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Show 14 – So Now What? Part II

January 30th, 2018

“If you think you understand Christianity you are probably wrong."

So last week we talked about some reasons that Satan and his demons are over. Before we give more proofs, remember, we are not saying that evil is over. It seems like that will never happen so long as there is God. I mean if God is light and love and goodness His very existence seems to indicate that there will always be shadow, darkness, and evil. While we are talking about this, I want to point out that darkness is not necessarily a power unto itself. That darkness is merely the absence of light – or the absence of God. Just like there is no such thing as cold – it's only the absence of heat. So it might be with the Eternal dark – it's really just a place where God is not.

The Role of Satan

Anyway, back to the figure and tool called Satan. Last week we talked about how he was used against the House of Israel as a tempter and an accuser. We also said how when Jesus nailed the law to His cross that the position of accuser was done away with. And then we quoted two passages in John 16 where Jesus said, “the prince of this world is judged.” And in John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

Hebrews 2:14, speaking of the reason Jesus came to earth, says, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” The question remains, “has this happened or not?”

If it has, my point is proven, and Satan is over. But if it hasn’t, we have to say that Jesus has not had the victory, that Satan is still waging war and winning souls, and that Jesus was never truly victorious. I do not see this position as being supported in scripture. Instead, I see Jesus (and His words) as true. And when He said that Satan was cast out, I believe it was going to happen by and through His death and resurrection where He had total victory over what Satan once reigned over – sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. and death!

The Return of Jesus

Now, our first number of show talked about how Jesus has already returned. We read the following about this moment in 1st Corinthians 15:

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (which we proved has occurred. Then Paul adds)
24 Then cometh the end, (so when Jesus comes Paul says, “then comes the end.” End of what? End of everything that existed in the former age. Why would the end come then? Because Jesus would have had the victory over all things. Here Paul explains and says, “Then comes the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

When he has put down all what? That’s right, rule and all authority and all power. That is speaking of Satan).

25 For he (Jesus) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

(This, of course, is speaking of Spiritual death). And then Paul says)

28 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.

Revelation and the End of Satan

All of this was predicated on His return. And since He has returned, we know everything that was written here has been fulfilled. God is now over all by and through the work of His Son, and Satan has been dealt with. In what way? Revelation tells us what his demise looked like. And you will be surprised by some of what it says. First, we learn that prior to Jesus having overcome sin and death Satan and his angels had access – they even resided in – heaven. We also learn that Satan was cast out of heaven NOT at the beginning of the world with a war in heaven, but…

The Casting Out of Satan

When Jesus had His victory over sin and death, it explained why Satan was present in Job when the Sons of God gathered together, and Satan was among them. Jump out to Revelation chapter 12 with me. There we read some passages that speak to a time much different than what we have been taught. It says at verse 9:

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.

Obviously, Satan was in heaven at this time, right? (verse 10)

10 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:”

Isn’t that interesting. The loud voice claims that NOW is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of Christ! To me, that is describing the time AFTER Jesus had the victory over sin, death, and the cross. And the voice continues and says:

“for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

This is obviously after everything because Satan had been accusing the brethren day and night. Now the writer speaks of the Christians who are on the earth when Satan is cast out of heaven because Christ has had the victory. And he writes:

11 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.

The Warning to the Earth

NOW LISTEN TO WHAT THE VOICE SAYS HERE.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. (and then) Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!

Why does the angel say this? Ready?

“for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

The Short Time of Satan

This was written to the believers on earth who were part of the churches in Asia Minor BEFORE the end of all things – prior to 70 AD. And Satan was given 42 months (3.5 years) to torment the Saints of God through Nero the Beast. And his wrath was great why?

“Because he knew his time was short.”

And finally, what happened to him and his angels after this short time where the heavens rejoiced because he was cast out but the earth mourned?

The Destiny of the Devil

Revelation 20:10 and 14:

Revelation 20:10 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 for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

This all occurred. It is over. We are in a new age – an age where men and women still can love the darkness more than the light and will reap accordingly. But fearing Satan and his minions is no longer the concern – fear yourself, and what you are personally willing and able to do by your flesh, through your will, and in defiance of God.

OUT.