Bible Question:
How could Satan be in the presence of God?
Bible Answer:
Both Job 1:6-7 and 2:1-2 reveal that the evil angels or demons and Satan have regular access to heaven and the presence of God.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it. Job 1:6-7 (NASB)
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” Job 2:1-2 (NASB)
Satan used to live in heaven before he sinned by wanting to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:13-17). Consequently, God threw him and the angels that followed him out of heaven (Rev. 12:3-4). Job reveals that Satan still has access, but he no longer lives there. This is further supported by Jesus’ statement that Satan had demanded permission to sift Peter as wheat in Luke 22:31-32. That implies that Satan still had access to heaven even in Jesus’ day. Satan still has access today according to 1 John 2:1-2.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous . . . 1 John 2:1 (NASB)
The word “Advocate” means that Jesus is defending us against the accuser of the brethren which is Satan (Rev. 12:10).
Conclusion:
Satan does have access to heaven, but he does not live there. Revelation 12:7-12 reveals that some time in the future during the Great Tribulation Satan and his fallen angels will no longer have aceess to heaven. They will be finally thrown out and not be allowed to return.
Suggested Links:
Where did Satan come from?Satan In A Rage
What does it mean that Satan desired to sift Peter as wheat?
What is the meaning of the dragon in the Bible?
Why did the angel (Satan) become evil even though he was in the presence of God?