John 16:11 – And about judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged.
Satan is on death row and awaits his final execution (Revelation 20:10). Satan is not only called the “ruler of this world”, but is also known as the “god of this world” and the “ruler of the power of the atmosphere” (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He and all of the host of Heaven that followed him are called the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). He is the deceptive lying power that blinds men’s eyes from seeing God. He is the father of the lie and of the children of disobedience (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2).
His lying power and work of deception has held men in darkness since he overthrew Adam. Jesus came with the specific purpose to destroy his power and to cast him out of the lives of mankind (John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14;1 John 3:8). Jesus defeated every power of Satan and executed judgment against him, so that he would know longer have power over men (Hebrews 2:14; Luke 9:1, 10:19; Acts 26:18). Although Satan still occupies a realm of influence called the “world”, his absolute power has been destroyed – and he is subject to the authority of the believer.
God, in His wisdom, has chosen to execute judgment against Satan and all of the angels that followed him in an incremental way. When Satan attempted to overthrow God, he was immediately judged and cast out of God’s presence into a realm of darkness and chaos awaiting a day of eternal judgment (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18). The eternal Word was made flesh for the sole purpose of executing yet another dimension of judgment against Satan. Through the death of the cross, Jesus destroyed the power and authority Satan had gained over mankind and all God’s creation (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Colossians 2:15). Next, Satan will be cast into hell for one thousand years when the Lord Jesus will come to rule over all mankind (Revelation 12:12, 20:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26). The final and eternal execution of judgment against Satan will be carried out once all rebellion has been purged from the ranks of men at the end of the thousand year reign of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (Revelation 20:7, 10, 14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
