Thursday, July 20, 2006

The Fall(s) of Satan

There are 4 points in history that many Christians see as a 'fall' of satan:
1. At the beginning of time
2. At the death/resurrection/ascension
3. Prior to the millennium
4. At the end of time

Some Christians doubt each of these falls. Some doubt Fall #1, believing the Satan was created as a God appointed tester. They don't believe the Isaiah or Ezekiel passages are talking about Satan at all. Some doubt Fall #2, believing that Satan is still winning today and won't lose until the 2nd Coming. Some doubt Fall #3, declaring that we are currently in the millennium and that a future 1,000 year period is unnecessary. Even Fall #4 is doubted (by full preterists) declaring that Satan has already been eliminated and we are now in the new creation.

Below you'll find the theories and their supporting passages. Personally, I think Fall #2 is the most significant to my faith. I believe Fall #1 & #4 did and will occur, but since I'm amillennial I don't find #3 necessary.

FALL #1
Lucifer was a beautiful angel, but pride led to his fall. He desired to ascend higher than God, but instead was cast down to the earth.

PASSAGES USED
Isaiah 14:12-17
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Luke 10:18
Revelation 9:1

FALL #2
After the ascension of Jesus Christ, there was war in heaven. Satan’s side was defeated, lost their place in heaven, and Satan was hurled down to the earth. He no longer had the right to accuse God’s people. Additionally, some believe he no longer had the ability to prevent the spread of the Gospel.

PASSAGES USED
Revelation 12:1-12, 20:1-3
John 12:31
Colossians 2:15
Hebrews 2:14
1 John 3:8

FALL #3
After the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, Satan will be bound and thrown into the Abyss for 1,000 years during which Christ will rule the earth with an iron scepter. After the 1,000 years Satan will be released for 1 final battle prior to Judgment Day.

PASSAGES
Revelation 20:1-3

FALL #4
At the end of time, Satan will be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur to be tormented forever and ever.

PASSAGES
Revelation 20:7-10
Matthew 25:41

2 comments:

Jo said...

Matthew, you won the bet. Congrats.

matthew said...

I'm a blog guru