Last month the question of where satans seat or throne is located today was discussed in the post, “…even where Satan’s seat is..”
Charles Newbold touches on the topic in chapter 17 of his book, “The Harlot Church System”. I found it interesting and thought someone else might as well…
“How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning? How are you cut down to the ground…For you have said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the most High.’” Isa. 14:12-13.
THE DWELLING PLACE OF SATAN
Several things of interest are revealed to us in the above verses of scripture from Isaiah. First, we note that this reference to Lucifer, whom I believe is Satan, is in the context of the prophecy of the fall of the king of Babylon and of the destruction of Babylon. Isa. 14:3-11, 22-23. If we remove the subheadings and the chapters and verses that have arbitrarily been given to these verses, they read as one continuous passage, thus linking Lucifer with Babylon as the king of Babylon.
Secondly, we note that Lucifer made five boasts, five “I wills.” He seeks to usurp the place of God in heaven, to exalt his throne above the stars, to sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north, to ascend above the heights of the clouds, and to be like the most High. This is what Babylon is about–the exaltation of Self. It is all that the carnal mind devises.
Thirdly and most particularly, Lucifer said he would sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north. Psalms 48:2 lets us know that “the sides of the north” refers to Mount Zion:
“Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”
The “great King” in this verse refers to Yahweh who is Jesus. Psalms 2:6 declares, “Yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Zion.” Zion is God’s dwelling place (Ps. 9:11) and is “the city of the great king.”
Zion is also a type of God’s holy remnant.
“Remember Your congregation who You have purchased of old, the rod of Your inheritance who You have redeemed, this Mount Zion, wherein You dwell.” Ps. 74:2.
Also we read, “They who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion.” Ps. 125.1.
Lucifer intended from the beginning of time to seat himself as the head of the congregation of God’s people.
Israel was the congregation of God’s people, as are all true believers in Christ to this day. Lucifer sought to be the head of Israel then, just as he seeks to be the head of the body of Christ to this day.
Luke 4:13 reads, “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from Him [Jesus] for a season.”
But only for a season–Satan wasted no time to deceive, if possible, the elect of God. Matt. 24:24. His takeover of the churches should be no surprise to us.
We read in the book of Revelation how involved Satan was in three of the assemblies of called-out-ones that are mentioned there. He, not Jesus, was ruling their hearts. Jesus was standing and knocking outside of the door, spiritually speaking, of the ekklesia in Laodicea saying,
“…if any man hear My voice and opens the door, I will come into to him and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 2:20.
SATAN’S SEAT
The Lord Jesus instructed the apostle John to write to the called-out-ones in Pergamos saying,
“He who has the sharp sword with two-edges, I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s seat is.” Rev. 2:13.
The interpretation of this phrase, where Satan’s seat is, is not clear. Is Satan’s seat [throne] in the middle of this assembly of called-out-ones? Does he have his throne in the same city where they are? Or, are there simply people in the assembly at Pergamos who represent Satan’s actions? It says that his seat is there and then says that he dwells there. This agrees with Satan’s own aspiration to seat himself also upon “the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.” Whichever is the case, he stirred up persecution among them. Jesus commended those who upheld His name and did not deny the faith. Nevertheless, He held a few things against them because they had some among them who followed the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.
Satan was in the middle of all of this. It would be naive to think that Satan could be elsewhere. His mission has always been to wage war against Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and His assembly of called-out-ones. Whatever else he does in the world, he does it in order to try to embarrass, usurp, or dethrone Jesus or to rob Him of His inheritance in the saints. Eph. 1:18.
Satan will not set up his throne outside of the encampments of God’s people unless he must. Unfortunately, because of people’s fleshly ways and harlot hearts, he has been given free room and board to camp within. He positions himself as close to the center of God’s people as he can.
THE DEEP THINGS OF SATAN
Jesus began His message through John to the called-out-ones in Thyatira by recognizing their works, love, service, faith, patience, and that their last works were more than the first. Then He said He was against them for tolerating that woman Jezebel who called herself a prophetess. She taught and seduced His servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. Jesus had even given her time to repent, but she did not. Consequently, He said He would cast her into a sickbed and would cast those who committed adultery with her into great tribulation; that is, unless they repented of their deeds. Moreover, Jesus said He would kill Jezebel’s children with death so that all of the called-out-ones would know that He is the one who searches the inner hearts of men and gives to everyone according to their works.
Jezebel’s spiritual children are those who follow her in deception and idolatry. Jesus made a distinction here between Jezebel’s children and His own called-out-ones. Then Jesus said He would put no other burden upon the rest of them in Thyatira,
“as many as have not this doctrine [teaching] and who have not known the deep things of Satan.” Rev. 2:18-29.
That there were those in the assembly of called-out-ones in Thyatira who did not know the deep things of Satan suggests that there were those in the assembly who did know. These were those who allowed themselves to be seduced by Jezebel to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
Jesus charged those who had not known these deep things of Satan to hold fast to what they had until He came.
Why would He have told them to hold fast to what they had? Because that which they had could be easily taken from them by deception. This Jezebel spirit is very seductive and deceiving.
Jezebel was in the assembly of called-out-ones in Thyatira and had followers. She was teaching things that Jesus called “the deep things of Satan.” Nothing could be clearer. If these Things we call church are idolatrous extensions of self-worship–flesh–then those who rule over them practice witchcraft and are under the control of the spirits of witchcraft; and if under witchcraft, then they too are involved in the deep things of Satan.
SYNAGOGUES OF SATAN
When Jesus charged John to write the assemblies in Smyrna and Philadelphia, He mentioned those who blasphemed by calling themselves Jews, whom Jesus clarified were not Jews but were the synagogue of Satan. Rev. 2:8-9; 3:7-9. Jesus could have been referring to some Judaizers who might have penetrated the ranks of the believers there, but it is more likely that He was referring to unconverted Jews who slandered the believers in these cities.
Jesus said those who falsely called themselves Jews were the synagogue of Satan. Just as believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, they were the synagogue [gathering place] of Satan–not their buildings, beliefs, or activities. He said that they blasphemed by calling themselves Jews.
Paul taught that the true Jews are followers of Jesus,
“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Rom. 2:28-29.
They were synagogues of Satan because they opposed and persecuted the followers Jesus. They had already determined in the synagogues that any man who confessed that Jesus was of Christ should be put out of the synagogue. John 9:22. So much stress was put on belonging to the synagogue that it was shameful to be put out of it. Guilt and shame were applied as a means of manipulating, controlling, dominating, and possessing the constituents of the synagogue, just as it is done in churches today.
It is a hard saying, but whoever allows the flesh to rule rather than the Holy Spirit, they, too, are the synagogue of Satan.
THE TRUE PATTERN
Most everyone agrees that the church system from its inception after the first century A.D. has been patterned after the synagogue system of the Jewish religion. The word synagogue literally means a bringing together. It was the place the Jews gathered to read and explain the sacred scriptures and pray, but it became more than a gathering place. It became both a building and an institution just as it is with church today. Some similarities between the synagogue and church systems are footnoted below with personal comments. fn {23}
The Pharisees were an inseparable part of the synagogue system by the time of Jesus and were distinguished by their legalism; their lust for power, position, recognition, and dominance; their stiff-necked attitudes; their self-righteousness and hypocrisy; their self-seeking lifestyle; and their murderous intentions.
What are we to say of those clergy persons in present-day Christendom who are likewise legalistic; who lust for power, position, recognition, and dominance; who are stiff-necked, self-righteous, hypocritical, and self-seeking; and who have murderous intentions in their hearts?
Might they be modern-day Pharisees in the churches!?
Make this connection with me. If the leaders of that you are in, that you call church have the marks of the Pharisees, they are in the flesh and seeking something for themselves. They are the synagogue of Satan.
If you participate in, share in, and have your fellowship with them in that idolatrous system, it is most likely because the system is in your heart as well.
If that is the case, you are the synagogue of Satan with them. Satan has his synagogue and Jesus has His assembly of called-out-ones. We are the called-out-ones for assembly into Him. He formed a people. He is building His temple and it is made up of lively stones. We are to be joined only to Him.
Bill Shipman observes, “If we are joined, submitted, committed, or covenanted to anyone or anything other than to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are committing spiritual adultery.”
Much of what Jesus taught was in contradiction to what the Pharisees stood for. He figuratively pointed a finger at the Pharisees, declaring to His disciples, “See them? What they say and do is not it. Look at Me! I am the way and the truth and the life.” We have patterned that which we call church after the synagogue system of men. The true assembly of called-out-ones can never be patterned after a Thing. The bride of Christ can never be defined by systems, institutions, buildings, governmental orders, programs, formulas, creeds, rituals, and litanies. The assembly of called-out-ones is a people who are patterned after the person, Jesus Christ. He alone is the governor and the government of the Kingdom of God. Isa. 9:6.
When it comes to what we call church, in most cases, Satan has positioned himself and his throne in the middle of it. We must see that! His deception is so great that we do not even know we may be serving him amidst our service to Christ.
“For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14. He is false light who is full of deception and deep darkness.
The harlot church system springs forth from those who have spiritual Babylon in their hearts. This Babylon is the great whore that sits on many waters. “Many waters” includes peoples of all nations in all denominations and non-denominational churches who practice the harlotry of church.
OUTSIDE THE CAMP
The harlot church cannot be fixed. It can never be redeemed. It is flesh and all flesh is under the domain of Satan. God’s people–we who are called by His name and who do not allow ourselves to be called by any other name–must come out of Babylon. We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, joined to Him only, baptized into His death, and raised in His resurrection. We are immersed in and led by His Holy Spirit. He alone is the Lord of our lives. We are submitted one to another in the spirit of humility and love.
Bob Hughey writes,
“God is looking for a people, not a place. His building program is made up of living stones, not concrete blocks, lumber, and nails. He is looking for and raising up a people of faith, not some theological meeting to come up with a statement of faith. He is not starting a new non-profit organization, He is bringing to life a living organism with true apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and with everyone in the body a minister. He is not looking for a people known by their doctrine, pastor’s name, location, but is raising up a people known by their love for Him and for one another. He is not looking for a people bound by traditions, but is raising up a people free in Jesus and being led by His Holy Spirit.” fn {24}
“Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” Heb. 13:12-13.
Chapter 17 – The Deep Things Of Satan
Although I do not see questions at Isaiah 14:12, rather, I see statements of fact:::>
Isa 14:12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
….I would pose this question and answer it: “…How is Satan cut down to the ground” and then cast out and then cast into the lake of fire…?
Let me focus on the “three” falls of Satan as I understand them from Scripture as I was taught them by my Mentoring Pastor; and by so doing, one should come to realize just “how” and because of “who”, Satan is cast down to the ground and then finally, into the lake of fire?
The first fall of Satan Jesus describes here:
Luk 10:18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
The question is, “where was he when he fell that Jesus so describes it that way in Luke’s Gospel”? Jesus is referring to a “time” and some “place” when He says He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
We can see from Job “where” that place was:
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.
Job 1:7 The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
It is clear to me, there, at this time there is no clear prohibition against Satan coming before God.
So the question remains then, “when” is “when” that Jesus describes there at Luke 10:18, cited above, that Satan fell from heaven to no longer be able to go before God’s Throne?
Well, when is it, then? I put over that the first occurrence, the first fall of Satan, happened in Chapter 3 of Genesis when God pronounced the judgment upon the serpent, cf. Genesis 3:15. In my opinion, it is there that Jesus is referring to at Luke 10 when Satan was kicked out of Heaven.
Where was he fallen “too”? I believe Satan was cast out of the Eternal Heaven at that time and cast into this present heavens and earth. Now, because of the fall of man, he has become known as the “god” of this world.
When then does the “second” fall of Satan occur and to where?
Jesus looked ahead and prophesied as to this “second” fall of Satan, here:
Joh 12:28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
Joh 12:29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Joh 12:30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.
Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
Well, when is that then that this judgment of this world happens and the ruler of this world is cast out?
Again, I would say, simply, it is here, when this is accomplished:
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Peter, when writing his letter, 2 Peter, describes the end of the world and “who” brings that about in particular fashion this way; especially note 2 Peter 3:12 and the word ” hastening”, here:::>
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
John reveals in the book of the Revelation, chapter 12, this:::>
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
Rev 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Rev 12:12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
So, we have now laid out “two” falls of Satan. Once, from Heaven itself at the time God pronounced jugment on the serpent. Satan is now known as the ruler of the world and referred to as the god of this world.
A second time comes about when the Church rises up and finishes the Great Commission Christ has given to us to finish.
When, then, does the “third” fall come to Satan and where does he fall too, as recorded in Scripture?
Here:
Rev 20:10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
There is a lot more I could go into to develop these “three” falls of Satan. But because of space I will not.
I would, though, want to point to something else from the Scriptures as something you can ponder and ask God to give you some understanding about, with regard to what your role is as a member of the Body of Christ in these days as we wrestle with the principalities and powers of spiritual wickedness in heavenly places; Satan as the head of this wickedness?
It is what I call the “eighteth” wonder of Scripture, found in Chapter Eight, of the book of the Revelation, describing what the Eighteth Angel does in response to the “finishing” work the Church does to “hasten” the coming of the Lord in the final generation of all things:::>
Rev 8:1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Rev 8:2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,
Rev 8:4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
Rev 8:5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Jesus, who began marshalling the Saints to be filled with Godly forces and authorities, called out of the world in every generation and filled with the Holy Spirit while alive on earth in each generation after His Resurrection, said this:::>
Luk 12:49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!
Luk 12:50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!
Luk 12:51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
The earliest Church body got it this way when we read these words in Acts:::>
Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
It is my firm belief that there yet remains a work for the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to finish. This Church is to be called from every nation, to fulfill our work for God in each generation, after being filled with great grace, partnered with the help of the Holy Spirit. I believe that this might just be the finishing generation to fulfill all things?
If not, then we are at least close enough to see all that is yet to be fulfilled by the Church, fulfilled?