Genesis 3:15 – the ProtoEvangelium, or First Gospel is often missed in our thinking about the Endtimes. However, it is critically important as Satan plays a big role in the events of the Endtimes. The purpose of the Endtimes is judgement, and this is where the first prophecy comes in. 

After describing the creation event, the first and most important prophecy is given –  a judgment directed at the Serpent, also known as Lucifer, the Devil, the Dragon or Satan – an Angel created by God. His beginnings are described in various parts of the Bible, and he is real. If he is not real, neither is anything else in the Bible.

Jesus in Luke 10:18 says “I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven” — that’s because Jesus as the pre-incarnate son of God was in heaven when it happened.

To get the backstory refer to Genesis 3, Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12. These passages give insight into the background of Satan, and the events of Genesis chapter 3 where the Serpent deceives the forerunners of the human race, starting with Eve, and then Adam who is seduced by the same temptation – to be like God. It seems like everyone wants to be God.

The Devil is the author of this evil plan, to be like God and take his place. It’s no surprise that he used the same game plan for humans. 

Isaiah 14:13-14  – (referring to Satan) “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north.‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ “

Because of what Satan did to deceive the human race and usurp God’s authority, God pronounced judgment on him right there and then. To be precise, God announced his strategic plan of redemption (saving believers) and coming judgment. That judgment was to Satan and his offspring, meaning all those that follow him, knowingly or not. His ways are known. 

Satan, the Seed of a woman, and the Messiah

Genesis 3:14-15 – The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life;

v.15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.”

Take note…

• Satan deceived the woman (Eve) causing sin (corruption of our nature – Evil) to enter the race
• Through a woman the Son of God is born (the seed of a woman), defeating Satan 

The He that comes from the woman will strike the accused Satan with a deadly blow to the head, while Satan would bruise Him on the heel – the cross. The Son of God will defeat Satan at the cross by executing a plan called a Substitutionary Death – thereby conquering death for all that believe in him, thus removing those believers from the domain of darkness.

What does this have to do with the Endtimes?

The judgment described above is at the center of Endtimes prophecy. Due to the works of Satan the world is lost in corruption, sin and evil. God will not patiently wait forever. While part of this judgment was executed at the cross, the final battle and judgment is yet to come. 

Revelation 20:10 – And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.