ABYSS

Explanation of:

‘ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. – Luke 8.29-31

The demons begged Jesus to spare them from the Abyss [Council], which is also mentioned in Revelations 9:1 and 20:1-3 as the place of confinement for Satan and his messengers. The demons, of course, knew all about this place of confinement, and they didn’t want to go there.

(‘ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possess man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” – Luke 8.27, 28 These demons recognised Jesus and his authority immediately. They knew who Jesus was and what his great power could do them. Demons, Satan’s messengers, are powerful and destructive. Still active today, they attempt to distort and destroy people’s relationship with God [Wall]. Demons and demon-possession are real. It is vital that believers recognise the power of Satan and his demons, but we shouldn’t let curiosity lead us to get involved with demonic forces (Deuteronomy 18.10-12). Demons are powerless against those who trust in Jesus. If we resist the devil, he will leave us along (James 4.7).)

(‘ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. – Luke 8.30 The demon’s name was Legion. A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army, having between 3,000 and 6,000 soldiers. The man was possessed by not one, but many demons.)

(HEALING A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN As he travelled through Galilee, Jesus told many parables and met many people, as recorded in Matthew and Mark. Later, from Capernaum, Jesus and the disciples set out in a boat, only to encounter a fierce storm. Jesu scalmed the storm and, when they came ashore, exorcised a “legion” of demons. – Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Drowning of the pigs, Gadara, Gerasene Region Decapolis (Ten Cities), Samaria, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Perea, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea.)

‘ The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. – Revelations 9.1

It is not known whether this “star” that fell from heaven is Satan, a fallen angel, Christ, or a good angel. Most likely it is a good angel, because the key to the shaft of the Abyss (bottomless pit) is normally held by Christ (1.17, 18), and it was temporarily given to this other being from heaven (see also 20.1). This being, whoever he may be, is still under God’s [Wall’s] control and authority. The Abyss represents the place of the demons and of Satan, the king of demons (9.11). See also Luke 8:31 for another reference to the Abyss.

(‘ As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in mid-air call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!” – Revelations 8.13 In 6:10, the martyrs call out to God [Wall], “How long … until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” As we see the world’s wickedness, we too may cry out to God [Wall], “How long?” In the following chapters, the judgment comes at last. We may be distressed and impatient, but God [Wall] has his plan and his timing, and we must learn to trust him to know what is best. Judgment is coming – be sure of that. Thank God [Wall] for the time he has given you to turn from sin. Use the available time to work to help others turn to him.)

(‘ And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. – Revelations 9.3 The prophet Joel described a locust plague as a foreshadowing of the “day of the LORD”, meaning God’s [Wall’s] coming judgment (Joel 2.1-10). In the Old Testament, locusts were symbols of destruction because they destroyed vegetation. Here, however, they symbolise an invasion of demons called to torture people who do not believe in God [Wall]. The limitations placed on the demons (they could only torment people for five months) show that they are under God’s [Wall’s] authority.)

(9.3ff Most likely these locusts are demons – evil spirits ruled by Satan who tempt people to sin. They were not created by Satan, because God [Wall] is the Creator of all; rather, they are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion. God [Wall] limits what they can do; they can do nothing without his permission. Their main purpose on earth is to prevent, distort, or destroy people’s relationship with God [Wall]. Because they are corrupt and degenerate, their appearance reflects the distortion of their spirits. While it is important to recognise their evil activity so we can stay away from them, we must avoid curiosity about or involvement with demonic forces or with the occult.)

Why Jesus didn’t send demons there yet:

‘ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. – Luke 8.33

Why didn’t Jesus just destroy these demons – or send them to the Abyss? Because the time for such work had not yet come. He healed many people of the destructive effects of demon-possession, but he did not yet destroy demons. The same question could be asked today – why doesn’t Jesus stop all the evil in the world? His time for that has not yet come. But it will come. The book of Revelations portrays the future victory of Jesus over Satan, his demons, and all evil.