Dr. Randy White

Series: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

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Download these notes here:

The Silence of Satan.pdf

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I. Introduction: A Minority Perspective in Context

A. Traditional Understanding

• Historical view of active Satan (e.g., Justin Martyr, 1 Pet. 5:8).
• Contrast: Minority dispensational perspective of restrained Satan.
  • Definition: A theological concept suggesting that during the present dispensation of grace, Satan's direct supernatural activity (such as possession, apparitions, and overt manifestations) is restrained, leaving only his indirect influence through established systems and doctrinal deception.

B. Dispensation of Grace Defined

• Era initiated by revelation of the mystery (Eph. 3:2-3).
• God's grace emphasized apart from judgment and miracles (2 Cor. 5:19).
• Corresponding "Silence of God" detailed by Sir Robert Anderson in his book The Silence of God.
• Parallel limitation of direct Satanic activity (Eph. 3:10).

II. Christ’s Victory and the Restriction of Satan’s Direct Work

A. Satan Defeated at the Cross

• Christ triumphed openly (Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14; John 16:11).
• Historical observation: cessation of overt demonic activity
  • Common observation suggests that overt demonic activity as seen in the Gospels and Acts is uncommon, virtually totally unseen by the vast majority of all Christians.
  • Many would argue that the testimony of demonic manifestations can be explained psychologically.
  • Athanasius (c. AD 296–373) made note that “where Christ is named, and his faith is proclaimed, there all idolatry is abolished, and all fraud of demons ceases” (On the Incarnation, Chapter 55). While he explained this due to Christian victory, what is noteworthy is he testified of the cessation of such activity.

B. Absence of Apostolic Commands for Exorcism

• No New Testament epistolary mandate or instruction for exorcism.
• Emphasis on resisting schemes spiritually (Eph. 6:11-17).

C. Silence of Demonic Possession Post-Apostolic Era