Topical Bible: The Devil: Cast Down to Hell

◄ The Devil: Cast Down to Hell ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. The narrative of the Devil being cast down to hell is a significant theme in the Bible, symbolizing the ultimate defeat and judgment of evil.

Biblical Background

The Devil's fall from grace is rooted in several key scriptural passages. Isaiah 14:12-15 is often interpreted as a reference to the fall of Satan: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit." This passage is traditionally understood to describe the pride and subsequent downfall of Satan, who sought to exalt himself above God.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the fall of Satan in Luke 10:18: "So He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.'" This statement by Jesus underscores the swift and decisive nature of Satan's expulsion from heaven.

The Role of the Devil

The Devil is depicted as the adversary of God and humanity, actively working to thwart God's plans and lead people astray. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This imagery highlights the Devil's relentless pursuit of those who follow God, emphasizing the need for vigilance and spiritual warfare.

The Final Judgment

The ultimate casting down of the Devil is prophesied in the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 describes the final judgment of Satan: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This passage affirms the eternal punishment awaiting the Devil, marking the end of his influence and the triumph of God's justice.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The casting down of the Devil is rich in symbolism, representing the victory of good over evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God. The imagery of the Devil's fall and ultimate judgment reinforces the hope and assurance of believers in the eventual eradication of evil.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the Devil being cast down to hell has profound theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God and His ultimate authority over all creation. It also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The assurance of the Devil's final defeat provides comfort and encouragement to Christians, affirming the promise of eternal life and the restoration of all things under God's righteous rule.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved to judgment;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:6
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Saints May Help the Devil
... his store is a little diminished, and he is very cast down, and he ... It is a
master-piece of thy devil, when he can use Christ's ... Will ye drag sinners down to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

"The Eternity of Hell-Torments"
... some who have denied the eternity of hell-torments, That ... such a being whom we call
the devil; that he ... pride and rebellion against God, was cast down from heaven ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the eternity of hell-torments.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Satan.
... his house." The "strong man" is our , the Devil' his "house ... captives (see Is.42:7).
Satan will be "cast into the ... Yet thou shalt be brought down to Hell, to the ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/1 the millennium in relation.htm

The Death of Christ Voluntary. How the Mediator of Life Subdued ...
... another kind is prepared in the eternal fire of hell, by which ... is derived from the
first sin, and will be cast down into the latter death with the devil. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 13 the death of christ.htm

How by Reason of Pride Lucifer was Turned from an Archangel into a ...
... pride Lucifer was turned from an archangel into a devil. ... splendour and beauty was
termed Lucifer, was cast out of ... the dart of pride, was hurled down from his ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv how by reason.htm

Whether that Fire Will Engulf the Wicked?
... everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil," etc., and ... will be separated from
it, and cast into hell. ... is vile in creatures will be thrust down into hell ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether that fire will engulf.htm

The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon, Rev. 12 7
... The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the dragon, Rev. ... past, Christ hath
assum'd his reigning power; Behold the great accuser cast Down from the ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 58 the devil vanquished.htm

The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon. Rev. 12 ...
... Rev. 12:7. LM The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the dragon. Rev.12:7. ...
Behold the great accuser cast. Down from the skies to rise no more. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 58 the devil vanquished.htm

The Son is of one Substance with the Father. ...
... art there; if I go down into hell, Thou art ... therefore, of the things which are the
devil's palaces as ... up itself against the knowledge of God, cast down by the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv the son is.htm

Hell on Earth
... As it was once said, 'The devil has tried every plan ... Lord answers "Go;" and "when
they were cast out, they ... the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon ix hell on earth.htm