Does Satan know his final destination?

TL;DR:

Satan knows his final destination. He is aware that his time is short, and the Bible clearly declares that he will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire.

Scripture gives little insight into Satan’s thoughts. However, because he quotes Scripture (Matthew 4:6) and knows what God said (Genesis 3:1–5), we can infer he also knows what Scripture says about his fate, being thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Additionally, some interpret Revelation 12:12 as referring to Satan’s fall or after the cross. That verse says that Satan "knows that his time is short." Even if that passage refers to the future Tribulation period, the verse indicates that Satan already realizes his time is coming to an end, which enrages him.

Despite knowledge of his future, Satan still attempts to overthrow God’s kingdom (Isaiah 14:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10; Matthew 4:8–9; Revelation 13). Sin blinds, so he may believe a way to escape exists. Thus, he may simultaneously know what God says will happen while also being self-deceived that it won’t. What God says about Satan’s fate will come to pass.

from the old testament

As a whole, Scripture gives very little insight into Satan’s activities. However, we do learn some things that help us assume he knows his final fate. For starters, two passages may describe Satan’s fall. They are directly about wicked kings but appear to be talking indirectly about Satan by describing those kings like him. They are Isaiah 14:13–14 and Ezekiel 28:12–17. From them, we glean that Satan was of a high position and that his sin was pride. Together, they suggest an intelligent being whose view of reality may be warped by his sin.
We also learn that despite his intelligence, he is not free to do whatever he wants. Everything he does is by God's permission. We see that in Job 1–2, where Satan twice comes before God to be granted permission to afflict Job. Because he is limited, we can be confident that no matter what Satan thinks or tries, he will not be able to escape his fate.
After Satan (the serpent) tempted Adam and Eve in the garden and they fell, God pronounced a curse. To Satan he said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). While Satan may not have understood the implication at that time, it was clear from that curse that Satan’s end was being declared.

from the new testament

It’s in the New Testament where we learn what specific end Satan will meet. In Revelation 20:10, it reads, “the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (cf. Matthew 25:41).
Satan’s final destination, then, is clear. He will be cast into the lake of fire, the same end for all sinners (cf. Revelation 20:15).
Prior to that passage describing his punishment we read, “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12). Theologians wrestle with whether this refers to when he first fell, after he was defeated at the cross, or in the end when he is finally barred forever from heaven. Regardless, this verse tells us that Satan is aware that there is an end coming.
While Scripture does not say that Satan reads the Bible, he knows it well enough to quote it (Matthew 4:5–6), which implies a good deal of familiarity with it. Therefore, it would be no surprise to learn that he knows the book of Revelation well and what it says about his destiny.
Knowing all of that, he is currently doing all that he can to stop it. This implies that he is self-deceived, thinking that somehow he can defeat God. For example, when Jesus came, he tempted Jesus with the intention of stopping His plan of salvation (Matthew 4). We also learn that he “has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Right before the end he will set himself up as a god (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4) and try to be worshiped (Revelation 13:4, 8).
Yet, Satan will be defeated because He is under God’s control. He will be bound at the end (Revelation 20:1–3a), then given freedom once again (Revelation 20:3b), and then eternally punished (Revelation 20:10).

implications for today

From the very beginning, starting in Genesis 3:15, Satan’s days have been numbered. Yet, right now, he has been given a level of freedom to inflict destruction and to keep unbelievers from believing in Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:4). Yet even his mayhem is restrained by God (Job 1:12). Martin Luther once commented that Satan is “God’s devil.” By that, he meant that Satan is powerful and evil but that he can’t do anything unless God allows him.

This should be a comfort for us. Jesus once told Peter that Satan had asked to sift him (Luke 22:31). Though God permitted him, it was limited such that Jesus could promise Peter that he would not be lost forever (Luke 22:32). Likewise, Satan is looking to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8), he will not ultimately overcome because Jesus loses none the Father has given Him (John 6:39).

That said, we must not give Satan any opportunities (Ephesians 4:27). We need to put on the armor of God so we can stand against his attacks (Ephesians 6:11) and resist him (James 4:7). We are not called to fight him, but we are also not told to pretend like he doesn’t exist.

Whether or not Satan knows his fate, we do: he will be bound (Revelation 20:2–3) and then, after a period of time, cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). That will be a joyous time!

understand

Satan’s final destination is the lake of fire.
Satan knows his time is limited, even as he continues opposing God.
Despite his rebellion, Satan remains fully under God’s authority and cannot change his end.

reflect

How does remembering that Satan’s final defeat is certain shape the way you respond to temptation or spiritual attacks?
In what ways might focusing on God’s sovereignty over Satan help you trust Him more in difficult circumstances?
How does knowing Satan’s end strengthen your confidence in God’s sovereign plan?

engage

What does Satan’s continued rebellion despite knowing his fate reveal about the nature of sin?
How should the certainty of Satan’s final judgment inform the way believers understand spiritual warfare?
How can we teach about Satan’s activity without fostering fear or unhealthy fascination?