The devil, cast out of heaven by this war, comes to the earth, and by misrepresentation induces Adam, Christ's representative, to hand over to him the dominion of this earth. He takes possession of it by lying and fraud; and determines to carry out here what he failed to do in heaven. This is recognized in the Scripture. Christ said, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you; for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30 "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not." 2 Corinthians 4: 4.
Satan refers to this fact in the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. "And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, showed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine." Luke 4:4-7. He got possession of this world, and set up his kingdom, and today he says, "I am king."