Satan’s Doom

The famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress, tells us this about Satan, “his doom is sure.” Martin Luther was able to write those words with confidence because of Revelation 20:10. While the timeline in this passage is debated and much discussed, there is no question as to the fate of our spiritual enemy. As we heard in the sermon last Sunday – Satan is defeated. Praise be to God!

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Revelation 20:7-10

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REFLECTION

Satan’s Doom is Sure

By Mary McGinnis

You may or may not know the story of Martin Luther. I had heard bits and pieces of his story often since I was a child. 

Luther challenged the religious theology of his day. He saw himself in a battle, much like the one in today’s reading. In an article by Dr Phillip Cary, he states, “Martin Luther debated many foes in his lifetime, but none troubled him as much as his nightly debates with Satan himself. For Luther, defending the Gospel was a fundamental battle with the devil, the spirit who ‘spoke through his enemies.’” 

A few years back I had the opportunity to watch the movie, “Luther.” One of the scenes of the movie that particularly stuck out to me was his debate with Satan in his prison cell right before he was brought before a general assembly on the charges of heresy. The scene unfolds with Luther pacing back and forth in his cell. As he paces, he speaks out loud to Satan. His debate goes something like, “If I just give in, this will all be over . . . How can I do that?  Satan, you cannot have me!  I will not give in.”  

The following day, as he stands before the assembly, he is ordered to renounce his writings, he replies, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen.”

Satan is real. The battle is real. You may not be battling being accused of being a heretic. But many other spiritual battles ARE being wages all around you. When you hear the voice of the Evil One speaking lies, take comfort in this!! Christ’s victory is real!

“So, when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: ‘I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!’” -- Martin Luther

Prayer Practice: Prayer for Deliverance. Spend time praying for protection from our spiritual enemy. Satan is defeated – so pray with boldness! Pray for your friends, family, neighbors, and community – that they would experience freedom from spiritual oppression and be drawn to the light of Christ.