However, the judgment and condemnation of Satan does not mean that he is devoid of any influence in society—he and his minions (and fellow-travelers) have not been stripped of all evil persuasion, instigation, or provocation.  They—including the Devil—have been defeated but not destroyed.  They are down but not out.  They are bound and constrained, but not annihilated and demolished. They are on a leash—on a restraining device like so many vicious dogs.  Those seeking evil can find it, but those seeking Christ need not fear these dogs.  This ought to be obvious, given the condition of society and the evil that is present in the world, versus the absolute sovereign dominion and authority of Almighty God and Christ over all beings on earth (Matt.28:18; Jn.17:1-2).

The Devil's minions (offspring and supporters) are everywhere within dark society—even in the shadows of the churches and behind the pulpits! In reference to believers, they are restrained, but they are loose upon the general godless society.  Those who are in Christ have the capability to rein in the Devil and his lackeys through the awesome power of Christ Jesus.  Still, if believers restrain Satan in one place, while others in society pat him on the head and feed him in other places, the forces of evil can win out over society.  Within society we continue to this day to fight spiritual wickedness in high places: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph.6:12).

Notice that we are fighting a spiritual battle against rulers of "the darkness" and against "spiritual hosts" (again plural) in heavenly places.  What other kind of wickedness is there, if not spiritual? All sin is unholy, and is committed against a holy Yahweh God.  Therefore, all sin is spiritual.  So, this passage is not necessarily speaking of Satan in particular, but covers the whole range of the demonic dark realm, including the black hearts of natural man.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?  I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings" (Jer.17:9-10).

In his sovereignty, God graciously bestows mercy upon some, but not all.  Those who cry out against God and claim that a "fair" God should show mercy and offer salvation to all simply do not understand God, salvation, the callings, and especially predestination.  Those who say God is unfair in not offering all people salvation, but brings salvation (grace, mercy, or a pardon) to only some, do not understand his sovereign grace.  How can the clay cry out against the potter and reply against God?  "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God?  Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?'  Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor (Rom.9:20-21)?  God is not obligated to be merciful to anyone—we all deserve his justice—death.  In fact, we deserve no good thing at all from God. Nothing.  When we pray for healings, why should God accommodate us?  Why should God heal us?  Do we somehow deserve to be healed by God?  Nevertheless, God gives mercy, favor, a pardon, exoneration, and healing to believers, and justice to everyone else.  In this, there is no injustice with God.

Christ is the light that has come into the world, and light, by its very nature and definition, automatically displaces darkness wherever it shines.  "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,

“I am the light of the world.  He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (Jn.8:12).  To be in darkness, whether one is breathing or not, is to be dead.  "Jesus said to him [Thomas], 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" (Jn.14:6).  If you are not in Christ, you are not on the way to eternal life—you are on the way to eternal destruction and annihilation (Matt.7:13-14).

The Devil (Satan) has limited access to those in the light. Are you in the light or are you still in the darkness?                                                          (END)