JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your inquiry concerning the ultimate fate of Satan the devil.

Satan and his demons are spirit beings, created with inherent immortality (see Luke 20:36). They cannot die.

Paul wrote that Jesus Christ would "destroy" the devil through His sacrifice (Heb. 2:14). Paul, however, was not saying that Christ will kill Satan or completely blot him out of existence. According to "Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary," the word "destroy" can also mean "neutralize" or make "subject to a crushing defeat." The original Greek word, "katargeo," translated as "destroy" in this verse, means "to render inactive" or "idle." Notice I John 3:8: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the WORKS of the devil."

Revelation 20:10 reveals that God will condemn Satan to the lake of fire after the Millennium. Notice that this verse does not say that Satan will remain there forever. It says only that his torment will last forever. The lake of fire will end when the new heavens and new earth are established (Rev. 21:1). But, the punishing of Satan and his demons will continue through eternity.

The Bible gives us only a clue as to the nature of Satan's punishment. Jude describes some as being "wandering stars [stars are symbols of angels], to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" (verse 13). Apparently, God will banish Satan and his demons from the universe. They will never again associate with or influence the glorified inhabitants of God's realm.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is a pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT