Monday, May 4, 2009

Satan Cast Out of Heaven Twice?

Dr. Couch, is Satan cast out of heaven two times? We have his fall given in Isaiah 14:12-16, and in Ezekiel 28:11-17.

ANSWER:  Though these passages are at first speaking to and about the kings of Babylon and Tyre, as the verses go on, it seems they are talking about the powerful and evil personality behind these monarchs, Lucifer. So these passages would be describing Satan being cast out of heaven, and then, some believe that Revelation 12 is talking about another time when he was cast from heaven in eternity past, before the tribulation. Revelation 12 was addressing his original fall described in Isaiah and Ezekiel.

   It makes sense to me to see Revelation 12 as looking back when Satan was in eternity past cast from the presence of God. Well, what about Job 1? How could Satan come before the Lord in glory if he has been previously thrown out of heaven? I think we have to understand that Satan was cast from heaven in the sense that he has no longer fellowship with God. He still could come before Him and speak with the Lord, and make accusation against Job as the chapter indicates.

   Revelation 12 is just a rehearsal of that original fall. The chapter goes on and describes the fact that now, that is in the tribulation, he is pursuing the woman, who clearly is the nation of Israel. He is working overtime attempting to destroy the Jewish people during that seven year period of wrath on earth.

   Thanks for asking.
   Dr. Mal Couch