The Binding Of Satan
That the Bible has something to say about the binding of Satan, no student of the word of God would deny. But the question, Is he bound today, is a debatable one; at least, there is disagreement over this question in the religious world. Let us look at some of the ideas held by men, then turn to the Bible to learn the truth.
Some modernists tell us that the binding of Satan refers to man bringing himself into subjection. A young Lutheran minister of my acquaintance was taught in seminary that there is no such thing as a real, living devil. He was told that the devil is simply the evil nature inbred in man, which is constantly struggling against the godlikeness in every individual. Thus, to bind Satan one must subject himself to his own goodness. There are several things wrong with this doctrine; but the main thing is that it gives to each person the power to bind his own devil, whereas the Bible teaches that this work of binding Satan belonged to Christ. Of course, the Bible plainly teaches that the devil is a person, not just our "evil nature." It is a question of whether we are to believe the Bible or discard the whole thing as a fable.
Some of the Holiness sects not only believe in the devil, but also think that they see the work of Satan in everything bad that happens. They superstitiously believe that men are possessed of devils today, and that believers have the power to cast out devils.
The premillennial viewpoint is that Satan will be bound at the second coming of Christ, and will be held in captivity for a literal thousand years, after which he will be loosed to make war against the righteous, and finally will be destroyed. The main passage relied upon by these theorists (Revelation chapter 20) is not sufficient as it does not even mention the second coming of Christ, nor does it use any expression to indicate that what John saw is future. Furthermore, there is too much in the chapter which cannot be taken literally.
There are other popular ideas about the binding of Satan but we will stop with those already mentioned and turn our attention to what the Bible teaches.
First, it must be admitted that Satan was exercising certain powers in the days of Christ which he is not exercising now. There are numerous references in the gospels to persons possessed of demons, which the Lord cast out. These evil spirits were sent by Satan to inhabit human beings, as is evident from Matthew 12:26. When Jesus was accused of casting out demons by the power of the devil, He replied. "And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself." If Satan had nothing to do with sending forth these demons, how could casting them out be referred to as "casting out Satan?" So the devil was responsible for sending demons to possess people. He did so then; he does not now.
Some folks claim that possession of demons is simply a kind of mental or nervous disease, perhaps epilepsy. However, it is clear that the New Testament writers made a distinction between mere physical and mental ailments, and demon possession. (Matt. 8:16, Mk. 1:32, Matt. 4:24.) Mental afflictions are not cases of demon possession. There are no such cases today. As we have shown, Satan exercised power in the days of Christ which he does not exercise now.
We can well ask the question; What has brought about this cessation of the power of Satan? In Hebrews 2:14 we read: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."
Notice that this verse says that Christ destroyed (brought to nought) him that had the power. The devil had the power but he no longer has it. Christ has all power; the devil has none.
In New Testament times Satan arbitrarily afflicted whomsoever he would, often against their will. Now he cannot take possession of unwilling individuals. Anyone who serves Satan now is a willing servant; he has no more power over them. I once made this statement and a friend replied, "Yes, but anyone who serves the Lord is willing also — that doesn't prove that Christ is bound." The difference is that if one refuses to serve the devil there is nothing he can do about it. But if one refuses to obey the Lord, He will bring eventual destruction upon that person. Also, it is a matter of duty that we obey Christ, but no such duty requires us to obey Satan.
With Hebrews 2:14 should be connected Ephesians 4:8: "He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Jesus captured the captivity of Satan and released to captives — delivered all who were subject to death and bondage.
It is true that Satan goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But the same verse says, "Whom resist." It is possible to resist Satan, just as we would resist any roaring lion in captivity, that is, by staying out of his reach.
Yes, Satan is bound, but we may still fall victim to his devices if we do not steadfastly resist him. But resist the devil and he has no power over us.