Satan's Rebellion: Tempting Unfallen Worlds and the Two Castings

Satan was cast out of heaven before the earth was created and resided in the regions of outer space, from which he had access to other worlds as he sought to spread his rebellionEVRR388. He was indeed cast out of the heavenly courts twice: first during the original war in heaven and a second time at the cross when his character was fully unmaskedEVRR388+1.

The First Fall and the Unfallen Worlds

• The Original Rebellion: Lucifer was once an exalted covering cherub, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty, but he fell because of pride and a desire to usurp the position of ChristEze 28:12-17+1.

• Expulsion to Tartarus: Following the war in heaven, Satan and his sympathizers were cast out into a place called "hell" or tartarus, which refers to the darkness of outer space between the worlds 2 Peter 2:4EVRR388+1.

• Targeting Other Orbs: Because this first expulsion occurred before the creation of the earth, it is understood that Satan had access to other unfallen worldsEVRR388. He traveled from planet to planet, but the loyal inhabitants of those worlds, though they watched the drama of the rebellion with intense interest, remained secure in their allegiance to GodRH March 12, 1901, par. 8+1.

• Focus on Earth: After the earth was created and Adam and Eve were placed in Eden, Satan redirected his efforts here, using lying reports to lead our first parents into disloyalty9MR 238.2+1.

The Two Castings of Satan

The plan of redemption involved a progressive restriction of Satan's influence in the universe.

• The First Casting (Heavenly Courts): This occurred before the creation of man when Michael and His angels fought against the dragon Revelation 12:7-9SSP 325.1. Satan lost his position by the throne and his right to inhabit the third heaven, but he still retained limited access to the "gate of heaven" to attend councils as the self-claimed representative of the earth after Adam fell Job 1:6-7EVRR388+1.

• The Second Casting (The Universe Council): When Christ died on the cross, the "death-knell" of Satan was soundedRH March 12, 1901, par. 8. The unfallen worlds and heavenly angels witnessed Satan's diabolical cruelty at Calvary, and it was then decided that he should no longer be permitted to enter the heavenly councilsSSP 325.1+1.

• The Finality of the Cross: At the crucifixion, Christ declared, "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out," signifying that Satan was forever shut out of the council of worlds and his accusations against God were refuted John 12:31SSP 325.1+1.

Security of the Universe

The inhabitants of unfallen worlds were made eternally secure from Satan's power by the cross of CalvaryRH March 12, 1901, par. 8. By witnessing the contrast between the selfless love of Christ and the frenzied hatred of the devil, the entire universe was drawn into closer union with God and confirmed in their loyaltyEVRR388+1. In the future, every knee will bow—including the fallen one—to acknowledge that God's ways are just and trueSSP 334.2+1.