Sin entered the world thousands of centuries ago via a heavenly being who had rebelled against God. Revelation 12:7-9 describes the scene of that rebellion: “War broke out in heaven. Michael, the archangel, and his angels fought against the devil and his angels, and the devil and his angels fought back, but the devil was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The devil, also called Satan, and his demons were hurled down to the earth.” Satan has been in a rage against God ever since.
The prince of darkness, the power of the air, and the father of lies and of deceit are a few titles Satan wears well. He is out to kill and to destroy and to deceive the whole world. He seeths with rage against God. As his murderous hatred of humanity accelerates, Satan roams the earth continuously looking for someone to devour.
God, on the other hand, is holy and because of His holiness He cannot tolerate sin, and because of His everlasting love for mankind, He extends grace and mercy before He brings judgment. God knew in eternity past what it would cost to redeem man – the death of His only begotten Son. Jesus would bring forgiveness of sin to the world. Instead of rebelling against God, Jesus willingly submitted His will to His Father’s will. Jesus came to give life and to give it abundantly.
The battle between good and evil that started with the war in heaven continues to rage on. In fact, the war is racheting up at an unprecedented pace and will continue to accelerate until God accomplishes His plans and His purpose to redeem those who believe.
Satan’s anger is vented toward the inhabitants of earth. That is why end times will be the greatest period of spiritual warfare in history. The devil knows his time is short and will try to destroy all humanity, but Christians especially, are in his crosshairs. However, believers are in the shadow of the cross which renders Satan’s fiery darts ineffective – if we stand firm in the faith.
Wars and battles, chaos and crime, hatred and violence are as old a time but now the stakes are much higher. In former times when a commanding officer shouted out his command to “Charge!” the soldiers took up arms and fought in hand-to-hand combat. So, what is the command for Christ-followers today? In Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul said, “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.”
We are in a spiritual battle! What do we do?
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said in Ephesians 6:10-12, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, stand firm!”
The lyrics of a song by Peter Scholtes from the 1960’s reinforces Paul’s encouragement. “They Will Know We are Christians by our Love.”
“We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord (repeat), and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
“We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord (repeat), and we pray that all unity may one day be restored, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
“We will walk with each other, we will walk hand-in-hand, and together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
“We will work with each other, we will work side by side, and we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
“All praise to the Father from whom all things will come and all praise to Christ Jesus-God’s only Son, and all praise to the Spirit who makes us one, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
The clock is ticking. It is almost midnight. So, love one another and stand firm in the faith. Fear not! Remember, we are on the winning side.