Biblical Theology: Satan's Fall

Satan's Fall

• The question of when Satan fell is difficult to answer, as there is no specific text that reveals the exact timing.
• The fall of Satan is often linked to the "gap" theory, which suggests that Satan fell between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, resulting in damage to the earth.

Satan's Creation

• Satan was created as a day one creature, along with the heavenly host.
• He was part of the "very good" creation, but later became a hostile opponent of God.

Satan's Nature

• Satan was created in a state of unconfirmed holiness, meaning he was capable of change.
• He is now a spirit being, with emotions, intellect, and will, and is referred to as a person in Scripture.

Satan's Judgments

• Satan has been judged and will be judged in the future.
• The judgments of Satan are specified in Scripture, including:
  • Genesis 3:15 (the crushing of Satan's head)
  • John 12:31 and John 16:11 (the judgment of Satan at the cross)
  • The tribulation period (Satan's binding and release)
  • The millennium (Satan's binding)
  • Revelation 20:10 (Satan's ultimate judgment and condemnation to the lake of fire)

Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28

• These passages are often interpreted as referring to Satan's fall.
• Isaiah 14 describes the self-declared "I wills" of Satan, which are beyond what a mortal man would say.
• Ezekiel 28 is often seen as a lamentation over the King of Tyre, but the language and descriptions are more fitting for a being like Satan.

The Debate

• There is ongoing debate about whether these passages refer to Satan or to the kings of Babylon and Tyre.
• Some commentators argue that the descriptions in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 are more suitable for a being like Satan, while others argue that the language is merely descriptive of the pride and arrogance of the kings.

The King and Nation View

• This view sees the passages as referring to the kings of Babylon and Tyre, rather than to Satan.
• The descriptions in the passages are seen as accurate for the kings and their empires.

The Satan View

• This view sees the passages as referring to Satan, who is behind the kings of Babylon and Tyre.
• The descriptions in the passages are seen as beyond what a mortal man would say or do.

Conclusion

• The exact timing of Satan's fall is unknown, but it is clear that he fell morally at the beginning.

• The passages in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 are often seen as referring to Satan's fall, but the interpretation is not universally agreed upon.### Demons and Satan's Power

• Even demons are subject to believers in Jesus' name, indicating believers have power and authority.

• Jesus saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning, implying a loss of power or authority.

• Believers have been given authority to overcome serpents, scorpions, and the enemy's power, and nothing can harm them.

Warning Against Pride

• Jesus warns against rejoicing in the power given to believers, but instead, they should rejoice in their salvation.
• Pride was the cause of Satan's initial fall, making it a significant problem.

Satan's Descriptions

• Satan is also known as the devil, serpent of old, and the dragon.
• He is the arch enemy of God, implying a strong opposition to God's will.