We continue with the subject of,

The Millennium and the End of Sin

In our previous post we were looking at an excerpt from an article entitled, “Who may dwell in God’s Presence”, and continue here.

Further Evidence Adduced

“Another line of argument may be offered here to show that the casting down of the dragon to the earth did not really mark the time of Satan’s overthrow, the establishing of the Kingdom and the coming of salvation, for the vision goes on to show that the dragon when cast to the earth instead of being bound is allowed to pursue the woman (symbolical of the true Church). She flees to the wilderness and there remains in seclusion a “time, and times and a half a time” — three and one-half symbolic times, or 1260 years (see Verses 13 and 14); the same period of time that is pictured in another vision of the treading down of the Holy City (the true Church) forty-two months, 1260 days, or 1260 years. (Chapter 11:2.)

Here, then, is positive evidence that salvation and strength and the Kingdom of our God was not really at hand at the time of the ejection of the great dragon or the fall of Paganism, for the elements and influences of Paganism continued to persecute the true Church and she fled into the wilderness (out of public view) for 1260 years.

All of this is shown as taking place AFTER the war between Michael and the dragon; which should be ample proof that there is no foundation whatever for applying the prophecy to the end of this Age and to the final overthrow of Satan’s empire here.”

Satan’s Dwelling Place Since His Fall

Returning to the question of Satan’s present domain and whereabouts, the statement in Eph.2:2, that he is “the prince of the power of the air,” does not by any means accord to Satan the privilege of God’s presence. The words are merely a description of Satan’s power and activities in close proximity to the earth. In other words, he is active in the affairs of men and is exercising such great power as to be represented by St. Paul as the “god of this world.” There is nothing about the term to imply that the Adversary exercises the privilege of God’s presence.

As for the view entertained by many that the Adversary is permitted a certain power of sifting or testing amongst the brethren of Christ, we would be quite in agreement that the references, Luke 22:31,32; 1 Cor. 5:5 and 1 Tim. 1:20 would seem to fully sustain that thought. But having a measure of power to mingle amongst the brethren by no means signifies that Satan has had access to God’s presence all along through the Ages.

The reference to Job 1:6-11 (another view) is still before us and cited by some as proof that Satan has had access to God’s presence while in his rebellious state. We have only to say concerning this that it must be interpreted in the light of plain Scripture teaching, to the effect, as we have already seen, that nothing unholy and no unholy person can dwell with God or be tolerated in His presence.

This reference in the Book of Job therefore we understand to be in the nature of an allegory and not a statement of historic facts — not intended to teach that Satan actually comes and goes in connection with the heavenly court, or God’s presence. The picture before us is that of the holy ones above, literally coming before Jehovah and offering themselves to Him and amongst the number appears Satan, the Evil One, offering himself also.

Satan in the Church

The thought in this allegorical statement is, that it is as if when the sons of God present themselves before Jehovah, Satan comes also. It is a parabolic picture and as such is intended to teach that the tactics of the Adversary ever are to associate himself with the holy and the good and to pretend to be engaged in that which is noble, high, and sublime. We see this lesson and the facts exemplified upon the earth all along through the ages as Satan has time after time been represented amongst godly servants in the performance of the Divine service.

Accordingly, Satan’s influence was found working amongst the Israelites of old. He frequently intruded his presence amongst the high and mighty of Israel — in the priestly body as well as amongst the judges and kings. Then all along through the Gospel Age as the true children of God have offered themselves and endeavored to perform their obligations to their Divine Master, Satan has come also. That is, he has been represented by many willing tools and servants doing his bidding. Let us not forget St. Paul’s instruction on this point, that the Adversary’s policy is to appear as an angel of light and as such he is a loud and bold professor of religion. He would take his place along in the front ranks of the most pious and holy. He is always feigning as the champion of the cause of light, truth and righteousness, and in so doing professes to be very near to God and to be Jehovah’s exclusive custodian of the message of light and life. Not literally is Satan personally appearing in our midst, but representatively through professing brethren who are the willing agencies of the Adversary, misguided and deluded by him.

Our conviction is that this is the only sense in which Satan may be said to come into God’s presence, namely in the sense of mingling with those here on earth who are God’s children and striving after a life of righteousness, striving to follow the life of God — the pathway of truth and righteousness, the path that leads to God and to a heavenly home.”

In conclusion we would say that from what we have gleamed from the three views presented on what some suppose was (or shall be) a “war in heaven” it is clear that many still entertain very discorded views on the book of Revelation, especially on Chapter 12. Attempting to force a literal interpretation on what is clearly a symbolic prophecy has led to much of this confusion, and until this prophecy is properly interpreted as it should be this will continue.   

For a more thorough examination of Chapter 12 of Revelation please see our blog post entitled, “Revelation Chapter 12, Part 1”

In our next post we return to our Seventh Day Adventist friends outline of the Millennium and the End of Sin. Our next subject, “The Fate of the Earth”.