Satan's Fall and the Age of the Earth

Dr. Couch, when did Satan fall? And is the earth older than 6,000 years? ANSWER:  Almost all evangelical scholars believe that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 speak about the fall of Satan in compressed, abbreviated, poetic language. His fall was an actual event but it is condensed in these OT passages. No date is assigned but it certainly could have been before the creation of the universe, eons before the world was made, or shortly before that time. However, the repercussions touched the earth and the residences of the earth.    After Satan had tempted Eve by using the serpent, he then remained on earth to tempt the human species. He was "cut down to the earth (Isa. 14:12) and he "weakened the nations" (v. 12b). Those who saw his activities said "Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms?" (v. 16). The answer is of course, Yes!    In Ezekiel 28 it is said that Satan was "in Eden, the garden of God" (v. 13). When he was in heaven, before his fall, he was clothed with splendid attire (vv. 13-14). He was an "anointed cherub (angel) and a created being" (v. 15). After his rebellion he was cast to the earth and he influenced rulers (v. 17). He  lives out "a multitude of iniquities in unrighteousness" (v. 18). He is known be the peoples of the earth, who then "are appalled" at him. His time is limited and he "will soon be no more" (v. 19).    Every theology of pagan religions speaks of Satan. He is not unknown among men!    As to the date of the earth, almost every evangelical scholar has a different age, though most would say that earth is early in its creation. One argument is that there are gaps in the genealogies in Genesis. (This is not the Gap theory!) To try to be specific in dating the age of the earth is a tall order! But again, I would simply point out that no one can be dogmatic on this issue. The earth is certainly young!    Thank you for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch   (11/10)