The presence of satan and co. in the earth seems to have pre-dated the presence of mankind on earth. The respective abilities of devils to deceive and mankind to be deceived are the 'common denominator' of mankind's rulership and governance in earth, both pre- and post-Christ’s life on earth.Jesus "dis-armed" satan and co. of the authority Adam gave to them over earth (Colossians 2:15), yet their presence on earth was allowed to continue. They were dis-armed of their authority, but apparently not of their power to deceive. Our individual and collective lifestyles here on earth have effectively re-armed and empowered them, e.g., via our words and choices. As a result, mankind once again succumbed to their deceptive tactics. Only when Christ returns to establish His 1,000 year reign on earth will the earth be free of the presence of satan and co., until the end of this period. Afterward, they will be released for a while to deceive the nations once again (Revelation 20:7-8), before being eternally bound in an inescapable hell. They will be effective and fruitful in their ability to deceive mankind during this release period.
Thus, mankind's governance and Christ's governance of earth up will have an "UN-common denominator", that is, they will not share the same 'common denominator' of the deceptive power of satan and co.
This prompts the question, what would the situation look like if mankind could govern in the earth, e.g. for say 1,000 years, without the presence and deceptive influences of satan and co.? What would it look like to be able to compare apples with apples, namely 1,000 years reign of Christ and 1,000 years of man's governance, both without the presence of our common enemy? Would the diagnosis God pronounced in Genesis 6:3 still apply? (The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and He saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.). Why do you think it would or would not?
Though thought-provoking from man's narrow perspective, this is effectively a vision impossible, as it postulates a third existence. The Bible outlines only two existences: one with God and another without Him -- black and white, so to speak. The absence or active disregard/dishonoring of God (since He is everywhere!) means and ensures the presence and active regard/honoring of evil. Though mankind has long wished for a 'good, Godless world', assuredly no such ‘gray area’ is possible. Our vision for life on earth apart from un-seen spiritual forces is just that….
a dream, rooted in deception.
