We do not know at what point in eons past that Satan, a cherub, decided to seek to be equal with God. The Scriptures imply that he gained many followers among leading spirits in Heaven. The rebellion came from Heaven and entered the race of mankind. Heaven and earth suffer to this day because of the wickedness in the heart of Satan and his followers.

We read that in the last days, Michael and his angels will throw down Satan and his angels from their place in the heavens.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)

The question is: Why didn't Michael and his troops hurl Satan to the earth thousands of years ago?

It was not possible for them to do so. The issue of eternal righteousness had not been resolved. It pleased the Father that it would be the saints, the dust of the earth, who would overcome Satan in the realm of obedience to the Father, thus making it possible for Michael and his army to drive Satan from Heaven.

To be more precise, it will be Christ in the saints, in the dust of the earth, who will conquer Satan.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

It is not the angels who overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by loving not their lives to the point of death, it is human beings. God has chosen Christ-filled dust as the tool that will overcome Satan and force him from his historic position in the heavens.

Satan accuses the saints constantly.

. . . for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10)

In the last days, the "brethren" will overcome Satan. How?

By the blood of the Lamb.

By the word of their testimony.

By loving not their lives to the death.

The victorious saints put their trust in the atoning authority of the blood of the righteous Jesus, and Satan cannot overcome them with his accusations. The blood is sufficient to keep the victorious saints in a state of righteousness before God.

The Holy Spirit overcomes Satan through the saints. He gives them the wisdom and strength to walk in righteousness and holiness. He strengthens them to hold fast to the Scriptures. He bears witness through them with works and utterances of supernatural authority and power.

The "brethren" count themselves as crucified with Christ, and in their patience they wait in prison—wait to the point of death. Their suffering slays the self-will in them, making them perfectly obedient to God.

Satan sifts them, under the supervision of the Lord.

The saints writhe on the cross while the rest of the churchgoers play religious games. The saints hunger! They thirst! They cry out to God while impaled on the horns of wild oxen, to speak figuratively. They suffer as Jesus suffered, in their own measure. They are faithful to death.

To be continued.