Q. When was Satan cast out of heaven? Was it at the beginning of the world or after (as Jehovahs Witnesses believe)? The Jehovahs Witnesses believe Satan was thrown out in 1914 when the first World War started. Now
to me that makes no sense. Why would God keep Satan in heaven after he deceived Adam and Eve and so many others and only decide to throw him out in 1914?
(Submitted by: J. W.)
A. Satan clearly was tossed out of heaven long before 1914. One key text proving this is Luke 10:18, where Jesus said:
"I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightening."
Satan was on earth when he initially revolted against God. Notice that Lucifer/Satan said in Isaiah 14:13:
"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: . . . "
So although Lucifer had been the covering cherub, right over God Himself on His throne (see Ezek. 28:14), he then was transferred to the earth while still obedient. While on the earth, ruling over it, he (and one third of the other angels) decided to rebel
against God. As he rose up to attack heaven, he was cast down to earth, as Jesus had seen.
It does appear, however, that Satan will once again try to rise up from the earth to attack heaven, only to get cast down again. Notice Rev. 12:7-9, which is about the time of the end, not about the initial revolt of Lucifer against God:
"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. " |
