SATAN’S SUDDEN, INGLORIOUS END

We look around us and see evidence of a great enemy who is dominating the scene. The Bible is very clear about his identity. Satan, the Devil, the enemy of God is working in this age. He is the “prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

He has a host of demons that plague this world, and they are the sworn enemies of all those who have come to know and love Christ. We are in a constant battle against them, but a battle whose ultimate outcome has already been decided at the cross. Paul reminds us to be armed and on guard.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Our weapons are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4) and every time we resist him, firm in our faith, he must flee (James 4:7). The Christian must be aware and vigilant against Satan’s constant attack but not intimidated. We can take back ground he has unrightfully stolen, and this is one of the primary purposes of prayer (Ephesians 6:18).

HIS ULTIMATE END

Further, God gives us enough understanding (through the Revelation given to John, the beloved Apostle) to know what Satan’s end will be. His doom is certain and inglorious. It’s not the kind of ending Satan was planning for.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-2)

Notice that God does not deem it necessary to take care of Satan himself. He sends an angel. This angel of God’s authority is completely sufficient to grab Satan by the nape of the neck and bind him up.

He is released for a final battle (Armageddon), and then this is his ultimate doom.

And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).

God describes the final disposition of this one who has plagued mankind for thousands of years in one verse! He’s cast into hell forever. Done for. Finished, never to plague anyone in God’s kingdom again.

HOW SHALL WE THEN LIVE?

We live knowing an end is coming and that all those who walk with Christ will see it. We will reign victorious with Christ for eternity, and every vestige of evil—all of Satan’s kingdom—will be completely gone. There will be no sin in the new heaven and new earth. No murder, no anger, no strife, no arguing, no deception … nothing unrighteous.

The wicked devil will meet a horrific and just end. Justice and righteousness will reign supreme upon the earth. This is the truth that we remind the enemy of when we stand and resist him every day, even now. He cannot and will not win, for Christ has crushed his head and will reign supreme forever.