Why Satan's Existence Continues After the Cross

Satan continues to exist after the cross for the benefit of the entire universe to ensure that the nature of his rebellion is fully understood and that sin will never rise again5BC 1132.8+2. While his fate was forever sealed at Calvary, he is permitted a short time to manifest his true character before the unfallen worlds and humanity until the final eradication of evilEVRR392+1.

The Vindication of God’s Character

• Convincing the Universe: The controversy was permitted to continue so that the intelligent beings of the unfallen universe could be fully convinced of God’s justice and the true nature of sinEd 308.3+1.

• Uprooted from Affections: By inciting the crucifixion of Christ, Satan revealed his malignity as a murderer, completely uprooting himself from the affections and sympathies of the heavenly universe7BC 974.1+2.

• Answering Charges: The cross forever silenced Satan’s accusations that self-denial was impossible with God and that His law was tyrannical7ABC 475.4+2.

Security for the Future

• Preventing Future Rebellion: The ongoing demonstration of Satan’s character serves as an eternal safeguard, ensuring that another rebellion will never occur in the universe of God5BC 1132.8+1.

• Guarding the Angels: The efficacy of the cross and the results of the controversy guard even the unfallen angels from apostasy, as they see the true results of departing from God’s law5BC 1132.8+1.

• A Lesson Book: Our world serves as the "lesson book" for the entire universe, showing the results of sin and the heights of divine loveLDE 31.1.

The Final End of the Conflict

• A Short Time: Knowing his doom is sealed, Satan now vents his great wrath upon the inhabitants of the earth because he knows his time is short Revelation 12:12EVRR392.

• The Final Eradication: Only after every case is decided in the investigative judgment will Satan be destroyed, leaving neither root nor branch Malachi 4:1GC88 503.3+1.

• A Clean Universe: When the controversy finally ends, the entire universe will be clean, and every created thing will declare that God is loveGC 678.3.

The death of Christ made the destruction of the originator of sin certain, ensuring that the atonement will never need to be repeated Hebrews 2:14ST December 30, 1889, par. 4. Through this process, the first dominion will be restored to the redeemed, and the original purpose of creation will be fulfilled Micah 4:8AH 540.1+1.

Satan's existence was permitted to continue after the cross so that the entire universe might be fully convinced of God’s justice and that sin might receive eternal condemnationHvn 153.4+1. While Christ was the Conqueror at Calvary and the cross manifested God's love to the universe, the results of the great contest were being worked out not only for man but for the good of the whole universeHLv 420.1+1. This extended period allows the redeemed to gain a personal experience in the conflict with sin, providing a testimony of the science of redemption that will be of eternal value even to unfallen beingsHvn 153.4+1. Furthermore, the continued demonstration proves the immutability of God's law; if the law could have been changed, Satan's rebellion would have been justified and the universe would have had to concede he was wiser than GodST November 19, 1894, par. 3. Today, the universe of God continues to watch with joy as individuals overcome natural defects through divine power, proving that the miracle of grace is greater than any outward display12MR 203.2+2.

...n? It was that the universe might be convinced of God's justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, mar...— Hvn 153.4 (2003)

...counted as of small account in consideration of the result he was working out in behalf of man, and for the good of the whole universe. He expired on the cross exclaiming, “It is finished,” and that cry rang through every world, and through heaven itself. The great contest between Christ, the Prince of Life, and Satan, the prince of darkness, was practically over, and Christ was Conqueror. His death answered the question as to whether there was self-denial with the Father and the Son— ST February 20, 1893, par. 9 (1874)

... sin. They have identified with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings. Will they have no testimony as to the science of redemption—nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings— TEd 191.4 (2000)

... the law of God. Were there a change needed in the law of God, and could such a change be made, the rebellion of Satan would be justified, and the universe would have to concede that Satan was wiser than God, and had a right to supreme authority. But Jesus came to magnify the law and to make it honorable, and his death on Calvary in the sinner's behalf, proves the immutability of the law of heaven— ST November 19, 1894, par. 3 (1874)

But human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The reproach Satan has cast on heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as men are drawn to the Redeemer. “I, if I be lifted up from the earth,&rdquo...— HLv 420.1 (1984)