Introduction:
Throughout this study, we have presented the following uncompromised realties of the book of Revelation:
1. It is a BOOK OF VICTORY
2. It is a BOOK OF PROMISE
3. It is a BOOK OF HOPE
4. It is a BOOK OF GLORY.
These realities do not change, for they are the very essence of God’s Word throughout His message to all people in every dispensation. It is simply stated y the apostle Paul when he wrote to Timothy saying of God, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Peter adds to this truth saying, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Therefore, any message that would be void of VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY would not come from God, but from a loveless being whose desires are selfish at best.
Beginning with this chapter and continuing through chapter 14 of the book, we will consistently see a contrast between oppression and the application of God’s justice/wrath upon those who refuse His commandments. His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3) but are rather for the salvation of man (Rom. 1:16 – 17; James 1:21). We have already seen severe punishment upon those souls who refuse God’s message and have equally seen God’s blessings upon those who obey Him. The severity of His punishment appears to increase in these following chapters because God consistently desires obedience.
In chapter 11:15, the seventh trumpet sounded. See the notes regarding that event. Chapters 12 – 14 fashion another “interlude” between the sets of seven: seven letters, seven seals, seven trumpets, and beginning in chapter 15, seven vials. The “interlude” establishes the differences between those of God and those who serve sin/Satan. We must remember this second half of Revelation is just as apocryphal (i.e., symbolic language) as the first half. Therefore, take heed that we do not make symbolic things literal! The Lord has been speaking to the church throughout this letter (see chapter 1) and does not change His audience. It might be extremely helpful to examine again the listing of symbols and their meaning within the notes of this study.
CHAPTER 12 –
Let us begin the study of this chapter with a review of Ephesians 1:3 – 14. Carefully notice the following points of great pertinence to the study of Revelation 12:
1. All spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus
2. All spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus are in heavenly places. Heavenly places (as per the context of Ephesians 1) mean CHURCHES OF CHRIST, i.e., just as “the seven churches of Asia” – See Revelation 1:11.
3. We were chosen before the world began that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. “We” is not “individual predestination” as some teach, but rather, “the obedient” just as “the remnant” means within the Old Testament.
4. It was “pre-planned” (predestinated) that we are adopted to Him through Jesus Christ. Such is His good pleasure. (See Romans 8).
5. Such good pleasure is to the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY OF GRACE, in that we are ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED.
6. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ, granted the forgiveness of our sins, all according to the riches of His grace.
7. With this blessing, He affords His wisdom and prudence as well, which comes by the mystery of His will (gospel), which is also His good pleasure and purpose!
8. The reason is that in the “dispensation of the fullness of times” (i.e., in His time since He reigns and controls all things) He might gather together in one (unity in the church) all things in Christ.
9. This is the inheritance of the obedient and is as much a part of His good will as the gospel itself!
10. The reason is that WE should be the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY (note as well verse 6) who first trusted in Christ!
11. Obedience to this gospel sealed us (assured us) with the promise of the Spirit (1 John 2:25).
12. This promise is the surety until the actual deliverance of the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24 – 28) which is also TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY.
If we recognize the CHURCH was in existence when John penned the Revelation and accept the CHURCH could not have existed without the DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ, then we will have no problem accepting the woman with child is NOT Israel, and the man child is NOT Jesus Christ! The language is symbolic, and we can through study, determine the accurate meaning of this otherwise difficult chapter if we keep in mind the truth learned from Ephesians 1: 3 – 14. We are a part of that VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY!
Last, we must see the point of this chapter is ALERTNESS! Satan hates the church – every MEMBER of the church! If he can capture just one member, then he believes he can capture another ad Infinitum. Therefore, each member must remain on the ALERT to avoid the subtle ways of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 1 Peter 5:8 – 9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”) Victory, promise, hope, and glory only exist with God! Protecting those qualities is our responsibility. Capturing them and destroying Christians in the process is the desire of Satan and his messengers! This is the continued battle between good (God and His children) and evil (Satan and his servants). Consult Romans 6:16 – 23.
The wonder appears in heaven. Throughout our study, we have shown the term “heaven” in Revelation usually refers to the church. There is no reason to believe otherwise in this passage. Therefore, this wonder appears “in the church.” The appearance is “a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown with twelve stars. The sun is the greatest of light (Christ – compare Galatians 3:27). The moon is representative of those reflecting the light of Christ (i.e., the church). This woman is one whose righteousness is excelled (Matthew 5:20; 2 Corinthians 3:9). The crown is filled with a perfect number of stars thus, God’s perfect blessings crown her glory.
This woman is with child and pains to be delivered. We are not ready at this passage to identify the woman or the child. This comes in the course of our reading and studying of the text.
Next appears another wonder in heaven (i.e., the church). John sees a great red dragon (recognized as a powerful fierceness) having seven heads (complete power of his kingdom) and ten horns (the authority to rule in his kingdom) upon these heads.
Via the influence of this powerful beast, he drew a third part of the stars of heaven. (seen elsewhere as members of the church of Christ). Remember we have examined “fallen stars” in this study (see chapter 6:13). The “casting of these stars into the earth indicates they become a part of the perishable world having left (via the drawing away – James 1:12 – 15; 1 John 2: 15 – 17). As any fierce power does, seeing the ability to devour something fresh and new, the dragon stands before the woman and waits for the delivery of her child. (Compare 1 Pet. 5: 8 – 9).
Now it is time to identify the woman and from this identity, learn the identity of the man-child. First, note John’s inspired attributes of this man-child: RULE ALL NATIONS, WITH A ROD OF IRON; CAUGHT UP (protected) UNTO GOD, AND TO HIS THRONE. While some would quickly state, “this is Mary bringing forth Jesus,” such is without proper interpretation of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) First, remember this letter is written to the Lord’s church. These churches did not need to have a prophecy regarding something that already transpired; they needed knowledge regarding “things which must shortly come to pass.” So, the notion this is the birth of Jesus Christ does not fit, although it is true that Jesus rules all nations with a rod of iron (see Psalms 2). Who then can be a ruler of nations (in time as this verse places that ability in the future) in such a way? Second, note this woman has other children (vs. 17). Even as Mary who had other children, we can see why many will contend this woman to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. However, we have already shown Jesus to be the head of the already existing church – even within this chapter. Therefore, the theory that Mary is the woman and Jesus the man-child is not accurate.
Let’s simply let God’s Word define God’s Word. Consider these passages to show the woman as the “spiritual remnant of God’s people.” This means the CHURCH. Carefully examine Micah 4. This prophesy speaks of “the daughter of Zion” AFTER the prophet tells of many nations flowing into the mountain of the Lord’s house (vs. 1 – 2). Thus, we see the redeemed remnant of God’s people being the woman and BY THIS PROPHESY bring forth a child! (See also Hebrews 9:15; 11:40)
Now, who is the man-child? Many will still contend this is Jesus and base their conclusions on the passages that speak of “rule with a rod of iron” (Ps. 2), which refers to Jesus Christ. The problem however is in having the CHURCH (spiritual remnant of God’s people; spiritual Israel) produce Christ! That simply is NOT the case. The church was in the mind of God from the beginning (Eph. 3: 8 – 12). God planned to have Christ die to purchase the church as well as redeem mankind from their sins (John 18:37; Acts 20:27). So, the man-child cannot represent Jesus in this context. See also the language of Revelation 12: 10. If the man-child is Jesus, he grew up rather quickly!
No, the man-child is best understood as the FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S WORD. We know that God’s Word is protected in heaven (Ps. 119:89) and that it rules all nations (Romans 1:16 – 17; John 12:48; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5; et al). That it is protected as it comes forth from the woman is seen more clearly when observing what the dragon intended to do with this delivered child. If Satan could destroy the coming forth of God’s fulfilled prophesy regarding the gospel, then Satan destroys all possible growth of the church, all possible rule by the gospel over the souls of the world, and the only possible way for mankind to find salvation! But since God’s Word is settled (protected) in heaven, Satan has no power over this “child.” This man-child was taken to the very throne of God for protection!
Last, some ask “But what of the ‘remnant of her seed’ in verse 17?” “Her seed” simply means, “that which comes forth from spiritual Israel.” Remember, her protection was limited – 1260 days. But the man-child received protection at God’s throne! The church would encounter much affliction from its beginning through several centuries, even to this present time! The value to those receiving this letter and needing to know “things which much shortly come to pass” is the same comforting understanding Daniel received regarding prophesy that spanned “seventy weeks of days” (i.e., 490 years). It granted him comfort in knowing God’s way would NOT come to destruction! Even so, these Christians of Asia Minor (the recipients of this letter – see Rev. 1:11) would receive comfort in knowing their efforts in defending truth (remember, they did NOT YET HAVE THE COMPLETED NEW TESTAMENT) would not be in vain.
The woman flees to the wilderness, a place prepared by God that “they should feed her for 1260 days.” Note “they” nourish the woman. “They” refer directly to God and the man-child – further proof of the man-child being God’s Word. Just as Israel found God’s protection in the wilderness, the church finds protection in the wilderness of this world because God promises that protection (Heb. 13: 5 – 6). The 1260 days simply refer to a long period of time, yet a limited time!
Some have made this verse “a change in direction regarding interpretation” meaning they change from seeing the symbolic language of the text to seeing a literal interpretation. The fact is apocryphal language never switches from symbol to literal while following the same line of discussion. Since this chapter is entirely the subject of “evil vs. good” and being alert to that reality, we must avoid taking any literal view interpreting this passage!
The war was in heaven. As often shown, heaven is symbolic of the church. Michael and his angels must be accepted as symbolic just like the term heaven. Michael receives mention here and in the book of Daniel. We have no problem accepting his reality but find no passages telling us that Michael has subordinate angels! Therefore, we are best to accept this symbol as meaning “some tremendously effective member of the church with messengers supporting his message.” We see this in the life of “Paul and his fellows, disciples, etc.” Throughout the church’s history, we can find strong men of faith who have fellow soldiers defending the truth. This is precisely what “Michael and his angels” symbolizes. We note they fought against the dragon. Likewise, the “dragon and his angels” fought against Michael and his angels.
It is the dragon and his angels who did not prevail. TRUTH can never meet defeat! (Johns 12:48) Nonetheless, TRUTH WILL ALWAYS ENCOUNTER CHALLENGE. Because the dragon and his angels could not prevail, there was found no more place in heaven (the church) for them. Falsehood has no place in the Lord’s church!
Therefore, the great dragon was cast out of the church (1 Cor. 5:9 - 13; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 6: 3- 5). Sin must not find tolerance among brethren in the Lord’s church! This verse DOES NOT GIVE THE DRAGON A SPECIFIC NAME, but identifies him only by who he serves, “the Devil, and Satan.” The language of this passage is identical to what Jesus said of Peter. (Matt. 16:23)
Nowhere in this passage does one find the “origin” of Satan as being a “fallen angel.” First, this is not the subject of the passage. Second, there is no passage telling us Satan was ever literally in heaven! The origin of Satan is a complete study all its own and has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the righteous understanding of this passage! That this STRONG EVIL DOMINANCE (compare Diotrophes – 3 John 9 – 11) was cast out of the church, the only place left for him was the temporal, sin-filled earth. Evil still exists on the earth and is indeed under the power of Satan. It will continually battle with the church until the end of time. But the VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY are the motivation of the Christian to remain faithful. TRUTH protects and nourishes us because TRUTH is protected by GOD THE FATHER!
The remnant (the early church in this case) met the immediate challenge. The books of scripture from Acts through Revelation verify this fact. Regardless of dating Revelation’s composition at an early or late date (see the introduction to this study), the fact is the church has ALWAYS met challenges against the truth which feeds it (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 5:7). Therefore, the church shouts with joy, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” “The brethren” could be the Jews who understood the Law of Moses was fulfilled and removed by the death of Christ (Col. 2:14). Or “the brethren” could mean the Gentiles who had been challenged by Jewish Christians who believed all had to be circumcised to be Christians. Both are recorded in Acts as being challenged in these matters. But it makes better sense to see the “brethren” being ALL who suffer persecution for their faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:12). These see increased VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY for the fact of evil meeting with defeat when warring with the strength of TRUTH.
The VICTORS overcame evil “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” Sure they did! They were redeemed (bought back, thus owned) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus). Would not Jesus care for His own? Certainly so! “And by the word of their testimony” is their speaking God’s Word – the TRUTH. This is all the Christian must “testify” of God and His fulfillment of the prophecy of time past. Remember, THEY DID NOT HAVE THE NEW TESTAMENT AT THIS TIME. Therefore, to SEE THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S WORD as being the strength it is – TO OVERCOME THE STRENGTH OF EVIL – is to see the greatest encouragement possible for Christians who will see challenges again and again! “They loved not their lives unto the death” shows some lost their physical lives in defense of the gospel. By the time Revelation was written, James had lost his life, and Peter’s had been threatened. We know of Stephen and Antipas being martyrs. Therefore, seeing these tremendous examples of faithful service served as encouragement rather than a detriment to the continued pursuit of VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY found in Christ Jesus.
“Rejoice ye heavens” means all churches of Christ (i.e., congregations … although the word “congregation” is never found in scripture). Notice “and ye that dwell in them” means the brethren comprising these local works. They pronounce cursing upon the earth dwellers and sea dwellers – those who continue in evil conduct. “The devil” is evil, and as seen above was “cast down” to them. Evil is greatly angered because it (he) realizes the time is short. 1260 days is not eternal! Judgment is coming and will reveal the VICTORY, PROMISE, HOPE, and GLORY belong only to those who righteously AVOIDED the rule of evil!
Evil saw his defeat against the strength of the church. But this did not stop evil from persecuting the church whenever he encountered her.
The woman received two wings so that she might fly into the wilderness (thus speed her journey) to the place prepared where the nourishment existed and where she was taken from the face of the dragon.
Attempting with his might to destroy the woman, the serpent spews out a great flood. This means evil did its best to stop the church from fleeing away to protection.
But evil’s efforts failed again … and by a source evil may not have expected! The earth (always seen as a place filled with sin and now the place to which evil was cast) swallowed the flood, thus helping the woman! There are some undeniable things even sinners will not deny.
Therefore, the dragon was more angry at the woman, and made war with the remnant of her seed, “which kept the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” This is the continued battle of good against evil. That evil here made war with a REMNANT shows the church is then still in a growing stage. We find several references to “infancy” in the New Testament regarding churches of Christ. Evil seemingly would have a greater advantage against infants in the faith than against those of full age (Heb. 5:12 – 14). Yet, reading such matters as described in this chapter would certainly give comfort and encouragement to those who are determined to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
THE ORIGIN OF SATAN
Perhaps no other subject has generated more interest than that of THE ORIGIN OF SATAN. Much has been written to defend various views: yet none have so convinced the others as to answer forever the argument. Let it be noted this article will do little in eliminating the question. I will state from the beginning that I do NOT believe Satan was ever in heaven, nor will he ever be in heaven. Thus, I do NOT believe him to be a “fallen angel” as is often taught as “fact.” My reasons for such belief will become evident shortly, and the reader is asked to fervently study these statements with even greater attention given to the Scriptures.
Make no mistake in thinking THE ORIGIN OF SATAN is necessary for our salvation! Neither is the origin of God, for that matter. If such were needed, God would have clearly spoken on this matter as He did on all matters regarding salvation. It is wrong and damning to the soul to strive about questions that have no answer (2 Timothy 2:16; 23). Yet, because we do not think such a subject to be foolish or unlearned, we discuss it. We must remember this is a question requiring REASONING to answer (Isaiah 1:18).
We must agree it is MOST important to understand the ETERNAL DESTINY of Satan. Were we to know of certainty his origin, it still would not change the fact we are commanded to avoid joining him in his eternal abode of Hell! As a writer of things that pertain to the soul and its salvation, I fear greatly many utilize their time unwisely to learn the origin of this evil one, knowing it matters not at all for their salvation! Thus, obedience to the gospel that does save our souls is missed. PLEASE, dear reader, if you are of a sort that desires knowledge of Satan’s origin more than Satan’s destiny, cease reading this material now! Read that which teaches you salvation from this wicked being! Learn how you must serve God and not the Devil and his desires. Leave the origin of this liar and deceiver to those who have assured their hearts unto the obedience of the truth, and who realize such a question as outlined in this discussion is for those of full age (Hebrews 5:14.)
These verses of Scripture are most often used to “prove” the origin of Satan: Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18 and Revelation 12:9. Those who propose Satan IS a fallen angel often use these verses with a LITERAL interpretation rather than a FIGURATIVE interpretation. Quickly note the danger of doing so, especially in the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:1 states clearly it is the sign’ I fied (usually pronounced sig’ ni fied), thus, it is a book of symbols. Reason alone dictates if the book is of symbolic language, it is figurative and not literal language. The Spirit permitted john to tell us from time to time the LITERAL interpretation of the signs. When he did, no question is made of the interpretation. At other times, when he did not tell us, we must study other passages to conclude their rightful meaning. The twelfth chapter of Revelation is not specifically defined for us. Therefore, we must NOT make it literal but study its contents in connection with other passages to determine its rightful meaning. If this chapter is to be taken literally, then the beast, dragon, scorpions, etc. in the remainder of the book must also be interpreted. What we do for one we must do for all verses in the book of Revelation.
Therefore, chapter twelve describes the following: the word “heaven” throughout Revelation means “the church” rather than the eternal abode of God, His Son, the Spirit, and the holy angels. The “war in heaven” is a fierce dispute in the church. The combatants are Michael the Archangel (i.e., the strength of truth and righteousness) and “the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” This is a representation of the greatest power of falsehood, evil, and sin. Remember the apostle Peter was called “Satan” (Matthew 16:23). This did not make Peter Satan but showed his attitude was evil. The same is true in this passage. “CALLED the Devil and Satan” does NOT say it was Satan, but this attitude/influence was without truth! When this war concluded, Satan (i.e., evil/sin/falsehood) was cast out of the church. The passage says NOTHING of the origin of Satan!
The context of Isaiah 14 will not permit an understanding of “Lucifer” being Satan. It is talking about the king of Assyria and his demise. A similar passage is found in Isaiah 34:4 (And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.) and nothing is said of this verse meaning another fall from heaven. It is like the one just mentioned (Revelation 12) and means a fall from God’s favor. Lucifer means “light” or “son of the morning.” Satan has always been attributed to darkness. Can the two ever be united? Certainly not!
Third, Luke 10:18. In this passage, the disciples of Jesus were telling their astonishment at how demons (devils – KJV) were under their control. Jesus answers and says He saw “Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” It means (looking carefully at the text) that Jesus saw these results clearly and distinctly. He saw it all as if Satan himself were being defeated: just as clearly as He could see lightning falling from heaven. There is no need in this context for Jesus to have stated the origin of Satan, and He did not! The parallel passages of John 12:31 and 16:11 state the judgment of the prince of this world (Satan) SHALL come. If he had been a fallen angel, Jesus would here have said so, and declared the judgment of such a being as being already passed!
We see then these passages do NOT clearly and conclusively determine for us the origin of Satan. Rather, they leave it vague and for our continued study. Thus, we understand these verses to be for the understanding which is clear: namely, that which we have shown as being plainly understood.
In studying the origin of Satan, we must be fully convinced God is NOT the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). We know the Devil to be a liar from the beginning (John 8:44), and being such, is defiant of every command of God. With this in mind, we ask the student to reason on the following questions:
1. Since God is not the author of confusion, from whom did Satan learn evil if his origin is heaven?
2. If Satan was an angel of God that fell, from whom did the evil originate that captivated Satan to refuse God and think he could overpower Him?
3. If Revelation 12:9 is to be taken literally, then why would Michael the archangel be the one with whom Satan fought in heaven, instead of God who is the greatest of power in heaven? Why would God have sent a messenger weaker than Himself to fight an enemy that has as much power to destroy as God has to save?
4. Since “in the beginning” is the same in John 8:44 as it is in John 1:1 – 5, are we to assume that evil was in heaven at the same time as the Word?
5. If God is all-powerful, why could He not stop Satan from becoming evil if he originated in heaven? For that matter, why would God “create” something to be as evil as God is good?
6. If we know where Satan originated, why don’t we know where God originated?
7. Satan is always spoken of BY MAN as being “a fallen angel.” Where is the Scripture that states he is or was an angel of any kind, especially an angel of God?
8. If Satan is a created being (as some teach) why would God create his own worst enemy?
These questions require answers if we contend Satan’s origin can be known. Certainly, they must be answered if we content the father of all evil in all the world in all of the time had his origin in the place we desire to inherit for eternal life! Frankly, there is an even greater question we must answer: IF SIN GOT INTO GOD’S HOME ONCE, WHAT PREVENTS IT FROM ENTERING AGAIN? If God is all-powerful, if we contend the origin of evil to have its start amid this power, we will have to contend God had one weakness: namely, He couldn’t keep His eternal abode free from sin. I do NOT choose to believe God is weak in ANY capacity!
I do not know the origin of Satan! I’m satisfied no man knows. The Scriptures teach he is a liar “from the beginning.” When was this? It is the same as “from the beginning” with the church (Ephesians 3:9), heaven (Matthew 25:34), and even Jesus (John 1: 1-5; 14; 17). I cannot fathom the concept that teaches God allowed EVIL to have its origin in the same place as all these things that are GOOD for my soul! God is not the author of confusion, and since SIN and EVIL are confusion in every way, they must be attributed to Satan and not God!
Answering “Where did Satan come from” is as hard and unanswerable as “where did God come from.” In desperation to prove what they cannot prove, some have twisted the Scriptures to say God created Satan. They use John 1:3 and Ephesians 3:9 (“created all things”) and Colossians 1:16 and other passages in an attempt to show that “all things were created by God.” That is neither what these passages say, nor what they teach! Look at their context. Why would God or Christ create their own opposition? These verses teach these things were created FOR Jesus and BY Him. Further, what Scripture says Satan was a CREATED being? That one simply does not exist!
We don’t know where he came from … but we know his destiny! (Matthew 25:41) 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 speak of angels that sinned and are destined for this eternal end. Angel means messenger and therefore, messengers of God’s Word (like us) that sin (like we do) are destined for eternal hell, prepared for the Devil and his angels, except we repent! Those that would rather teach the Devil’s word than God’s truth are those destined for Hell. Only the messengers are spoken of as being reserved in chains of darkness and not Satan himself. If Satan fell from heaven and God cast him out, why cast Satan into a world to corrupt a world God filled with goodness? Yet, if Satan has always been, even as God has always been, then they have eternally been enemies. Satan could indeed roam the world like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (Job 1:7; 1 Peter 5: 8 – 9)
These matters are hard, not easily answered. This article does not answer the question; it merely states a position considered SAFE. While I do not know his origin, I do know his destiny and therefore must avoid his clutches. Since Satan can not save my soul, I intend to follow the One who can and will if I obey Him!
Michael J. Davis
Original article: August 31, 1989
Edited and revised: January 26, 2021