I met Tamela through Blog Catalog. She recently asked this question in a discussion forum there:
I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on: "Who has dominion in the earth satan or man"? If you wouldn't mind please use scriptures to back your answers up. Thanks.
Tamela provided a great answer to her own question!
I know in the beginning in Gen. 1:28 God said let man have dominion over everything in the earth. And the way i understand it is that when Adam and Eve sinned they were cast out of the garden and then dominion was handed over to satan. Thusly sin entered the world by one man.
But after the finished work of Jesus and the cross the way I understand it is that dominion was taken back from satan and now Jesus has dominion in and through the church body. For those that are in Christ are His body here in the earth. i understand this because of what Eph. 1:19-23 says. (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to USWARD who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in THIS world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the CHURCH, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The church body is now the fullness of Him in this earth. So if we are in Christ and Christ is in us and He is the head over all things to the church which is His body and if He has dominion wouldn't those that are in Him have dominion through Him in this earth? WOW! did you get that? What are your thoughts on that and any one elses please.
My reply:
I tend to agree with what you have written, Tamela. When we look up the term "dominion," there are several slightly different definitions of the word. However, the one that fits in this argument must be "rule or power." God has given the ultimate rule and power over the earth to Jesus Christ. We know this through what is written in Scripture.
However, we also know that because of the unregenerate condition of sinful, fallen man, there is the free will choice not to recognize Jesus (or his accompanying rule and power) for who he really is. The unsaved are blinded (by the things of this world) and don't know their own, God-given purpose in this life. They don't see their proper role on this earth. Neither do they recognize their need for salvation. Therefore, Satan's lair of deception can greatly, and negatively, influence unregenerate man (men). Satan's influence causes much evil and havoc on this earth. Scripture inform us that "the whole earth groans for redemption."
In the midst of this, each person is offered the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Once a person genuinely repents of their sin and invites Jesus into their heart to live and reign there, this born-again experience answers Jesus' call in John 3:3. We then live, by faith, in and for Him.
Yet, the earth has millions of unsaved people where Satan can wreak havoc in their lives.
Scripture informs us that once born again in Christ, "no one can snatch them (us) out of his hands." Therefore, transcendent evil has been defeated. (see my blog post about this at Talk Wisdom). The trouble or tribulation that Jesus warns us about in John 16:33 is of the non-transcendent kind. It is temporary (until Jesus returns) and not final in any one's life unless they reject the gospel of Jesus - which is the only way to be saved (a.k.a. transcendent good).
The verses that come to mind regarding this discussion are:
Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
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2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan is the "god" (little "g") of this world.
He works through our flesh, our eyes and our pride:
1 John 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Since people are ashamed of the gospel that gives life, they are suffering from or have the death of Adam because they are ashamed of righteousness (the gospel) that gives life:
1 Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
He deceiveth the whole world and prideful people don't like to have the suggestion that they are or that some will be deceived:
Rev. 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
2 Thess. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Thess. 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
It says "let no man deceive you" which means that it will be a deception.
Danl 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Danl 11:27 And both these kings' hearts [shall be] to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end [shall be] at the time appointed.
This is a period of deception.
Rom. 3:22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
The gospel is the righteousness of life that Christians run their dominion by and unbelievers run their dominion or life by the opposite.
1 Cor. 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
There is a theology called "Dominion Theology" or "Kingdom Now" and theologians are just cataloging the errors instead of writing about why it is wrong but flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (short answer).
We can't inherit the Kingdom Now because we're in this flesh (sarx)drive system so heaven can't have full dominion now as we've only been given an earnest (downpayment) of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor. 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Sosthenes,
Thanks so much for sharing all those Scripture verses! They definitely enhanced the post!
God's Word ALWAYS has a way of enhancing EVERYTHING!
Well said! I very much appreciate your input here!
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