A Day Without the Devil

Well, this is the Day of Atonement, and has already been brought forward to us. It's the fifth holy day in God's plan of salvation for all of mankind, and this is a very special day.

It's very special because it marks the beginning of a new age of liberty and freedom for the people of the earth. Not only will Jesus Christ reign, as we walked through the Feast of Trumpets recently, we highlighted the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God. So not only will that reign continue to increase and expand, but for the first time since mankind's creation, the devil will no longer present a deceitful, tempting attitude of confusion in this world.

Recently, Mr. Klein gave a message on the importance of having vision, how we look into these holy days in the Bible, and it helps us to hopefully formulate a vision of what God has in store to see that in our mind, so to speak, and to anticipate what these days are like. So I'd like to kind of go forward with that same concept, and let's try to envision a world without Satan the devil. Just think about that for a moment. What might that be like? A world without the adversary of God, the adversary of all mankind. What kind of a peace and a unity and a joy would finally flourish in this world when the adversary of God is bound, and God's kingdom reigns, and his son is on his throne, and mankind is reconciled to God. You know, we have all these elements that are tied up in this day of atonement. You know, in the the old covenants and the nation of Israel on the day of atonement, the trumpet of jubilee was blown. And again, the picture of freedom, the picture of liberty throughout the land. That indeed is what we are looking forward to on this day. A title for the message is a day without the devil. A day without the devil. 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 8 takes this concept of a thousand years being like a day to God, and a day then as a thousand years. So with that perspective in mind, let's explore the prophesied millennium. One thousand years as a day without the adversary. Revelation chapter 20 is our anchor point scripture for today, so let's begin there.

Revelation chapter 20 and verse 1, again, prophetic vision of what we look forward to being fulfilled as a portion of this day. Revelation 20 and verse 1 says, then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who was the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. Verse 3, and he cast them into the bottomless pit, shut him up, and set a seal upon him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.

But after these things, he must be released for a little while. And so this is the moment.

The moment when everything changes for that millennial age, for the thousand-year reign of Christ and the saints on the earth. You know, during the old covenant day of atonement, and you can go through Leviticus chapter 16 and read through that, the process of the goats, and the process of the priesthood, and what was conducted in ceremony on that day. I walked through that rather extensively last year, so it's not my focus today, but you'll recall there were two goats that were presented. One representing Jesus Christ and his sacrifice, and the other, the Azazel goat, symbolizing Satan, the instigator of sin. And just as that second goat was led away into the wilderness by a suitable man, Revelation chapter 20 shows an angel of God seizing Satan, binding him, and casting him into this bottomless pit for a thousand years. It's a powerful future act that marks the end of his influence over mankind, and it clears the way for God's righteous rule to begin without resistance. You know, God will rule, and he sits on his throne over all creation today, but there is resistance that comes through this adversary every single day.

So this will be a time for the knowledge of the Lord to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea without resistance. What kind of world will that be? What kind of day? Just imagine the truth of God unhindered. For us to appreciate just how big of a change this will be, I'd like us to consider how Satan interacts in this world and frankly interacts with nations, with people, and the impact that he has, because if we're going to look at the future age to come and say, wow, this is so different, a day without the devil, let us understand truly the impact he makes and the blessing that it will be when he is bound. I've broken the rest of the message down into four points. To help highlight this, four points, each one looks at what Satan does today and it actually looks at then the blessing that will spring forth with his removal in that age.

So point number one, on a day without the devil, the deceptions will vanish.

The deceptions will vanish. Again, Revelation chapter 20 verse 3 tells us that Satan will be bound, but notice why. It says, so that he should deceive the nations no more. Deception is one of his primary weapons. It's his modus operandi, right? His go-to deception, confusion, blindness.

In fact, we're living in an age of deception now more than ever. You know, with the rise of AI, with the rise of deep fakes and digital manipulation, even something as simple as scrolling through Facebook leaves you questioning, is this real or is this not? You know, what's truth and what's error? You know, we live in an age where, you know, a picture pops up and I look at it and I think, wow, that is fantastic! How did that person do that? I question now, is that even real?

Because oftentimes it isn't. You see videos of people saying things that, you know, they did not say. Pictures of people doing things together that they did not do. It is the age in which we live that actually impacts us dramatically. What is real? What is confused? What is deception?

The news headlines are often biased and misleading. People filter versions of their lives online and presents a vision of themselves, a version of themselves that is very carefully structured and metered, but maybe not truly an essence of who they are. And motives aren't always what they appear to be. And all of this takes its toll on us. Again, we're living in an age of doubt, of confusion, of questions, and it breeds cynicism, it breeds distrust. It even can breed isolation as we withdraw within ourselves in order to maybe in some ways protect ourselves, withdraw from certain relationships, or withdraw from just simply being out there and exposed in the community, maybe vulnerable in some way because of the fact we might be taken advantage of.

You know, many people turn to religion to find some sense of stability. Again, to find what is true and what is not. But in fact, Satan's influence is there as well, and it's one of his greatest deceptions of this age, false religion. Notice 2 Corinthians chapter 4.

2 Corinthians 4. Let's notice how he deals in the world in terms of what it is that he wants mankind to see or not see as it pertains to God. 2 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 3 and 4, the Apostle Paul writing, he says, But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the God of this age has blinded. Okay, so the devil is called the God of this age, small g, okay, but understand he works to blind people, to pull the blinders over their eyes.

When I'm on a flight to West Africa, one of the things they give you in one of those international packets on the plane are blinders, and it blocks out the light. Hopefully it allows you to sleep. I haven't figured that one out yet, but the fact is Satan uses blinders in that sense, the blind people from the light of the truth of God. So whose minds the God of this age is blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. So let's recognize that he doesn't only promote godlessness, but he also blinds people to the truth, and he counterfeits truth with falsehoods, with deception, with outright lies. And he sucks people into this system, and in doing so, he leads people away from the true worship of God. The Apostle Paul warns us in second, Corinthians 11, verse 13 through 15, that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. And it says his ministers as well appear as ministers of righteousness, and yet they teach things, they spread things that would be contrary in many ways to the word of God.

Scripture gives us God's holy days. Satan counterfeits them with the holidays, and he puts maybe a veneer of Christianity on it. You know what a veneer is? It's something you put over a particle board. You know, this isn't real, and yet it causes people to embrace those things and feel this is valid in the relationship with God, but it causes them to reject the true nature of what God has designed in worship.

Through these days, we come to understand who he is, who we are, what our purpose is in this world and for eternity, and indeed the relationship God wants to have with his people. As a result, humanity has become alienated from God. They've become burdened by sin, and that's why atonement is so essential. That's why this day and the fulfillment of this day is so essential.

To heal that broken relationship and to reconcile the world to God through Christ's sacrifice. But understand, for God's kingdom to truly thrive, to truly thrive as he intends, Satan must also be removed. Because as long as the deceiver is active, God's truth will be constantly resisted, and only in his absence can the world begin to heal and to trust again.

You know, trust is so important. In an age where we question everything. They used to say, seeing is believing, but you can't even believe and can't even trust what it is you think you might see with your eyes, certainly digitally, anymore. During the millennium, the religious confusions that have misled this world will vanish, and all people will finally come to know the true God, the relationship he desires to have for them, and their purpose. Habakkuk chapter 2, verse 14, prophesies of a future time when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

That's an incredible verse, and it's lined out similarly in another place as well. But again, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. No longer will people be blinded by false doctrines or led astray by counterfeit religions. God's divine wisdom and power will be known among all the peoples of the world, and just as there's not a dry place in the midst of the ocean, there will not be a dry place on the face of this earth, where people do not know who their God is, what his purpose is for them. Again, the knowledge of the Lord and the glory of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea. It's something that is sadly missing in the world we live in today. As a result of this relationship, people will come to know God. Nations will come to know God, and they will assemble to worship before Him. Let's notice the result. Isaiah 2. Isaiah 2. Again, I'm wanting to highlight what it is that happens in this day and age, and indeed what the blessing will be when the adversary is bound. Isaiah 2. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it. Many people will come and say, come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. As people from every corner of the earth come to Jerusalem to learn God's ways and to worship Him, the deceptions that have been instilled by Satan from the beginning of mankind's existence will begin to fade away.

The religious blindness and outright deception of this present age will be replaced with the clarity of true understanding and the true and pure worship of God.

Daily life for mankind will change. Just think of the impact of your day-to-day life and the experiences and the interactions you have in the world today. Think of what will change when the adversary and his influence is gone. The constant deception and confusion and mistrust that defines this present age will vanish. No longer will people live in fear of being misled or manipulated or just taken by outright deception. Heard recently of another member on our circuit here of congregations that was recently scammed. These things are a frequent occurrence. And there are people out there and there are people that are promoting things and trying to take advantage. And yet that is driven by an evil force and an evil frame of mind. Imagine a day when that is gone and when people and nations, and especially the government that reigns over you, can be trusted. How freeing would that be? What a blessing would that be? Again, with the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea. During the day without the devil, truth will replace distortion. And clarity will take the place of confusion. People will begin this trust again and they'll see the goodness of life under the reign of Jesus Christ. It's an age we look forward to and this day is the bridge. It is the transition to that liberty. Point number two, in the day without the devil, peace will spring forth among the nations. Peace will spring forth among the nations. Again, the fulfillment of this day isn't only about Satan's removal. It's also about the reconciliation with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that this whole world will recognize. To truly appreciate that, we need to understand why Satan's influence needs to be found first among the nations. We're talking about global peace among the nations. How will that come and what keeps it from coming today? Notice his impact in the governments of man today. Revelation chapter 16 and verse 13. Revelation chapter 16 and verse 13. This is prophetic, prophecy of the end of the age, but this is already going on. Revelation chapter 16 and verse 13 says, And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons performing signs which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them to battle of that great day of God Almighty. This is showing the effect that Satan will have in that day as he goes out and influences the nations, the leaders of these nations, to stir them up, to pull them together, to gather into battle against the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God. This dramatic impact. Understand, brethren, behind much of the war and the division and the political turmoil we see today are spiritual forces stirring up chaos. Satan's fingerprints are all over this world, all over the violence, the hatred, the ethnic wranglings going back and forth, the unrest that we see between peoples and nations. He actively stirs conflict and he manipulates world powers to resist God's way of peace. As such, he weakens the nations. He weakens the nations. Let's notice that specific characteristic about him described in Satan's fall, Isaiah chapter 14, verse 12. Isaiah chapter 14 and verse 12. In this day and age, we must never minimize the reality of his influence among the nations. Isaiah chapter 14 and verse 12 says, How you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, sound of the morning, how you cut down to the ground, you who weaken the nations. Verse 13, For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest side of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the most high. Understand, Satan's rebellion against God is not only personal in that sense between him and God. It is global. His rebellion continues today. And a great part of his work continues to play out among the nations. He actively weakens the nations. He seeks to undermine their moral fiber, their leadership, their unity, causing them to collapse either from within or provoking war externally to bring back then their demise. Daniel chapter 10 gives us a rare glimpse into the realm of this kingdom, a kingdom that is interacting very directly in many ways with the governments of man. Daniel chapter 10.

Daniel 10. Here we have a rare glimpse into the demonic powers influencing the course of world empires. And in Daniel 10, as we'll be breaking into the context, understand, an angel has come to Daniel now to deliver to him the explanation regarding a vision he had received. But I want us to notice the hindrance that this angelic being found himself up against. And he encountered it on his way to Daniel. Daniel chapter 10 and verse 12. And breaking into the context, it says, Then he said to me, the angel to Daniel, Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words. He says, But the prince of the kingdom of Persia wasstood me, twenty-one days. And behold, Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Okay, so this is an angelic being who has been withstood, who has been hindered, who has had his way blocked. He sent on a mission, I'm assuming by God, here to Daniel, right, to come and explain these things to him. And he says, I was withstood for twenty-one days. This passage shows us that the global unrest we witness today is not only political or ideological, it's spiritual. This prince of Persia was not a human ruler. He was a demonic being influencing the Persian Empire and stood in resistance to this angel in God's service. This angel explains he, again, was delayed twenty-one days by demonic resistance until the archangel Michael came to assist him. It's a fascinating account. It gives us a glimpse into really what goes on in a realm we cannot see. We can see what we see when we turn on the noose, and we see the turmoil and the conflict in this world between peoples and nations, but truly what we see is what is actually spilling over into our realm by what is happening indeed in a realm we cannot see. But rest assured, Satan and his demons are active, and they are active in the things that are coming to play that will lead to the end of the age. Verse 20, dropping down, then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return and fight with the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. So again, these passages reveal a stark reality. There are powerful demonic forces influencing various nations of the world at any given time, and these princes are a part of Satan's kingdom, and they work to resist God's plan to deceive nations and to stir up conflict among the rulers of the earth.

Daniel's example here actually helps us see sometimes what might even happen when we cry out to God, when we pray to God, and he sends assistance, and the fact that there can very well be contests that goes on that we don't even see. In angels, the Bible tells us, our ministering spirit sent forth to minister to the heirs of righteousness, the heirs of the kingdom, and here as God and his servants go out, nothing will happen apart from God's will. Okay, it's not like God can't intervene now as God would choose, but let's just understand the contest that is actually in place that actually occurs. We live in a physical realm, and we see the attitudes and, in some ways, the conflict that spills into our realm, but it is real. It is real. Along the same lines the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 12, that our real struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. And so this day reminds us very much that Satan must be bound if peace among the nations is going to spring forth. Once he's bound at the return of Jesus Christ, the nations will finally be free to learn God's way to live in unity under the reign of Jesus Christ. And notice what a day without the devil among the nations will be like. Micah chapter 4 and verse 3.

Micah chapter 4 and verse 3. Micah 4, here is the parallel of Isaiah 2 we read earlier. It's going to basically pick up where we left off. Micah chapter 4 and verse 3 says, he shall judge between many peoples and rebuke strong nations afar off. They shall beat their swords in the plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. A change is going to come to this earth, and war will no longer be the mentality. Peace will be the mentality. But understand there has to be a change of heart for that to take place. That's why the binding of Satan is also coupled with the reconciliation that comes through a relationship with God. You know, the key to peace isn't just the tools that people use. Because weapons, it says, will be turned into agricultural implements. But it is a matter of the heart. Unless the heart changes, nothing else really matters. You recall Cain was a tiller of the ground, was he not? And he slew up, rose up, and slew his brother Abel. So it really doesn't matter what it is that's in your hand. It matters what it is that is in your heart. And a change must indeed take place among the people and among the nations in that day. Peace during the millennium will ultimately come from this transformation, and it begins with the fulfillment of this day of atonement. And Satan is removed, and God's Spirit goes out, and reconciliation is the call of the day. And the knowledge of the Lord begins to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

What an incredible day that will be, and the relationships between nations will change.

Isaiah chapter 19.

Isaiah chapter 19 and verse 24.

Getting a prophetic prophecy.

Isaiah 19 verse 24. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land. You know, when does that ever happen? When does that ever happen? Israel and Egypt and Assyria, a blessing together, allies together, a blessing in the midst of the land. These nations, mortal enemies who can't seem to live in peace together, will one day be a blessing together. And that's because the enmity that has defined our world for millennia, aggravated by Satan the devil, will be replaced with God's reconciliation. Jesus Christ will reign.

And neither will they learn war anymore. With the author of confusion and conflict out of the way, the nations will finally rest, and humanity will experience the peace it has always longed for, but never known. What an incredible day that will be. A day without the devil.

Point number three on this day. Negative spiritual temptations will vanish.

Negative spiritual temptations will vanish. One of the most powerful changes that will come when he is bound is the end of his ability to tempt, to seduce, and to spiritually influence people towards sin. And his removal will bring an incredible relief. I think maybe sometimes we don't even fully understand, because we live in this world and in this age, and the drone of Satan is just kind of like maybe static in the background, that it's there if you stop and think about it, but we've become so accustomed to this world and to this world in the way that he works in it that we forget just how dramatic of a change this will be when his voice and his influence is no longer there. Notice the negative spiritual impact he has on human beings at this time. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 1 and 2. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 1 and 2. Again, the apostle Paul writing, he says, "...in you he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins." He's talking about our reconciliation with God through Christ. He says, "...in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works and the sons of disobedience." Here he's describing a real invisible influence that works almost like, I don't know, in the church we've described it over the years as like a spiritual broadcast, right? Almost like radio waves. That Satan has somehow become tuned in to the wavelength of man and he broadcasts in moods and attitudes and impulses, stirring up people and creating chaos in the world. Again, this is how he works in this world. He doesn't show up with just random temptations either. He custom designs what he wants for you. Thinking about the Garden of Eden, think about exactly what Eve went through. Genesis chapter 3 verse 6 tells us that she saw the forbidden fruit, that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise. You know, in her own way, she put her focus on that tree. She looked at it and she thought about it and she wondered about it. She yearned for it. God says, stay away from it, don't touch it, lest you die. But in her heart, in her mind, in her gaze upon it, it indeed appeared pleasant, desirable to make one wise. And you know what? Satan took advantage of that desire, and that's exactly how he works. He studies us to know our vulnerabilities, and he uses that knowledge to present us with a temptation that is custom made for us. You ever hear of clickbait?

You know what clickbait is? In our technological age, we, I think, know what clickbait is. According to Wikipedia, clickbait is a text or a thumbnail link that's designed to attract attention and entice users to follow it, you know, to click on it and go where it takes you. Go to that link to view, to read, to stream, or listen to the linked piece of online content, with the link being typically deceptive, sensationalized, or otherwise misleading. Clickbait. You know, something that just grabs your attention and gets you to click. I'm a sucker for that sometimes. If I'm going through my new scroll, there'll be a headline that'll pop up, and I'll think, wow, that's incredible! How have I not heard about that? You know, and I'll click on it, and it'll take you there, and you'll get like, you know, two-thirds of the way through the story, and you realize this is a whole bunch of nothing. It was just a tagline to grab you and to suck you in, and it's something that was really nothing at all. Right? Clickbait. Clickbait. Well, consider just what it is our adversary does.

He puts forward custom-designed clickbait based upon his understanding of our needs, our wants, our desires, and he tried it on Jesus Christ. Luke chapter 4 in verse 1.

Luke chapter 4 in verse 1 says, This is my second sermon, but it's day one. Imagine 40 days. He was hungry in the flesh, physically. His flesh cried out to be fed. Verse 3, And the devil said to him, If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread. But Jesus answered and said to him, It is written, Man shall live by bread alone, not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Understand this was clickbait. Jesus was hungry, and the adversary knew it. And he says, Here, let me just present you with an opportunity for something you need, you crave, that you desire. Again, that clickbait.

And don't think he doesn't do the same for you and me. But Jesus had the right response. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Then the devil, taking him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to him, All this authority I will give you in their glory. For this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Again, reinforcement of just the power and the authority even he has over nations at this time. Verse 7, Therefore, if you will worship before me, all will be yours. And he says to Jesus, I know you. You want to be a king? You want to reign? You want to reign over the nations of the earth? I can give that to you now. Just fall down and worship me. You don't have to suffer. You don't have to die. You don't have to experience the crucifixion. Here is the answer. I give it to you. That's how he works. That's what he presents. He gives us what we want.

The challenge is there's always a catch, and in the end it's always from the wrong source.

The wrong source. Verse 8, Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind me, Satan, for it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. Then he brought him to Jerusalem, set him in the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, If you're the Son of God, if, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, he shall give his angels charge over you to keep you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against the stone. And Jesus answered and said to him, It is written, You shall not tempt the Lord your God. Temptations, tempting mankind to give into the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, is exactly what our adversary does, and it'll provide the clickbait to see if he can get us to bite. And if it didn't work this time, it might work next time. And he's always watching. He's always planning. But, brethren, if we do bite, understand, it is always the wrong source. Jesus will indeed reign over all the kingdoms of the earth, but it's because his Father will give it to him in his timing. If he were to receive something such as this from the adversary, or if you and I were to give into something such as this in a compromise, understand, in the end, you fall into his ploy, and it's nothing you even want anyway.

It's nothing you even want anyway. Verse 13, now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Until an opportune time. And that's important, because he's looking. He's watching. He's patient, and he's waiting. Waiting for an opportune time to present what it is he thinks that will cause you to bite.

Satan is always looking for that. He watches for us to be weak, to be vulnerable, and then he swoops in to offer just exactly what it is he thinks we want. But again, there's always with a catch. Job, you want a job? He says, I can give you a job. Here's the catch. One Saturday a month. But, you know, you need it. You want it. If you ever step into these things of responding to what it is he offers, understand it is the counterfeit. It is not the blessing. And the end result is, it is always the wrong source. Sometimes the question comes up even, can he read our thoughts?

You know, how did he know? How does he know what temptations to place before us? Because Satan seems to know us sometimes even better than we know ourselves. Have you ever been scrolling online and wondered how a specific advertisement pop up? How did they know? Algorithms. Computer programs.

Right? Technology. There's nothing, nothing spiritual behind that. It's the inventions of man, actually. Algorithms. Think about how social media or shopping websites or other websites you might go and visit. How they monitor your clicks, your likes, your searches. They know when you're scrolling, where you're going to pause and look at something and let your eyes linger for a time.

You know, you don't even have to click on it. You just be maybe scrolling through your Facebook feed and an ad pops up or something pops up and it catches your attention and you stop and you look at it for three or four seconds. And then you move on without even clicking, but it's like, oh, do you like that? I can show you more of that. Here, let me bring that closer. Again, it's just algorithms, programming. They use the data to predict what you will want next. They feed you custom-tailored content to keep you engaged and they will try to influence your decisions. It's subtle or maybe not so subtle, but it's effective. Okay, and that's why they do it, but it's just algorithms. Well, how much more, brethren, effective is Satan at this game?

You know, he watches for our patterns of sin, for our weak points, for our hidden cravings. Oh, I see you glanced over there. Maybe you didn't think anybody else saw, but I saw. Do you like that? Would you like me to bring that a little closer? Do you think I could present that to you?

This is indeed how he works. He delivers temptation like perfectly crafted clickbait.

In John 8 verse 44, Jesus, contending with the Jewish leadership, said, you are of your father the devil and the desires of your father you want to do. He said, you want to do it. They wanted to kill him, but understand it's part of our carnal human nature apart from God to want to do these various things that he would present. And Satan knows that. So understand, as human beings, we're perfectly capable of lighting the flame of sin on our own.

Okay? So we don't need Satan to do that, and carnal human nature will still need to be resisted during the thousand years after he's bound. We can light the flame of sin on our own.

But understand, Satan is like the accelerant. You know, he's like the fuel on the fire until it just blows into an inferno. And that's how he works in moods and attitudes and impulses.

When the devil is bound on this day of atonement, all that goes away. The broadcast goes silent.

Dead air. The clickbait disappears. The custom-tailored temptations vanish. What a blessing that will be for mankind, a day without the devil constantly putting things forward, pulling their mind, attracting them to things that are not of God. Yes, we will still have to overcome ourselves, those mankind living in that age. That's normal to man. But with the average man, but with the adversary out of the way, all of these things will be different. Instead, they will hear a clear and consistent message from God and His servants that say, this is the way. Walk in it.

What a blessing that day will be. For the first time in human history, the world will be in a position to actually follow that path, free from constant spiritual interference from the adversary.

Point number four.

Point number four in the day without the devil, the earth will be allowed to heal.

There's so many different avenues you could take, and I encourage you to continue thinking on this thought. But this final one for today, the earth will be allowed to heal. As we've already seen, Satan's devices influence and corrupts human hearts. And if human hearts are corrupted, then what comes from them as well in terms of human systems are corrupted. And they're full of greed, they're full of selfishness, they're full of deceit. So if what comes forth from mankind in terms of governments, maybe corporations, maybe cultures, not in every case, but understand there's an underlying impulse behind so many of these things. When the heart is corrupt, the systems are corrupt as well, and these systems often exploit the earth rather than enacting proper stewardship.

Instead of caring for God's creation as he intends, humanity frequently misuses it.

It leads to things like pollution, excuse me, pollution and land exhaustion and waste.

You know, when I'm in Nigeria, something that is sadly lacking there is sanitation, and everything comes packaged in plastic. So what do you do when you finish with the bottle bottle, or you finish with the plastic in the wrapping of your snack? It goes on the ground or out the window, and literally it's to the point where it's littered along the roadside, and the way they get rid of it is they light it on fire. And it's like a creeping fire, it's kind of like stubble burning low across the side of the road, and kind of this toxic plastic smoke that blows along.

Then you think, why don't they just have sanitation? Well, they do, and they tax for sanitation, and people pay for sanitation, but oftentimes along the way a minister of sanitation or somebody else takes and sticks a big chunk of that in his own pocket, and the garbage and the garbage remains. Corrupt systems in this world. In Ghana, I noticed here about a year ago, probably closer to two now, all these rivers that used to be pretty, used to be clear, used to be this crisp flowing water are brown and full of mud, and I asked Henry Aikens what's going on, and he says it's all the illegal gold mining that China has actually come in and engaged in illegal mining, and anybody that would join in and, you know, mine and sell, and they are exporting gold in a very rapid pace out of Ghana.

But what is happening as a result is these rivers are being polluted with mud and debris and toxic chemicals. Again, it is greed that is backing this. Nothing wrong with mining in a proper and a correct balance, but this is something underhanded and illegal. Similarly, every war that man fights leaves a trail of destruction, scarring the land and breaking the nations.

You know, Ukraine doesn't look so good in certain places right now. Gaza doesn't look so good right now. I'm just talking about the effects and the fallout of war upon the earth. The damage to the earth is real, and it's been going on during the industrial age of man. Romans chapter 8 and verse 19. Romans chapter 8 and verse 19. You know, if the earth could cry out.

Romans chapter 8 and verse 19 says, For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected in futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope. Because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption and to the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. You know, the earth is literally crying out under the weight of sin, of greed, of corruption and destruction, all fueled by Satan's influence. But it won't last forever. It won't last forever. Once Satan is bound, all the corruption that has devastated the creation will finally come to an end. And in that day, God will miraculously restore the earth so that it will finally heal.

It will heal. Notice Ezekiel chapter 47. Ezekiel 47, the difference between the age of man and the age of God and the influence that is backing it. Notice the blessing upon the earth. Ezekiel chapter 47, excuse me, I'm getting a little rummy, verse 7. Ezekiel 47 verse 7, when I returned there along the bank of the river were very many trees on one side and the other. This is a section of Scripture describing the healing that's taking place as living waters are flowing out from the temple during the millennium.

Verse 8, and he said to me, this water flows towards the eastern region, goes down into the valley, enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. You recall the prophecies that take place by the time that Jesus Christ has returned. Basically, all the water will be poisoned and ruined, life within it destroyed.

The fish and the living creatures within the bodies of water are dead. In fact, much of the earth is decimated, and we understand a portion of that takes place during the day of the Lord as well, but it all comes back to the resistance of the adversary and his impact. Verse 9, and it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a great multitude of fish because those waters go there, for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.

There's a miracle that will take place, brethren, in the presence of these living waters. When the bodies of water are healed and the fish and all the living creatures are restored, wherever the living waters of God flow out, a transformation and a renewal takes place. This is made possible not only because of the binding of Satan, but because of the reconciled relationship that God will enter into with all the peoples of the earth.

As the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, as the waters cover the sea, and blessings go out. There's one verse. I didn't put it in my notes, but it talks about showers of blessing, God says, all around my holy hill. And this is speculative on my part, but could those showers of blessing be more than just rain in due season?

Could they perhaps be as the living waters go out and they're picked up by the evaporative system of the earth, and they circulate around and form clouds and fall as rain upon the earth and bring healing to the land? Showers of blessing, showers of healing, showers of life. Again, made possible by the reality of a day without the devil, truly a day of man reconciled to God. That is a result of this day of atonement. And just as Satan's spirit and dominion causes destruction, God's spirit and dominion causes healing and life.

And that's what this day, indeed, in fulfillment, in the bridge of the era of the thousand years it leads to, in fulfillment, will be a blessing, a blessing with God. Isaiah 35, let's conclude here. Isaiah chapter 35 and verse 1, again considering the peace, the blessing, and the restoration of the earth in that day. Isaiah 35 verse 1, the wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as arose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.

It's describing the work that God will do in that day to take that which is productive and make it productive to his good purpose. And it points to the work that he will do in the hearts and the minds of mankind as well, because this will be a global restoration. Verse 5, then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame man shall leap like a deer, not just physically but spiritually, as he walks in the paths of the Lord, as they see the excellency of their God, and they hear his truth.

It says, for water shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the deserts. The park's ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitation of jackals where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

It's a very beautiful picture of what the world tomorrow will be like, because the devil will be bound. Mankind will be in harmony with God. His way reigns, and the earth will respond with this blessing. Again, indeed, it will be healed. Verse 8, a highway shall be there, and a road. It shall be called the highway of holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go upon it. It shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy in their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Brethren, the Day of Atonement kicks off this whole process, and today we're celebrating a reminder of what is yet to come. This is a bridge, a bridge to liberty. Again, the trumpet of Jubilee, the trumpet of liberty, was sounded in the land on this day because it is a day of liberty brought by God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the saints. We fast today to draw near to God and to acknowledge our need for Him. It's an action that's designed to humble our prideful nature, and it's an action that's designed to break the influence of the adversary in our lives. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Resist the devil, and He will flee from you. That is the promise. You and I can bind Satan in our lives today by drawing near to God and resisting Him. Brethren, let us rejoice in all that this day represents, for it is indeed a day of true liberty and freedom. Again, not only for you and I who are rejoicing in it today, but indeed for all mankind in that day to come.