2, pg. 45) It is the opposite of chaos. The cosmos is the satanic system that has been developed, instituted and directed by Satan. It is characterized by independence of and autonomy from God. It includes everything that Satan has authority over. Lewis Sperry Chafer has well said,

The cosmos is a vast order or system that Satan has promoted, which conforms to his ideals, aims, and methods. It is civilization now functioning apart from God—a civilization in which none of its promoters really expect God to share, who assign to God no consideration in respect to their projects; nor do they ascribe any causativity to Him. This system embraces its godless governments, conflicts, armaments, jealousies, its education, culture, religions of morality, and pride. It is that sphere in which man lives. It is what he sees, what he employs. To the uncounted multitude it is all they ever know so long as they live on this earth. It is properly styled the satanic system, which phrase is in many instances a justified interpretation of the so-meaningful word, cosmos. It is literally a cosmos diabolicus . . . [which] should appear in its essential, evil character to be the outworking of that lie which moves in independence of God and is opposed to the purposes of God. (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, vol. 2, pp. 77-79)

Love the World or Hate the World?

A question arises concerning two apparently contradictory statements about the cosmos world. In John 3:16 we are told that God loves the cosmos, but in 1 John 2:15-16, we are instructed to not love the cosmos. The passages are as follows. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” The problem is solved when we realize that the world of men is meant in John 3:16 and the satanic system is in view in 1 John 2:15-16. Because God loves the former and hates the latter, we should do so as well. The careful student of the Word of God will determine the correct meaning of each passage containing the word cosmos.

Satan’s Authority

Some additional attention must be given to Satan’s authority over the cosmos. Isaiah 14:12-17 details Satan’s ambitions which culminate in his goal of becoming like God. Notice what he said he wanted to do in order to become like God: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” The Wicked One is not satisfied with his current dominion of the earth. We see this in his desire to (1) ascend into Heaven, (2) have a throne above the stars, (3) place his throne in the very place of God’s throne, and (4) ascend above the clouds. From these statements we learn that the Devil’s throne is on the earth and he wants it to be where God’s throne is, i.e., above the clouds and stars, in Heaven.

He Is a Prince

In three verses in the gospel of John, Satan is called the prince of this world. (John 12:31) “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” (John 14:30) “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” (John 16:11b) “The prince of this world is judged.” In each case, the word prince is a translation of the Greek word, archōn, which means, according to Thayer’s Greek Definitions, “a ruler, commander, chief, leader.” Satan is the ruler, commander, chief, and leader of this world system. Similarly, in Ephesians 2:2 we are told that the Devil is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” There are three explanations for the designation “prince of the power of the air.” (1) As the commander of the air, Satan has control of and is responsible for the weather. God is blamed for much that Satan does. Certainly, God can and does exercise His supreme authority over the weather, but much bad (evil) weather is Satan’s doing, not God’s. (2) The “air” refers to the place of abode of the evil and unclean spirits (demons). Satan is their supreme commander and leader. (3) Recent human “advancement” has seen great strides in the air. (a) Aviation has given rise to space exploration and the development of the International Space Station. (b) Over the airwaves travel radio and television signals, delivering (for the most part) sin and filth into the homes of millions every day. (c) Wireless technology has brought the cellular telephone and wireless internet access into our homes. The extent to which Satan uses these “advancements” to his advantage cannot be measured. The child of God, however, should proceed with caution in regard to riding the technological airwaves that prove often to be a greater hindrance to righteousness and true holiness than a help to it. Let us heed the admonition of the apostles in that we be as “they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” (1 John 2:17)

He Is a god

2 Corinthians 4:4 refers to this evil prince as “the god of this world.” The word “god” is the same word that is translated “God.” As god of this world (age), he demands worship. This is given willingly by his subjects, most of which have been duped into his service through his wiles and devices. More will be discussed on this important subject in Chapter Five, Satan’s People.

His Throne Is On the Earth

Let it be restated that the Evil One’s throne is on the earth. He is the prince, ruler, commander, chief, and leader, even the god of this world. Where is this great king’s throne located? Not in Heaven or in Hell (as many ignorantly believe), but on this earth. Revelation 2:13 plainly says: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is . . . where Satan dwelleth.” The Greek word for seat is “throne.” Satan’s throne is in the same place that the church of Pergamos dwelt, which is, of course is on the earth.

The Christian Is Not Part of Satan’s Kingdom

Satan rules here. Satan dwells here. Satan is worshiped here. The cosmos is his domain. The cosmos has nothing for the Christian. The Bible is clear; it says: “Love not the (cosmos) world, neither the things that are in the (cosmos) world. If any man love the (cosmos) world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the (cosmos) world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the (cosmos) world. (1 John 2:15-16) But we have been saved out of the cosmos, never to return. We must “give thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:12-17) Praise our God and His dear Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER FOUR

SATAN’S POWER

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atan was created as the highest of the angelic order. As such, he is the most powerful being of the creation of God. Even Michael, the archangel (Jude 9) seems to be of lesser power than Satan. But what kind of power does the Devil possess? Surely it is not merely physical strength, nor is it simply the ability to perform signs and wonders. In consideration of Satan’s power, we must understand three important truths: (1) His power is exceedingly great. (2) His power is not unlimited. (3) His power over the Christian has been eliminated.

His Power Is Exceedingly Great

The popular notion that the Christian has some sort of power over the Devil and that he is afraid of the spiritual believer is not only wrong, it is part of the satanic deception. The evidences of Satan’s power are seen in the following Scriptures.

He Lies and Murders

Adam and Eve were innocent until the Serpent (Genesis 3) deceived Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14) and Adam fell into sin (Romans 5:12). Concerning this Jesus said that Satan “was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44b) The power of Satan is characterized first by his lying and murdering. His deceitful and murderous plan is unchanged from the beginning. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

He Hurts and Destroys

Satan hates God and the people of God. If the Evil One had his way, he would kill us all. Job is an example of the man of God who suffers at the hand of the Devil for no other reason than that he is one of God’s people and is living a holy and a righteous life (Job 1-2). When God said to Satan, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power,” the awful force and hellish fury of Satan was unleashed on Job and his family. In the extended passage of Job 1-2, we find that Satan has the power to manipulate some people (1:15, 17), he can cause fire to fall from the sky (1:16), he can control the weather and cause storms (1:19), he can cause sickness and disease (2:7), and he can influence even God’s people as we see in Job’s wife (2:9). The great power of Satan to hurt and destroy is limited only by the omnipotence of God.

He Opposes and Tempts

One of the ways the Wicked One opposes the purposes of God is by tempting godly people to sin. King David was tempted (1 Chronicles 21:1) by Satan to sin. The end result of his sin was that 70,000 people of Israel were killed in a pestilence that God sent as punishment. The temptation of Jesus by the Devil mirrors his temptation of Eve. Both were offered “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” (1 John 2:16) Eve sinned, Jesus did not. Satan has the power to oppose and tempt, but he cannot force a child of God to sin. Sin is always a choice for the believer.

He Blinds and Binds

The unregenerate are both blinded to the truth of God and bound or held captive in sin. The power to blind and bind is seen in the following passages. “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” (John 12:40) “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” (Romans 11:7) “But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil is done away in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 3:14) “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:11) “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34) “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26) “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” (2 Peter 2:19) “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” (Romans 6:16-22)

He Influences

The Devil’s power over the Christian is restricted to his influencing and tempting activities. However, Satan’s influence is different than his temptation. Satanic influence is only possible after the child of God has yielded to temptation, is not yielding to the Holy Spirit, and is living “after the flesh.” Satan has no power to force a Christian to sin or to control a Christian against his will, but the carnal Christian (Romans 8:5-13) who is yielding to the influence of the Devil is not only a slave to sin (willingly), but is in danger of the “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16).

His Power Is Not Unlimited

Satan’s power is great, but he is not all-powerful like God. All that Satan does is by Divine permission. The main Old Testament text that illustrates this truth is God’s restriction of Satan in the matter of Job (discussed previously). The central New Testament passage that details the limiting of satanic power is 2 Thessalonians 2:7, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” The One who “letteth” or is restraining is the Holy Spirit who is resident in the Body of Christ. He is restraining or holding back the tide of evil until the day He is taken out of the way at the Rapture of the Church. Satan can do nothing but what God allows him to do.

His Power Over the Christian Has Been

Eliminated

As before mentioned, Satan has no actual power over the Christian. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-4). He has enabled us to turn “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” (Acts 26:18) God has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13) Christ has defeated Satan and destroyed his works. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) More will be said on this important subject in Chapter Seven, Satan and the People of God.

CHAPTER FIVE

SATAN’S PEOPLE

Children of the Devil

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he Scriptures clearly teach that some people are so closely related to Satan that they are called the children of the Devil. In one extended passage (John 8:37-47) Jesus says that some of the Jews who refused to believe on Him were “of your father the Devil.” The passage is as follows:

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Other texts that clearly show that some people are the children of Satan are as follows. “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one” (Matthew 13:38) “And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10) “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. (1 John 3:8-12)

The Whole Cosmos Is “In Satan”

In one startling passage, 1 John 5:18-20, is revealed three things that we know. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1) We know that the Christian does not live a life of sin and that the Wicked One cannot touch him. (2) We know that the whole cosmos is “in Satan.” (3) We know that God the Son has come and has given us an understanding of spiritual things. We have dealt with the first and third of these three things elsewhere. However, the second is an amazingly frightening truth—that the whole world of men, of which Satan is the supreme commander, leader and prince is “in Satan” in the same way that all those who have been redeemed out of the cosmos are “in Christ.” On this important point Lewis Sperry Chafer has written:

In this passage there are two startling revelations in regard to this relationship [between Satan and his children]. First: the word “in” is the same as is used everywhere of the believer when he is said to be “in” Christ, and in the case of the believer it signifies an organic union to Christ—as a branch is “in” the vine, so the believer is “in” Christ. Though the word, when used of the unregenerate, probably cannot mean the same degree of organic life-relationship as exists between Christ and the believer, yet it does denote a deep relationship; and Satan is the light, inspiration, and power, of all those whom he energizes. (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Satan, electronic text)

Satan Energizes His Children

Ephesians 2:2 reveals the fact that Satan energizes his children. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” The word worketh is a translation of the Greek word energeo from which we get our word energy. He is their life and inspiration. In much the same way as the Holy Spirit provides the needed power to do the will of God, Satan supplies his people with all the motivation they need in order to accomplish his plans.

Possession

As this is not a discussion on the subject of demons and demon possession one point only need be made in this regard—the final and most awful state of satanic control of a person is demon possession.

Once a person has given himself over to evil and has committed himself to work wickedness, he is in a spiritual condition that opens him for demon possession. There are at least five distinguishable marks or signs of demon possession as seen in Mark 5:1-20. In this passage Jesus meets a man who is described as having an unclean spirit. The five marks of demon possession as exhibited by this man are: (1) Dwelling on death. He lived in a cemetery (v.3). (2) Disobedience (no rules). He could not be bound or controlled by any means (v.3). (3) Defiant (no authority). He broke all the rules that were meant to “tame” him. (v.4) He also practiced nakedness (v.15). (4) Deep Depression. He was crying day and night (v.5). (5) Self-Destruction. He was cutting himself (v.5).

Today Americans (and especially young people) are doing drugs and committing suicide in record numbers. Murderers are becoming younger and younger. 5, 6, and 7 year olds are killing 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Mothers are murdering their own children. More and more death is the subject of music, movies, and clothing. Everything from abortion and euthanasia to all manner of sexual perversion is commonly discussed, dwelt upon, practiced and legalized. The night time is overwhelmingly the most popular time for young people to be out on the street. The parks used to be full of kids, couples, parents, and picnics. Now they are empty, and the streets are full of weird and strange looking teens at night. Depression, sorrow, misery, and despair are all too common in the lives of Americans. According to the National Center of Health Statistics (US Department of Health and Human Services, www.cdc.gov/nchs), in 2003: 3.1% of Americans 18 years of age and over suffer with serious psychological distress; 16.9% of students in 9th through 12th grade have seriously considered suicide and 2.9% have attempted suicide; 8.2% of people 12 years of age and over have used illegal drugs and 50.1% have used alcohol. These are just a few of the results of demon influence and possession in our society. We have not even mentioned pre- and extra-marital sex, homosexuality, pornography, rock, heavy metal, death metal, and so-called Christian rock music, T.V., internet, video games and DVDs, self-mutilation (body piercing, tattooing, and branding are becoming more and more popular). These things have not happened in the past to the extent that we see today. Satan is tirelessly at work in his children to drag their souls to Hell. May God’s people be just as tireless to win the lost and live holy and righteous lives.

The Great Omission

There are but two religions in the world—the way to Heaven that seems right to man and ends in eternal death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25), and the way to Heaven as revealed by God in the Bible. Satan would have the whole human race to be religious, after all, he seeks worship. He would have men be religious, recognize the Bible as a good book, look to Jesus as a good example and a great teacher of morality, he would have men consider themselves Christians, go to church, tithe, and give their lives in service to others. Satan would have all this and yet blind men to the one truth that will save their souls—the truth of the vicarious and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His shed blood for the remission of sin, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. This is the great omission.

A preacher was once asked in jest if he would have a church or a bar on every corner. Surprisingly, he answered, a bar—filling buildings with sinners who feel good about themselves is the work of the Devil, but saving men who know they are lost and searching for salvation is the work of God.

Not All Evil Is Attributable to Satan

Just as God gets blamed for much that is the Devil’s fault, Satan is faulted for much that is man’s doing. The fallen nature and wicked heart of man is the cause of much if not most of the world’s troubles. Jesus said, “from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within.” (Matthew 7:21-23) There is enough wickedness within the heart of man to destroy himself and everyone else if God allowed it. Remember, when the Rapture takes place and the Man of Sin is revealed, the result is not all of those things mentioned in the previous verse, but a worldwide religious peace—a false peace that cannot last—a humanistic-satanic alliance that will be Satan’s and man’s greatest attempt at dethroning God. But it will fail. Satan is a failure. Jesus is returning in power and glory and will destroy the cosmos and everything it has built. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-28)

CHAPTER SIX

SATAN’S END

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hou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” (Ezekiel 28:18-19) Thus the fate of the Wicked One is sealed. He sinned through evil pride and continues in his campaign of autonomy from God by untruth; opposed to all that is holy and righteous, he will eventually meet his end at the predetermined appointment of God. In contemplation of Satan's end, four stages of sentencing and execution must be understood: (1) His Judgment. (2) His Expulsion. (3) His Binding and Confining. (4) His Final Doom.

His Judgment

Satan is the defeated enemy of God. He is, however, allowed to carry out his foolish and futile plans to be independent of God and claim the worship that is due only to God. He is defeated, but not yet destroyed; he has been sentenced, but that sentence has not yet been executed. This delay of sentence may be illustrated by “the history of Saul and David. It is natural that David, the first to occupy the Davidic throne, should be a type of Christ, the last and most glorious occupant of that throne (Luke 1:31-33). As there was a period between the anointing of David and the final banishment of Saul, in which Saul reigned as a usurper, though under Divine sentence and David was the God-appointed king: in like manner there is now a similar period in which Satan rules as a usurper, though under sentence; and the actual occupation of the throne by Christ is still future. In this period Satan, the rejected monarch, still rules; hunting to the death all those who have allied themselves with Christ, the God-anointed King.” (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Satan, electronic text) The period between Satan’s sentencing and its execution is marked by three events: (1) Lucifer’s removal from office. (2) His sentence foretold by God in Eden and by Christ. (3) His sentence pronounced and delayed.

Removal From Office

Some time after iniquity was found in Lucifer, he was removed from his office as the anointed cherub that covered the throne of God as its protector and cast down to the earth along with all of the angels (one-third) who followed him. This information is revealed in three important texts. “By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.” (Ezekiel 28:16) “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Revelation 12:3-4) Jesus referred to Lucifer's casting out of Heaven in Luke 10:18, “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Here we have Lucifer who sinned, cast as profane out of Heaven and taking a third of the angels with him. It is clearly said that God “did cast them to the earth” where they remain today.

Sentence Foretold

Even if Satan had not tempted our first parents to sin and thereby receive a further sentence in the garden of Eden, he and his minions would still meet their final doom in the Lake of Fire, for this is the reason that it was created. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)

In Eden

The Devil’s activity in the garden of Eden was under the guise of a serpent. We find this revealed in Ezekiel 28:13a, “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God,” and Revelation 12:9, “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” This Serpent was sentenced by God with the following words, “And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:14-15) Here God declares that the seed of the woman (Christ) would bruise (or crush) the head of the Serpent.

By Christ

Jesus himself foretold of this sentence upon Satan when He said, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (John 12:31) “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:11) In these statements Jesus predicted Satan’s sentence; it had not yet been accomplished and pronounced. The work of the cross lay ahead of Christ (when He made these statements) where the ultimate vanquishing of the Evil One and his followers was completed.

Sentence Pronounced

In three passages of Scripture we have the significant revelation concerning what the death of Christ accomplished with reference to Satan. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14) “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15) “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” (Ephesians 4:8-10)

Execution of Sentence Delayed

That Satan’s sentence has been delayed until the time appointed by God is evident from the Scriptures that tell us of the activity of Satan at the present time (see, e.g., 1 Peter 5:8). The most probable reason for this delay is (as previously noted) that God intends to allow the satanic proposition—that the creature can become like the Creator—to work itself out to the end so that all creation may see for themselves the utter foolishness and insanity of such an endeavor.

His Expulsion

The first stage of Satan’s punishment (of being cast down and destroyed, see above) is his permanent expulsion from Heaven and his corresponding banishment to the earth. This event, yet future (not to be confused with his removal from office, see above), is foretold in Revelation 12:7-13 which extended passage is as follows:

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. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him . . . And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

The three extraordinary things that must be noted about this event are: (1) There is war in Heaven! Who would have ever thought such a thing was possible. This war is obviously an assault by the forces of darkness, led by none other than Satan, upon the very throne of God. Oh, the extremes of the satanic insanity! (2) Satan and his angels are cast out of Heaven to the earth. This is permanent. Never again will the Devil stand in the presence of God and accuse the people of God. This is cause for great joy in Heaven and its inhabitants rejoice. (3) The people of the earth who have thus far been nothing more than tools and toys of this great evil prince, will now suffer his great wrath. Not only is the wrath of God being poured out on a God-defying world, but Satan’s wrath will be felt as well. And the object of his anger is Israel.

His Binding and Confining

The second stage of Satan’s punishment is his binding and confining in the bottomless pit. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled” (Revelation 20:1-3a) Nothing more is known about this event other than what follows.

Loosed For a Little Season

The Bible continues its revelation of the future punishment of Satan and his angels by revealing: “and after that he must be loosed a little season . . . And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city.” (Revelation 20:3b-9a) Again, nothing more is known about this great future event.

His Final Doom

After Satan’s final failed assault upon the throne of God in Heaven, he is bound and confined in the bottomless pit for one-thousand years. The Bible then tells us that he will be loosed for a “little season” during which time he gathers the rebellious of the earth together and makes one last fierce attempt to kill the people of God. However, Scripture tells us that “fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:9b-10) Thus ends the career of the Most Wicked spirit ever created. He will never emerge from his place of torment, the Lake of Fire. No one will ever need fear his malicious pride and his murderous lies again. Every one of his followers, whether men or angels, will share in his fate. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

CHAPTER SEVEN

SATAN AND THE

PEOPLE OF GOD

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he work of Satan as it relates to the Christian is that he is lying to and deceiving them about the results of their choice between independence from God and submission to Him; he is hindering their work and witness and he is accusing them before God. These activities fall under the two main titles of the Wicked One in his unceasing warfare against the people of God, which titles are: (1) Adversary and (2) Accuser.

Adversary

The name Satan means “adversary—one who opposes another in purpose or act.” (Thayer’s Greek Definitions) This work of opposition as it is directed toward the people of God takes to main forms: (1) Lying and Deceiving, and (2) Hindering.

Lying and Deceiving

Satanic opposition to the people of God takes the form of lying to and deceiving them about the end result of their choice between independence and autonomy from God (relying on the flesh) or their duty of submission to God. Satan would have every Christian believe that they will only be happy, fulfilled, even spiritual and godly only by fulfilling the desires of the flesh (being carnal) (Romans 8:7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Ephesians 2:3). But the Scriptures are clear that this is fatal for the Christian—it is the sin unto death (1 John 5:16 and see above). The only two things Satan likes better than a carnal Christian is (1) a sinner’s soul in Hell and (2) his throne setting in the place of God’s.

Another way that Satan deceives both the unregenerate and the people of God is by appearing good and harmless. Spiritual believers are weary of hearing “its just a little fun,” or “it is a matter of preference, no one should judge,” or “since the Bible does not speak directly about it, it is fine.” God’s Word is clear: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (demons).” (1Timothy 4:1)

Hindering

The Devil is tirelessly at work to hinder the work and witness of the believer in Christ. “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” (1Thessalonians 2:18) “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” (Romans 1:13) “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.” (Romans 15:22) The apostle Paul was intimately familiar with the hindering power of Satan and every sincere Christian who is busy at the work that God has given him to do knows this satanic hindrance as well.

Accuser

From the time of Job who was falsely accused by Satan before the throne of God, until the time that he is removed once and for all from God’s holy presence, the Devil has accused the people of God. When this evil work of Satan is finally ended, Heaven itself will break forth in praise. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

The Christian can do nothing to stop this evil work of Satan. However, our Lord Jesus is both our Advocate and Intercessor. He it is that pleads His own blood on our behalf. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 1:8—2:2) “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

The Believer’s Position “In Christ”

From the believer’s position in Christ, Satan can do nothing to him except by Divine permission and that only for our good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) The verse, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7), has been misquoted and misunderstood by many. Let it be said loud and clear: THE CHRISTIAN HAS NOTHING WITH WHICH TO RESIST THE DEVIL IN SUCH A WAY THAT HE WILL BE SO AFRAID AS TO RUN AWAY! The way in which believers are required to resist the Devil is twofold: (1) by reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit, and (2) by remaining separate from the evil, satanic world system, the cosmos diabolicus.

Reliance Upon the Holy Spirit

God has imparted to the Christian no inherent power to fight Satan. The believer’s only power against the Devil is not his power at all, but the power of the Holy Spirit residing within his body. In the book, Changed Into His Image, Jim Berg discusses the unconditional requirement that the child of God rely on the Spirit of God for all spiritual power.

That leadership of the Spirit toward Christlikeness takes place as we obey Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with [controlled by] the Spirit.” The Greek verb he uses in this passage for “filled” is an imperative. That means it is a command. God must command us to yield to the Holy Spirit’s control because we are not automatically so inclined. We naturally wish to control ourselves.

The Greek verb is also in the present tense. That means it is something that should be continually happening in the present—here and now. It should be an ongoing action. It means “keep on being filled with (controlled by) the Spirit.” Lastly, it is also a verb that is in the passive voice, meaning that Someone else does the empowering. It is done to us. We do not do it ourselves. The Holy Spirit is the One who empowers us when we choose to cooperate with Him. The filling of the Spirit refers to the supernatural work of the Spirit within the believer whereby that believer is enabled or empowered to become like Christ (sanctification) and become useful to Christ (service). (Jim Berg, Changed into His Image, pg. 8)

Separation From the Cosmos

Since the believer is not part of the cosmos, but has been saved out of it, it remains the Christian’s duty to keep himself from all aspects of it except from the obvious fact that he must live here, among the people of the cosmos as a witness as long as it pleases God to keep him here. Concerning this, God has spoken and no further comment is necessary. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” (Galatians 1:4) “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13) “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27) “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4) “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:4) “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” (2 Peter 2:20)

The Believer’s Victory Over Satan

Jesus Christ has won the victory over Satan. He is the defeated enemy of God. In order for the believer to enter into this victory, only one thing is necessary, that which is abundantly simple, the same thing which brought us into the family of God in the first place—faith. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

Bibliography

Berg, Jim.

Changed into His Image. Bob Jones University Press, 1999

Chafer, Lewis Sperry.

Satan. Public Domain, 1909

Systematic Theology. Kregel Publications, 1976.

Gaebelein, A. C.

The Angels of God. Baker Book House, 1969.

Larkin, Clarence.

Dispensational Truth. Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1918, 1920.

The Spirit World. Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1921.

McGee, J. Vernon

Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981

Meyer, F. B.

The Heavenlies. Good News Publishers, 1960.

Unger, Merrill F.

Biblical Demonology. Scripture Press, 1952, 1967.

Vallowe, Ed F., Evangelist.

Riches of Revelation. Ed F. Vallowe’s Evangelistic Association.

Vincent, Marvin R.

Word Studies in the New Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1946, 1980.

Vine, W. E.

Isaiah—Prophecies, Promises, Warnings. Zondervan Publishing House, 1961.

Walvoord, John F.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Moody Press, 1974

Notes

Other Books by Dave Cotner

The 24 Major Religions of America

$11.55 (softcover)

What do people of other religions believe? What about your neighbors or co-workers? Do you know what makes a Baptist a Baptist, or a Methodist a Methodist? What do Buddhists or Muslims believe? This book will help you know and understand the religious beliefs of the 24 Major Religions of America.

SATAN: What Every Christian Must Know

$9.45 (softcover)

Who is Satan and why should we care? Where is he and what is he doing? What can I do to avoid him? These and many more questions concerning Satan are answered in this comprehensive study on the person, power and plan of this mightiest of angels.

Devotions & Reflections

$19.86 (hardcover)

These Devotions were originally written for the morning and evening devotions that were given as part of the duties as a hospital Chaplain. The Reflections are sent forth with the hope they will speak to your heart. The author wrote of his life, its relationships and experiences. May they be a blessing and comfort to the people of God.

These books may be purchased at: www.lulu.com/dpcfl

A Note About Self-Publishing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Self-publishing is the publishing of books and other media by the authors of those works, rather than by established, third-party publishers. Although it represents a small percentage of the publishing industry in terms of sales, it has been present in one form or another since the beginning of publishing and has seen an increase in activity with the advancement of publishing technology, including xerography, desktop publishing systems, print on demand, and the World Wide Web. Cultural phenomena such as the punk/DIY movement, the proliferation of media channels, and blogging have contributed to the advancement of self-publishing.

Business aspects

The key distinguishing characteristic of self-publishing is the absence of a traditional publisher. Instead the creator or creators fulfill this role, taking editorial control of the content, arranging for printing, marketing the material, and often distributing it, either directly to consumers or to retailers. Less often, the author prints the material, usually using a xerographic process or a computer printer. In some cases, books are printed on demand with no inventory kept. This places the bulk of the financial risk for the venture on the creators, with many self-publishers ultimately subsidizing it rather than making money from it.

Printing and production quality

Many self-published books utilize printing and binding techniques which are chosen for their suitability for short press runs. They may be printed with a xerographic process rather than offset printing. In many cases, the covers are designed by amateurs, or a standardized template is used, rather than a higher-quality professional cover designer. Recently, the majority of the self- and subsidy-published books have been perfect bound, although some are hardbound, and some are still saddle-stitched (large metal staples in the fold), comb or coil bound. Technology has enabled high-quality short-run print jobs to be less expensive, although they are still more expensive per copy than longer, off-set printings.

Because professional-quality typesetting suites, such as LaTeX, are available as free software, the typesetting of a self-published book may be as good as a traditionally published work. However, these tools require some technical skill, and many self-published works are formatted using a word processor, which can give less appealing results by comparison. The development of relatively low-cost desktop publishing software has put more powerful tools in the hands of self-publishers, but without any guarantee that they will be used to professional standards.

Authors using lower-cost, short-run techniques are often focused on content rather than appearance. They may wish to avoid a polished appearance for reasons that have little to do with cost, such as maintaining an anti-establishment aesthetic.

Recently the very short run, usually xerographic, printing techniques are approaching off-set quality for black and white, non-halftone jobs. There are still visible differences for more complicated work. Very short run printing is also called POD or PQN printing. This is not the same as POD publishing. Any author or publisher can use POD printing, without the need to go through a POD publisher (also known as a subsidy publisher, or even more confusingly, as a "self-publishing company")if they have the skills to do the work of setting up the book for print themselves.

Because bookstores believe that cover appearance and content are important for successful sales, self-publishing authors that plan to distribute their books through mainstream distributors and bookstores often strive to achieve an overall appearance similar to that of the major publishing houses. This in turn mandates a larger initial press run, usually offset, if the endeavor is to be profitable, because of the expense involved in getting professional level design and editorial work. On the other hand, many successful self-publishers avoid traditional retail outlets altogether, and market directly to their target audience.

Promotion and marketing of self-published books is critical. Authors must undertake book publicity which means developing lists of editors and book reviewers within various media, as well as looking for ways to get coverage "off the book page."

There are several other difficulties faced by self- and small-publishers. Bookstores cannot afford to deal with the tens of thousands of small publishing companies. They tend to buy from the larger publishers, distributors, and wholesalers. But even these aggregators cannot deal with the recent flood of new publishers. The competition to get into bookstores is extreme, and the terms of trade (discounts and return privileges especially) can be financially onerous.

Self-published books do not necessarily reveal their origin. Subsidy press books do, via the ISBN records or the imprint. Therefore, subsidy published books may face additional obstacles on the way to the bookstore shelf, beyond those discussed above.

Motives for self-publishing

There are a number of reasons that writers choose to self-publish, although one of the most common is that their work is not of interest to a commercial publisher. Publishers must be confident of sales of several thousand copies to take on a book. An otherwise worthy book may not have this potential for any number of reasons:

· author wishes to retain complete editorial control over content (see below)

· author is unknown and does not have substantial resume

· popular topic but of interest only in a small geographic area

· addresses an obscure topic in which few people are interested

· content is controversial enough that publishers do not wish to be associated with it

· author wishes to obtain a larger percentage return from retail sales

Occasionally an author may choose to self-publish for reasons of control, because they want access to their customer list, or because they love the business of publishing. When working with a publisher, an author gives up a degree of editorial control, and sometimes has little input into the design of the book, its distribution, and its marketing. This has been a substantial motivator in the rise of comic book self-publishing. In the late 1970s, creators such as Dave Sim and Wendy and Richard Pini chose -- in spite of offers from publishers -- to publish their work themselves because they wanted to retain full ownership and control over it, and they believed they could do the job of publishing more effectively than a publisher that did not have an ownership stake in the material. This was facilitated by the development of comic book specialty shops, and the distribution network that serves them, which is more open to small- and self-publisher material than traditional bookstores have been. Numerous cartoonists have followed their example since then, and by the late 1990s, the majority of comics (in terms of titles) were self-published. They remain a small percentage of overall sales, however, with sales of a given book often falling short of 1000 copies. A similar movement took place in the music industry during the same period, coming largely out of the punk rock phenomenon, as some musicians eschewed deals with record labels and published their own recordings.

In addition to the issue of control some authors with limited markets may also self-publish in order to obtain a better financial return. An author in a specialist area may be confident of a certain number of sales but also realise that the maximum number of sales is limited, and wish to maximise their earnings. In this situation the author may risk a significant amount of their own capital to self-publish their own work. This avoids a publisher taking a significant cut of the proceeds and if also self-distributed avoids distribution fees as well. The payoff is a much larger percentage of the sale price being returned as profit. For instance in a limited market such as Australia an author who is confident of sales can gain a better financial return by self-publishing their work, such as was done with Complete School.

Authors who are considering self-publishing in order to claim more of the financial reward, however, would be well-advised to investigate the industry thoroughly before launching. Producing and marketing a book may be well within their grasp, but many of the back-office functions may require unforeseen investments of time and/or money. In addition, industry-standard terms of trade will eat into their margins to an often unexpected extent.

Authors whose books are related to their other ventures may do rather well as self-publishers. This is because their books can be used to feed customers into their other work. The synergies can benefit both the market for the books and for their other endeavors.

Vanity publishing

Self-publishing is sometimes difficult to differentiate from "vanity publishing." The latter term is a pejorative one, usually referring to situations in which a publisher contracts with authors regardless of the quality and marketability of their work. They appeal to the creators' vanity and desire to become a "published author," and make the majority of their money from fees charged to the creators for publishing services, rather than from sales of the published material to retailers or consumers. Vanity presses often try to disguise themselves, calling themselves "joint venture" or "subsidy" presses (neither term is accurate; in a vanity press arrangement, the author undertakes all of the risk (unlike a joint venture), and pays 100% of the cost of publication (unlike in a true subsidy arrangement)). Sectors of the self-publishing movement are aware of the pitfalls of working with "vanity presses." For example, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website maintains one of the most comprehensive scam-alert sections in the publishing industry, and works hard to keep writers and potential writers aware of the risk of being scammed by duplicitous vanity presses. In his guide for would-be self-publishers, How to Publish Yourself, author Peter Finch unequivocally states that such presses are "To be avoided at all costs."

So-called vanity presses may not necessarily engage in deception or fraud, however, and some creators knowingly and willingly enter into such deals, placing more importance on getting their work published than from profiting from it. Because there is no independent entity making a judgment about their quality, and because many of them are published at a loss, self-published works are often perceived as equivalent to vanity-press works, or equally deserving of skepticism from distributors, retailers, or readers.

Self-published best-sellers

Self-published works that find large audiences tend to be rare exceptions, and are usually the result of self-promotion.

However, many works now considered classic were originally self-published, including the original writings of William Blake, Virginia Woolf, Walt Whitman, William Morris, and James Joyce.

· The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

· The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer

· What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles

· In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters

· Eragon by Christopher Paolini

· The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

· Invisible Life by E. Lynn Harris

· The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward Tufte

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Satan: What Every Christian Must Know

CONTENTS