Divine Supremacy Maintained

When we contemplate the will of God, we recognize that it is God’s sovereign right to have His will done universally, on earth as it is in heaven, with subjection to God and His will in local assemblies here below.

Satan, the adversary, challenges God’s supremacy. Some angels joined him in his opposition to God, and Satan introduced disobedience into the heart of man, thereby alienating man from God. Since the fall of man, Satan has sought to fulfil his own ambitious pride through men, under his rule motivating them—even kings—to struggle for place, prestige, power and glory. His works are intrinsically evil.

Satan cannot be dismissed to the category of what is mystical. Those who would teach this thereby attack the perfection of the knowledge of Jesus Christ the Son of God, who said, “the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me”, John 14. 30. God Himself identifies the enemy, and makes it clear to those who have ears to hear that the dragon, the old serpent, the devil and Satan, all represent the same evil spirit, Rev. 20. 2.

He is irrevocably and relentlessly set against God and His people; he was the adversary of God’s people in the past, he tempted Jesus, and is the tempter and adversary of the whole of mankind including the saints. It is God’s will that men should come to a knowledge of the truth, but Satan works against God by blinding the minds of the unbelieving to prevent the fight of Christ, who is the image of God, shining unto them, 2 Cor. 4. 3-4. He is the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who works in the hearts of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God, Eph. 2. 1-3. Under such circumstances, not one could be saved were it not for the love, grace, mercy and power of God, who delivers those who believe from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, Col. 1. 13-14. What a wonderful transformation, from one power and authority (that would cause us to walk after the flesh and our own sinful natures) to the well-ordered realm of the Son of God, whom God sent into the world that we might have redenption.

Lucifer, son of the morning, Isa. 14. 12. In this context, it is reasonable to consider that God is speaking to Satan by speaking to the king of Babylon, as also in Ezekiel 28 by speaking to the king of Tyre. These passages point to the evil source of all opposition to His will and supremacy. The final outcome of this conflict is not in doubt. It is a finite creature rebelling against God who is infinite, and what is finite cannot comprehend or prevail against what is infinite, for God is love and God is light; He was before all creation, while He is and is to come. Everything that Satan has introduced into God’s creation, which fallen man practices and which is contrary to God’s will, will be destroyed and removed according to God’s holiness and righteousness through His Son the Lamb of God.

Satan had a place of dignity and high estate in heaven, until iniquity was found iti him. God will deal with him! Even Michael the archangel dare not bring a railing accusation against him, saying, “The Lord rebuke thee”, Jude 9. Satan, the king of Babylon, the king of Tyre, the confederacies of men ruled by Satan, the beast and the false prophet are all creatures, set against God who is infinite and against His Son, the Lamb of God, whose right it is to rule.

How different is the Lord Jesus! He is the One who said, “Lo, I come: … to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”, Psa. 40. 7-8. May our hearts be tuned to praise Him who is Faithful and True, the Word of God, King of kings and Lord of lords. For all rule, authority and power contrary to God will be put down by Christ, 1 Cor. 15. 24-26. The Christian believes that this time will soon come to pass. He waits patiently, but with assurance, for the Lord’s coming and His appearing in glory with His saints. The waiting time is a testing period, as a waiting time always is, so it is a comfort to read the apostle John’s testimony in Revelation 1. 9, “I John … your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ”. He knew what it was to be despised and rejected for Jesus’ sake, yet hearing His voice, “Surely I come quickly”.

The Prince of Life, Acts 3. 15. It is far beyond one’s capability to define or understand the origin of Satan, but if Ezekiel 28. 12-19 refers to him under the title of king of Tyre, then he was the anointed covering cherub, resplendent with light but not his own, not like God who is light, but a shining reflected light, covered with every precious stone. Then God found iniquity in him, and we know his end according to the Scriptures, Isa. 14. 15; Rev. 20. 10. Similarly we know the end of Judas, when the devil, true to his character, put iniquity in his heart.

By contrast, we know who is the Prince, Author and Originator of life; we know from whence He came, and why He came—to undo the works of the devil. He is God’s Man, the second Man out of heaven, and we know where He has gone, with all authority given unto Him. Not for us is the confusion and doubt that existed in the minds of the people of Israel; they did not know what had happened to Moses when he went up the mount; “we wot (know) not what is become of him”, Exod. 32. 1, was their cry. Concerning the One with all divine supremacy, we can say, “we see Jesus … crowned with glory and honour”, Heb. 2. 9. If Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 tell us of the origin of Satan, then John 1. 1, 14 tell us of the eternal Person of the Son: “In the beginning was the Word” (His eternal Being); “the Word was with God” (His distinct personality), “the Word was God” (His Deity), “the Word was made flesh” (His perfect Humanity).