Topical Bible: The Devil: Cast out of Heaven

◄ The Devil: Cast out of Heaven ►

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The event of the Devil being cast out of heaven is a significant moment in biblical theology, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the triumph of God's sovereignty. This event is primarily referenced in the book of Revelation, with additional insights from other scriptural passages that provide context and understanding of the Devil's fall.

Revelation 12:7-9 :
The most direct account of the Devil's expulsion from heaven is found in Revelation 12:7-9: "Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."

This passage describes a cosmic battle between the forces of good, led by the archangel Michael, and the forces of evil, led by the Devil, also known as Satan. The imagery of the dragon represents Satan's power and influence, which is ultimately overcome by the might of God's heavenly host. The casting out of Satan signifies his defeat and the cleansing of heaven from his corrupting presence.

Isaiah 14:12-15 :
While Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the Devil's expulsion, the book of Isaiah offers a prophetic and poetic account that has traditionally been associated with Satan's fall. Isaiah 14:12-15 states: "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, while initially directed at the king of Babylon, has been interpreted by many theologians as a dual reference to the pride and fall of Satan. The imagery of the "day star" or "Lucifer" reflects the Devil's original exalted position and his subsequent downfall due to pride and rebellion against God.

Ezekiel 28:12-17 :
Similarly, Ezekiel 28:12-17 provides another allegorical account that has been linked to Satan's fall: "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every kind of precious stone adorned you... You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways until wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones."

This passage, while addressing the king of Tyre, is often seen as a parallel to the fall of Satan, highlighting his initial perfection and beauty, his role as a guardian cherub, and his eventual corruption and expulsion from God's presence due to sin.

Theological Implications:

The casting out of the Devil from heaven is a profound theological event that underscores several key themes in Christian doctrine. It illustrates the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, serving as a warning to all of creation. The event also emphasizes the ultimate authority and justice of God, who will not tolerate evil in His presence. Furthermore, it foreshadows the final defeat of Satan and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as depicted in the eschatological visions of Revelation.

The narrative of the Devil's expulsion from heaven serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that continues to rage in the world, encouraging believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, trusting in the victory secured by Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:18
And he said to them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The War in Heaven.
... his angels, and he prevailed not; nor was their place found any more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the war in heaven.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... xiii. to end; as chaps. iv. and v. do to chaps. vi.". First, the war takes
place in heaven, and the Devil is cast out into the earth. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Satan.
... up, the great Usurper must first be cast out. ... legislation and civilization, all leave
out of their ... and considerations one dominating factor, namely, the Devil. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/1 the millennium in relation.htm

The Wicked Raised, and Satan Loosed
... the camp of the saints, and the beloved city: and fire descended from God out of
heaven, and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the wicked raised and satan.htm

The Disappointment of the People.
... and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. ... This is the bread which came
down out of heaven: not ... I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the disappointment of the people.htm

John Chapter xii. 27-36
... not have the devil, who has once been cast out, to be ... let us be far from supposing
that the devil is called ... possessed of power to rule over the heaven and the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lii john chapter xii.htm

After this Preface as to the Falsification by Heretics of the ...
... only those who have committed great sins will be cast out from the kingdom of heaven,
such as ... are spoken of Michael in his dealing with the devil; as it is ...
/.../18 after this preface as.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast ...
... when He said, "Ye could not cast out this devil because of ... how much more to cast
out his own uncleanness? ... in, allow of no admission into the kingdom of heaven! ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxx on the words.htm

The Meaning
... The devil prevailed not, neither was a place found for him any longer in heaven;"
that is, routed and chased with all his forces, he was cast out of heaven, (" ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.htm

The Life of Adam
... which was hotter than any beast of the earth and naturally deceivable, for he was
full of the devil Lucifer, which was deject and cast out of heaven, had great ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm