Note.—This, we understand, is the darkness surrounding this world, and is symbolic of the darkness of utter hopelessness and despair in rebellion and sin. When Satan led man to sin, darkness was brought upon this world. But God did not leave man to hopelessness. In His mercy and great love He caused “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ” to shine, to call men “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” That Satan and the angels who fell with him had a period of probation and opportunity to repent, there can be no doubt. Their fate is the result of stubborn rebellion and persistence in sin in spite of the overtures of mercy and the [pg 501] offers of pardon. For this they were cast out of heaven. The wicked angels are kept in everlasting chains of darkness.
12. How is the conflict which took place in heaven between Christ and Satan described by the revelator?
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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.” Rev. 12:7-9.
13. In what terms did Christ refer to Satan's fall?
“And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Luke 10:18.
14. Has Satan ever appeared before God since his fall?
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.” Job 1:6. See also chapter 2:1.
15. When asked whence he came, what was Satan's reply?
“Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Job 1:7. See Job 2:2.
Note.—By tempting man to sin, Satan usurped man's dominion over the earth. Rom. 6:16; 2 Peter 2:19. This he now claims as his kingdom (Luke 4:6); hence the temptation in offering the kingdoms of this world to Christ. As the “god” and ruler of this world, Satan, for four thousand years before the crucifixion of Christ, appeared before God among the representatives of other worlds, as the representative of this world. After accomplishing the death of Christ, the Son of God, the sinless One, Satan was cast out of this council, or assembly, and has not been permitted to enter it since. This was his second fall, and the one, doubtless, to which Christ, just before His crucifixion, alluded when he said, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” John 12:31. His final fall and destruction are still future.