Satan's Death Rattle Is Getting Louder

“I believe we are in the final days and can begin to hear Satan’s death rattle.” – Bob Williamson

According to Medical News Today, “as someone approaches death, breathing patterns can change and secretions may collect in the throat. This can create a rattling sound known as the death rattle. It is a part of the dying process.”

Last week, my wife had the privilege of holding her father’s hand as he passed from this life to the next. It was a bittersweet occasion as her dad had been battling dementia for several years and so, the family wanted to see his suffering come to an end. Knowing that he was a believer and that his last breath on earth would be immediately followed by his first breath in heaven was also a source of great comfort. That being said, “Pap” will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

I had a similar experience back in 2011 when I was at the bedside of my best friend from childhood as he transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal one. John had been fighting colon cancer for six very long years and despite radiation, chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and some experimental treatments at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, the cancer had spread to his lungs and his bones… causing intense pain. Less than four months before he died, I had the privilege of leading John to saving faith in Chris and so, I am confident that I will see my buddy in Glory. However, my heart still breaks for his widow Patty, and their three children.

Unlike Pap and John, Satan refuses to go quietly. In fact, because he knows that his time on earth is so short, he is on a rampage to snatch up as many souls as he possibly can while creating widespread havoc everywhere he goes. After all, Jesus said that the devil is a thief who came to “steal, kill, and destroy” (see John 10:10a).

Fortunately for believers, he cannot touch our lives without God’s express permission (see Job 1-2 and Luke 22:31-32). Jesus also promises His followers “abundant life” (John 10:10b) … meaning that He will indwell us on earth and then live in our midst in heaven. It doesn’t get much better than that!

In the meantime, be prepared for Satan to become more and more desperate as the time until his eventual judgment and eternal punishment ticks down to zero (I Peter 5:8-10).

“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time.” Revelation 12:12 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President