Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
“So humble yourselves before GOD. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” ~ James 4:7
Although GOD and the Devil are at war, we do not have to wait until the end to see who will win. GOD has already defeated Satan. – 10 “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has happened at last – the salvation and power and kingdom of our GOD, and the authority of HIS Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth – the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our GOD day and night. 11 And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die. 12 Rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea. For the Devil has come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time’.” – Revelation 12:10-12 – Many believe that until this time, Satan still has access to GOD. But here we find that his access is forever barred. He can no longer accuse people before GOD. The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed His blood for our sins. The victory is won by sacrifice – Christ’s death in our place to pay the penalty for our sin, and the sacrifices we make because of our faith in Him. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it, rather we should loyally serve Christ, who alone brings victory. In the end the Devil will step up his persecution because he knows that “he has little time.” We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense. Even though the Devil is very powerful, as we can see by the condition of our world, he is always under GOD’s control. One of the reasons GOD allows Satan to work evil and bring temptation is so that those who pretend to be Christ’s followers will be weeded out from Christ’s true believers. Knowing that the last great confrontation with Jesus is near, Satan is desperately trying to recruit as great an enemy force as possible for his final battle.
When Christ returns, the Devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever. – 10 “Then the Devil, who betrayed them, was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the One who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before GOD’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 The sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the grave gave up the dead in them. They were all judged according to their deeds. 14 And death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death – the lake of fire. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:10-15 – Satan’s power is not eternal – he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in people at the beginning – with Adam and Eve – and continues it today, but he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the lake of fire. The Devil will be released from the bottomless pit, but he will never be released from the lake of fire. He will never be a threat to anyone again – HALLELUJAH!!
At the judgment, the books are opened. They represent GOD’s judgment, and in them are recorded the deeds of everyone, good or evil. We are not saved by deeds, but deeds are seen as clear evidence of a person’s actual relationship with GOD. The Book of Life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them. Death and the grave are thrown into the lake of fire. GOD’s judgment is finished. The lake of fire is the ultimate destination of everything wicked – Satan, the beast, the false prophet, the demons, death, the grave, and all those whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life because they did not place their faith in Jesus Christ. John’s vision does not permit any gray areas in GOD’s judgment. If by faith we have not identified with Christ, confessing Him as Lord, there will be no hope, no second chance, and no other appeal. – Is your name written in the Book of Life? Satan is here now, he is very real, he is not some made up Hollywood character, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist the Devil, and he will flee from us. If you have not done so, resist the Devil now, ask Jesus to become your Lord and Savior while there is still time – many believe that we are in the last hour of the last days.
It is so easy to ask Jesus into your heart – just pray:
LORD Jesus, I am a sinner. Please come into my heart and change me from the inside out. Live inside my heart and make me whole. Wash me and make me clean. – Jesus, I make You my LORD and Savior.
Photo: Port Lavaca (Texas)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click the photo to enlarge
