The Christ in Prophecy Journal

Satans Story: Earthly Domain

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Two of the titles in this list are often confusing and disturbing to Christians — namely, “God of this world” and “Prince of this world.” “How can this be?” people often ask. “Didn’t Jesus defeat Satan at the Cross? Hasn’t Satan been dethroned?”

The answer is that Satan’s ultimate defeat was sealed at the Cross, but it has not yet been realized in history. That’s why many years after the Cross, the Apostle John wrote, “…the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). The writer of the book of Hebrews asserts that all things have been put in subjection to Christ, “but now we do not yet see all things subjected to Him” (Hebrews 2:8).

Satan's Appearance

The de-throning of Satan as the prince of this world was guaranteed by Jesus’ victory over the Cross through the power of His resurrection. But Satan will not actually be removed from his throne until Jesus returns, at which time “the God of peace will crush Satan…” (Romans 16:20). The total defeat of Satan is a delayed benefit of the Cross, just as is the receipt of our glorified bodies.

A key aspect of the conflict between God and Satan is all about dominion. This earth was created for Mankind. God granted dominion over the creation to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28). But when the two of them succumbed to Satan’s temptation, that dominion was lost. Satan stole it, and he became the prince of this earth. That’s why he could legitimately tempt Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-10).

In the next segment of this “Satan’s Story” series, we’ll look at what the Bible says concerning Satan’s limited freedom and the prophecy concerning his ultimate fate.

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Dr. David Reagan

Dr. David Reagan is the Founder and Evangelist Emeritus of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He is a life-long Bible student, teacher, and preacher and he led over 45 pilgrimages to Israel. Dr. Reagan was the host of the radio then television program Christ in Prophecy for nearly 40 years.

5 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • Personally, I don't care to do a study on Satan.

    The thing I feel is important to know about him is HOW he deceives us. He regularly lies to us about what we have in Christ (such as close, unbroken intimacy with God at all times; complete and total forgiveness; a new holy and righteous nature; the very life of Christ indwelling us; etc.). Another of Satan's popular lies is to convince us that all the spiritual blessings promised to us are for later–when we get to heaven!

    The other thing I need to remember about Satan is that he's a defeated foe, a lion without teeth who can only roar.

    Some may be interested in a study of Satan, but I'd much rather look at Christ and reflect on what He has done for me.

  • In Bible college one of my doctrine professors warned before covering demonology that it is unhealthy to get too involved into "getting into the mind of your enemy," but he strongly supported that we know our enemy, his plans and methods.

    Our victory in Christ is that much sweeter knowing just exactly what Christ is defeating.

  • Matthew 10:16 – "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

    There are lots & lots of sermons on the various aspects of being harmless as doves but very little on being "wise as serpents"…

    In 2 Timothy 3:16 – "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness", then the information it contains about Satan is for our instruction since we are also admonished not to be ignorant of his wiles and devices.

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

    That so many "Christians" don't believe Satan is real is definitely a direct result of a lack of solid Biblical teaching.

  • One of the devil's cleverest deceptions was convincing much of the world and most Christians that he doesn't exist. The ones who ought to be wise to his schemes are blind and an easy target that way. So few of us still recognize the danger of evil.

  • Hello my darlings

    It is a fact that we are NOW seated in heavenly places in our ‘new man’; heaven is where our citizenship resides. However we cannot fully realise what we will be until our mortal flesh takes on immortality when Jesus comes again. Until then, cell by cell we are dying, knowing the miseries that come with the decay of the flesh.

    1John3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him
    2. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
    3. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 🙂

    We are at war, knowing the enemy is vital against deception; equally when we are in sorrow and pain, knowing who it is working against us is as beneficial to our faith as knowing Who is working for us. Know the truth, and the truth will set you free, which is why God has provided us with all the information HE has decided we need to know.

    If ‘the roaring lion’ has no teeth, then all I can say is that he has a very nasty suck. :/

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