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by Bill Seng

In 1971, a man by the name of Saul Alinsky wrote a book titled Rules for Radicals. His book outlined a strategy by which the so-called anti-establishment movement could rebuild society with a new order in hopes that a utopian society could be achieved. Within his book is a dedication written as follows: “Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins — or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom — Lucifer” (Rules for Radicals). Do you believe this? Do you believe that Satan truly obtained a kingdom outside of God’s authority?

Popular folklore, media, and traditions promote the idea that while God is the King of Heaven, Satan is the king of hell. Along with the notion that Satan is the king of hell comes the idea that he rules over legions of demons who torment those who rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. While a large portion of mankind suffers in hell, Satan and his demons have their fun torturing them for all eternity. Is this idea Scriptural?

There is truth to the idea that Satan is the lord of darkness. He rules over the forces of evil and is even referred to in the Bible as the Ruler of the Kingdom of the Air (Ephesians 2:2). He prowls around earth like a roaring lion seeking out whomever he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He parades around like an angel of light so that he may deceive those who are not following after God (2 Corinthians 11:14). But his eternal destiny does not include a glorious kingdom that he stole for himself. No, his fate is perhaps the worst of all. Please read the following passage:

“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.  And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:7-10)

In this case, “the beast” refers to Satan incarnate (also known as the antichrist). At the conclusion of all time and at the entrance of eternity, he and his band of rebels will be cast into the Lake of Fire (what we would call hell). The final verse in this passage specifies that, “They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). Even Satan himself will be tormented in hell. If he will be tormented by his eternal damnation, how can we claim that he won a kingdom for himself?

Can I conclude by saying that Mr. Alinsky was a fool? He was not a fool in that he wanted to rebel against the establishment; sometimes it is necessary to stand up against an oppressive system. He was a fool in that he believed he could establish a utopian society through adopting the tactics of Satan. In trying to usurp the kingdom of God, Satan was cast out of heaven and will be doomed to hell’s torments.