The book of Revelation clearly states where Satan once lived, where he lives now, and where he will be in the future. “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” (Revelation 12:7-9).
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Satan Originally Lived in Heaven
As seen from the above verses, this evil angel once lived in heaven. This was when he was called Lucifer and was created perfect as an angel of light to serve God. But he used his free will to rebel against God. The Bible describes his fall, “For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13,14). Thus, he fell for his rebellion, selfish ambition, and pride (Isaiah 14:13-15).
This is further seen in the book of Ezekiel. “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God … Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee… and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness…” (Ezekiel 28:14-17).
Satan Now Lives on Earth
As seen in Revelation 12:9, Satan was cast to the earth. He not only lives here but is also constantly causing destruction and. He has a seat of limited authority in the earth. “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth” (Revelation 2:13). This place where Antipas was martyred appears to be where Satan’s seat is, however, there is no verse in the Bible or historical record as to the exact location where this is. It may be that this seat is Satan’s headquarters.
The Bible teaches that Satan is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:1, 2), which probably means that he inhabits the atmospheric heavens. The also means that he and his demons are invisible and inhabit the air around us. The Bible says, “…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Revelation 12:12). This wicked angel is determined in his efforts to persecute the church of God (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan’ Final Judgement
At the second coming of Christ, Satan will be bound to the bottomless pit for a thousand years. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season” (Revelation 20:1-3).
Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit for the thousand year period while all of God’s people are in heaven and the wicked get slain on earth by the Glory of God’s second coming (Revelation 20:4-5). Once the thousand years end, the Lord will raise the wicked to be judged and the devil will move the wicked for one last attempt to attack God and His people (Revelation 20:9). However, the Lord will send fire and destroy the evil one and his followers (verse 10).
At the end, the believers will have a part in the destruction of the devil. “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). “…Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:10-11).
Common Misconceptions
This evil angel is the father of all liars (John 8:44). One of his greatest lies is that he does not exist in the world or that he lives in hell, separate from people on the earth. This is a dangerous misconception, as it gives people the idea that they do not have an enemy to be careful of. Jesus calls him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31). He is here on earth and he is busy causing great evil. Therefore, God’s people need to be on guard against him as he seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Jesus is the great commander of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16) and calls His people to,”Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11-12).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
