Satan’s Current Status His current sphere of influence is quite large but does not include hell. Satan’s primary activities are confined to the earth. (Job 1:6,7; 1 Pet. 5:8,9) The only place where Satan can have any impact upon eternity is now upon the earth.

At the same time, in some way Satan still has access to heaven At the same time, in some way Satan still has access to heaven. Judging by the conversation between the devil and God in Job 1, the business of accusing the brethren has been going on for a long time. (Job 1:8-12) This current access is something of a mystery but most certainly includes the ability to muster forces in opposition to God’s kingdom. (Eph. 6:12) There is a day coming when Satan’s access to heaven will be forever ended. (Rev. 12:7-12)

In his current position Satan holds sway as the sovereign of evil In his current position Satan holds sway as the sovereign of evil. He has rulership and authority over the unseen realm of demonic activity. In this position Satan dominates the hearts and lives of unsaved people everywhere. (Eph. 2:2) Satan’s hold upon the unbelieving world is absolute except for the intervention of God in delivering the souls of men. (Acts 26;12-18; Col. 1:12,13) Because Satan is busy in the affairs of men in the realm of the temporal, he is said to have the power of death. (Heb. 2:14,15)

Satan’s Future There is every indication of increased activity on the part of the devil as the end of the age approaches. His ability to deceive and draw fallen men into all kinds of disastrous efforts is illustrated by the gathering of nations for the battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:12-16) As Satan empowers and controls antichrist the world will descend into chaos with multitudes of people dying because of the warfare, natural disasters, and pestilence that will mark the Tribulation Period. (Psa. 2:1-5)

Thus ends the career of the archenemy of all that is good and godly. At the end of the millennium Satan will incite a final rebellion that will actuate the Great White Throne Judgement. Satan will go into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:7-10 ) Thus ends the career of the archenemy of all that is good and godly.

The Believer’s Response Satan is already defeated. This transpired on Calvary as prophesied. (Gen. 3:15) Victory over Satan is clearly tied to the effect of the finished work of Calvary. (Col. 2:13-15; Rev. 12:10,11; 1 John 3:8) Because believers are in Christ and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they are equipped for spiritual conflict. (Eph. 6:10-18 )

The key factor is the spiritual discipline to stand in Christ while subjugating the flesh. (Eph. 4:27 ; Gal. 5:16-25) Critical to the task is vigilance. (1 Pet. 5:8) We do not resist in our own strength which is always inadequate. We resist by faith in the strength of God. In this way Satan’s contest is not with humanity but with deity. (Jam. 4:7; 1 John 2;12-17) In dependence upon God and confidence in the Word of God, believers resist the primary tool of the devil, the allurement of the world. In so many ways, it is a matter of focus.

Keep your eyes on Jesus; He is your victory!