A querist poses this question, also the title of material sent to him for review, which the querist forwarded to me. First, it seems apparent that Satan lost his status as a faithful angel of God, consequently also forfeiting his residency in heaven, before the temptation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-15; Revelation 12:9). The Bible does not say just when angels were created and just when Satan and his fellow fallen angels sinned and were exiled from heaven. That such an event did occur is apparent from what is recorded in Scripture. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:4). “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). “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Among the references submitted for consideration relative to determining when Satan fell from heaven were Luke 10:18; Romans 16:20 and various passages from the Book of Revelation. A primary mistake often made in the interpretation of apocalyptic epistles is to view figurative language as though it were literal. The thrust of Revelation is that God and righteousness will overcome Satan and unrighteousness. References to Satan in that figurative language do not reveal anything pertaining to when Satan fell from heaven, only that Satan ultimately looses his contest with God.
Luke 10:18 reads: “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” This verse also falls short of identifying when Satan was expelled from heaven. Jesus only addressed the continuing (until the end of time) war between Satan and God, in which Satan continues to lose and will finally be vanquished. “In every triumph over the powers of evil Christ beheld in vision the downfall of Satan.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)
Likewise, Romans 16:20 reflects on the prophecy God made in the Garden relative to Satan and Jesus Christ and the ongoing fulfillment of that prophecy (Genesis 3:15). “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:20). “…indeed this assurance is but a reproduction of the first great promise, that the Seed of the woman should bruise the Serpent’s head (Gen 3:15).” (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
These few comments in this reply (above and below) do not constitute an exhaustive treatment concerning Satan. Further, many incidental pieces of information can be gleaned from the Bible about Satan; however, Scripture neither presents a neat package of doctrinal information about this malevolent angelic being (and his disciples) nor provides answers for mankind’s every inquiry about Satan. Among other things, we can know Satan’s ultimate outcome (Matthew 25:41).
SATAN A comparison of these passages will convince the careful student that while we cannot construct a definite chronological program for the career of Satan, we are clear in the chief points. He is limited, judged, condemned, imprisoned, reserved for judgment from the beginning. (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)
Additionally, Satan is known by several designations in the Bible, which names also describe some of his malicious characteristics.
Satan — adversary; accuser. When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article “the adversary” (Job 1:6-12; 2:17). In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times. He is also called “the dragon,” “the old serpent” (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30); “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2); “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4); “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2). The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness (Matt. 4:11). He is “Beelzebub, the prince of the devils” (12:24). He is “the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way.” His power is very great in the world. He is a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Men are said to be “taken captive by him” (2 Tim. 2:26). Christians are warned against his “devices” (2 Cor. 2:11), and called on to “resist” him (James 4:7). Christ redeems his people from “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). Satan has the “power of death,” not as lord, but simply as executioner. (Easton, M. G., M. A. D. D., Easton’s Bible Dictionary, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1996)
Another common name for Satan in the New Testament is ” the devil,” meaning “slanderer” or “false accuser.” Other titles by which Satan is identified in the New Testament include “the tempter” (1 Thess 3:5); “Beelzebub” (Matt 12:24); “the wicked one” (Matt 13:19, 38); “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31); “the god of this age” (2 Cor 4:4); “Belial” (2 Cor 6:15), “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2); and “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev 12:10). (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers, electronically packaged with Biblesoft)
Satan is also called the devil, the dragon, the evil one, the angel of the abyss, the ruler of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the god of this world, Apollyon, Abaddon, Belial, and Beelzebub. But Satan and the devil are the names most frequently given. (The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (c) 1988, electronically packaged with Biblesoft)
Satan has many vices with which he earnestly and relentlessly endeavors to infect as many mortals as possible. He is a liar and murderer (John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Satan is a master of deception (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The sinful pride with which he is permeated he hopes to spread to our fellows (1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) and snares (1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26) with which he means to entrap humanity are plentiful. Many have already been overcome by him (1 Timothy 5:15). However, Satan can be resisted (James 4:7), especially when one is watchful for him (1 Peter 5:8), flees from him (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7) arms himself with the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11).
