Whence Cometh Satan? (Part 3 of 3)

Here is something else to consider: What do you do if one is found to be possessed with one of these evil spirits? And how do you know if one is possessed by an evil spirit?

Of course, Hollywood has given us the stereotypical view of how one behaves when possessed by a devil, or demon, as they often call it. Shown are all sorts of histrionics, aberrant and abhorrent behavior from the one possessed. You might hear guttural, evil-sounding voices emanating from the possessed one’s mouth, even a male’s voice coming from a female.

While all these effects may or may not be observed, I think they represent at best a very small portion of those actually possessed. It must also be remembered that Satan and his ministers can be very deceptive.

“And no marvel [i.e, marvel not]; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Whence Cometh Satan? (Part 2 of 3)

So, what exactly was this war in heaven fought over? Of course, we have no way of really knowing, save the heavens become open to us. Nevertheless, perhaps we can paint a picture of what might possibly have occurred, relying heavily upon conjecture. But that’s what we’re all about here: expressing opinions.

Let us look back and try to imagine the scene that took place.

We know this war took place in heaven, a place where one wouldn’t ordinarily think of as having conflict of any kind, let alone a war. I believe this war took place before Adam and Eve were placed on earth in their physical forms. I also believe this war occurred before “the morning stars [i.e., daughters of God] sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).

Of course, there’s no way to know for sure, except there does seem to be a logical pattern of progression here. First, a war fought in heaven. Second, the conclusion of the war. Third, God’s announcement of the physical creation of the earth and the laying of its cornerstone.

Whence Cometh Satan? (Part 1 of 3)

A lot of sermons have been preached about Satan. However, I wonder how many people, preachers included, actually know who Satan is and where he came from. Do we know why he is so determined to fight against God and all those who seek to do good in Christ’s name? Do we know why he is so hateful and downright evil?

To answer these questions, we have to go back before the physical creation of the earth, for that is where we first meet the one we call Satan, otherwise known as Lucifer, or the Devil.

There’s a curious verse in the epistle of Jude (KJV) that refers to the “first estate.” Nothing further is mentioned, nor is there any other reference to it in the entire Bible. Even so, I think we can make some assumptions regarding this verse.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 6).

What of So-Called Past Lives? (Part 2 of 2)

The question may then be asked: Why were the sons and daughters of God so excited about the laying of the earth’s foundations and cornerstone​, whatever the latter may have consisted?

Could it not be anticipation for something they had been looking forward to for a very long time? Could it be they understood God was creating a new home for them in a new setting? New opportunities for growth and development?

With a new setting came different types of bodies to deal with, consisting of grosser material, but fashioned after the manner of their spirit bodies, which were created in the image and likeness of God. Trials and suffering would be part of their learning experiences, although they had no way of knowing or understanding the lengths, widths and depths of that sorrow and suffering. These would be the refiner’s fire spoken of in “Who Are We? (Part 2)”.