The Fall of Satan

We are not given a lot of information in the Bible about the Spiritual Realm. Perhaps it is because much of it is incomprehensible to those of us who live in the Physical Realm. An example of the difference between the spiritual and physical is the dragon, or the Devil, or Satan. (Revelation 12:9, 20:2)

In Ezekiel chapter twenty-eight, we are given a description of this person, who is called the “king of Tyre.” While this title sounds like that of a human being, reading Ezekiel 28:11-16 shows us clearly that the prophet was speaking of a spiritual being. This created being (verse 13) was perhaps the most beautiful of all the Lord’s created beings. He was covered with gold and jewels. Perhaps as a warning to the church today, this being was associated with musical instruments. Because of his beauty, this being that we know as Satan, became proud and that was his downfall. As a result, the Lord cast him out of His presence on His holy mountain.

Satan was described as a covering, or guardian, cherub. There are four guardian cherubs, or cherubim, around the Throne of God. (Revelation 4:6-9) It appears that Satan was the fifth guardian cherub. Perhaps that is why the number five is associated with Satan, or the Devil. In Isaiah 14:12-14 are five arrogant statements made by Satan. The five-sided pentagram is closely tied to Devil worship and the occult. In the Revelation the fifth Seal is about those killed by Satan (Revelation 6:9). The fifth Trumpet is about the demons from the Abyss (Revelation 9:1). The fifth Bowl or Vial was poured out on the throne of the beast. (Revelation 16:10)

When Satan lost his place in the presence of the Most High God, he was still in the Spiritual Realm. The Physical Realm, the earth and all that pertains to it, did not exist at that time, and I believe was created because of the rebellion of Satan. Later, when Adam and Eve sinned, the Lord was not surprised. He used that event as part of a trap for Satan.

This is pure conjecture on my part. When Satan rebelled, one-third of the created beings we call angels rebelled also. I suspect a second part of the Lord’s great and wonderful plan was the creation of physical human beings to worship and serve Him, as replacements for those lost to Satan. The plan, I think, was not only to trap Satan, but to redeem an innumerable, almost uncountable, host of human beings, who through the redemption of the Lord Jesus will serve, praise and honor the Lord in the Spiritual Realm for all eternity! Give God all the glory and praise!
But Satan is still in the Spiritual Realm. He is the prince of this world, and the Lord Jesus said that judgment was coming and Satan would be cast out at some future time. (John 12:31). Satan is active in our physical world. He appeared before the Lord and told Him that he had been “going to and fro on the earth.” (Job 1:7)

But the Day is coming when Satan and his followers will be removed from the Spiritual Realm and cast into earth. The Revelation 12:7-12 foretells a war in Heaven between the Lord’s servants, led by the Archangel Michael, and Satan and his servants. Satan and his followers will not prevail and will be cast out of Heaven. There is a warning to those who dwell on earth at that time because Satan will be angry and knows that his time is short.

All those people that were enamored with demons in movies and video games will encounter the real thing. I believe it will be a terrifying time to be on earth. And yet, the Bible tells us that people will call for the rocks to cover them and hide them from the wrath of the Lord. (Revelation 6:15-16) They know that God is omnipotent and in command, but they will not repent.

Praise the Lord for His wonderful grace! Praise the Lord for the promise that He will keep believers from the hour of trial that will come upon all who live on the earth. (Revelation 3:10) And may the Lord Jesus come quickly!

BACK to Lesson Archive.