What Satan Never Saw Coming...

Published by Steve Dabbs (c) 2026

DID YOU KNOW there was one move of God that Satan never saw coming?  Although demons demonstrate intelligence—even quoting scripture[1]—the Apostle Paul scoffs at them when he announces,

“[W]e declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers [demons] of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1Co 2:7-8 NIV).

The earliest belief is “rulers of this age” refers to demons.[2]  One reason is the Bible uses “rulers” elsewhere to refer to Satan and his host of evil spirits.[3]  Also, as it relates to eternity, humans had everything to gain, but demons had everything to lose!  This is why the Apostle Paul later explains:

“Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, [Jesus] disgraced them in public, having triumphed over them by [the Cross]” (Col 2:15, my translation from Greek).

One day, I quoted this verse to a heavily demonized man.  Before I could finish, he let out a roar and contorted into a serpent-like creature!  Navy Chaplain Joseph Johnson was there and went on the record in chapter 16 of my book “When Demons Surface" where you can read about the whole encounter, plus more!

        Why did the demons react so angrily when I mentioned their defeat at the Cross?  Because while they were busy influencing Jesus’ cold-blooded betrayal, utter abandonment, unlawful arrest, kangaroo court proceedings, unjust beatings, severe floggings, extra beatings, and humiliating crucifixion—they never realized Jesus was enduring it all for the salvation of the world!  Comparatively, God the Father never offered Satan and his fallen angels[4] a second chance. So, they still seethe that God the Son would die for human sinners? (Rom 5:8).

        Hence, a demonic riot broke out in Heaven—as I explain in chapter 5 of “When Demons Surface.” [5]  This cosmic ordeal ended with Satan and his fallen angels thrown back down to earth—landing with “mega” anger aimed at humans (12:12).  Therefore, your salvation is why demons test you, accuse you, and hate you!  God’s grace shown to us is so amazing that even holy “angels long to look into it” (1Pe 1:12).  And just imagine—Satan never saw it coming!

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[1] i.e., Gen 3:1; 2Ki 22:21-22; Mark 5:7, 12; Mat 4:5-6.

[2] Tertullian (c. 155-220 AD), Against Marcion, 5.6, historical analysis of 1Co 2:8:  “…the Creator settled it in His own secret purpose, it properly enough was unknown to all the princes and powers of the Creator, on the principle that servants are not permitted to know their masters' plans, much less the fallen angels and the leader of transgression himself, the devil.”

[3] i.e., Eph 2:2; 6:12; Col 2:15.

[4] i.e., Mat 25:41 and Rev 12:9.

[5] See Rev 12:9 and pages 79-83 of “When Demons Surface.”  Grand Rapids:  Baker Books, 2024.