A very strong theme in the Book of Revelation is the frustration of Satan. The story of his failures is told in the visions in chapter 12, and completed in chapters 18 and 20.

Satan's Failures (Rev 12)

1. Satan Fails to Devour the Infant Christ

The dragon stood before the splendid woman who was giving birth to a man child. The dragon was intending to devour the male child as soon as it was born. But the child was caught up to God and his throne and the splendid woman finds shelter in the wilderness (Rev 12:1-6). Satan did his best to destroy Jesus, and eventually succeeded when he had him crucified. However, Christ was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven to God's right hand to establish his kingdom the church (Acts 2:22-24,32-33).

2. Satan Fails to Conquer Heaven

The dragon pursues Christ into heaven. The devil and his angels fight a bitter war against Michael and the angels of God. The dragon and his angels could not prevail and lose the war. There was no longer a place for them in heaven and they were expelled (Rev 12:7-9). This vision signifies the solid truth that Christ in Heaven is supreme. "You are of God little children, and have overcome [the spirits of antichrist] because greater is he who in you than he who is in the world" (1Jn 4:4).

3. Satan's Time is Short

While the victory song is sung in heaven, Satan is very angry as he realizes his failure. He knows that his fefeat spells his end. Cast down to earth, he has "great wrath knowing that his time is short" (Rev 12:10-12). Whilst we know Jesus is far greater and stronger than Satan, we still must not underestimate the devil's power. He is utterly evil, deeply frustrated, and in a mighty fury. Here on earth we have to contend "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of heavenly wickedness" (Eph 6:10-12).

4. Satan Fails to Destroy God's Grace

As the visions continue, the dragon turns to persecuting the splendid woman who had given birth to the man child. She was given two wings of a great eagle and flew to refuge in the wilderness. The dragon tried to flush her out by spewing a flood of water from his mouth, but the ground soaked it up. (This splendid woman represents the grace of God). So having thrice failed, the dragon turned upon the woman's offspring, those who keep God's commandments and have the gospel (Rev 12:13-17). So tribulation is to be expected in this world and "through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

More Failures Previewed (Rev 18-20)

Later visions have more to reveal about Satan the loser. We'll just take a quick preview.

5. The Fall of Babylon

Further on in Revelation (chapters 18-19) we see more unfold of the story of Satan's frustration and defeat. Here is announced the fall of Babylon. Satan, frustrated and doomed as he is, still uses one of his oldest ploys. He corrupts political powers to wreck society, establish false religions, and persecute the people of God. The name "Babylon" is given to such political powers. At the time John received the visions of Revelation, Rome was a world superpower which did all those things. This method of Satan is self defeating, because nations that rise to greatness and then become corrupted will fall. So even though "the whole world lies under the wicked one" Jesus Christ remains true and his kingdom of truth will prevail (1Jn 5:19-21).

6. The Binding of Satan

Further along in the visions, there is one depicting the binding of Satan. This is another signification of Satan's frustration and defeat. The dragon is seized, bound, and cast into a bottomless pit for 1000 years (Rev 20:1-3). However, alongside this is a warning that he is also "released for a little season". Although Satan and his demons have been cast down to earth, Heaven has not given Satan a free hand on earth. He is very strongly restrained. This must be a great frustration to him. The 1000 years of confinement and the little season of release signify the strength of the restraint placed upon Satan. Satan's persecutions and the tribulations he causes are characterized as lasting a time, times, and half a time (1260 days or 42 months in the symbolic calendar). These are little seasons compared to 1000 years. Satan's efforts are little compared to God's will. In plain language, "God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1Co 10:13).

7. Satan's Final Doom

In the final vision of Satan, he is cast into a lake of fire to join the beast and the false prophet and to be continually tormented forever (Rev 20:7-10). He knows he has lost. He knows his time is short. He knows his doom is sealed. He is insane with rage. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. Yet, after you have suffered a little while, may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1Pe 5:6-11).

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