Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Why Does Satan Appear with the Sons of God in Job 1:6?


"One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them." -Job 1:6


Recently a church member who is reading the Bible on the one year recommended plan came to me with this question. This passage seems to be contradictory, to Satan being cast out of heaven until it is put into perspective with the larger redemptive narrative. Lucifer is his given name and he is described as having great beauty and wisdom (see Isaiah 14:12-14 & Ezekiel 28:12-18). In the book of Job, we get a peek into the high court of the universe as God's sons, aka his angels are gathering to give account of their ministries (see Hebrews 1:14 & 1 Kings 22:19). I am not sure if the other angels recognized him for who he was, because he can disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). It is important to note that wherever there is a gathering of the servants of God, there will always be at least one, sent by Satan, who will appear among them to cause trouble and division. The apostle Paul knew this when he gave a warning against "False Brothers" in the local church (Galatians 2:4). When Lucifer rebelled and took a third of heaven with him, the battle left heaven marred by his sin (Rev. 12:4). Lucifer will try one more time to take the place of God, but his plan will fail (Rev. 12:7-13). This is why there is a need for a NEW HEAVEN as well as a new earth in Revelation 21:1. As one reads Job, it becomes clear that Satan is both called into account for what he is doing and given restraints on what he can or cannot do. We are informed that he sits night and day and accuses the people of God in Revelation 12:10. This ancient story points out the fact that Satan is no threat to the throne of Heaven. When Satan is through serving God's proposes for the redemption of mankind, bringing God ultimate Glory, Satan will be rendered completely useless in influence and power (Hebrews 2:14). In fact the Bible tells us we will sit in judgment over the angels, which includes Satan. (1 Corinthians 6:3).

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