WAR IN THE HEAVENS

WAR IN THE HEAVENS

Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

How can we war against the "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms?" The battle is for our souls. My first thought is to send up prayers. Prayers are like ammunition to the "light" angels in attacking the "dark" angels, or the fallen angels. Our prayers weaken the power of the dark forces. Never underestimate the power of prayer or the loss of power without prayers. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV)

Job was tested by both God and Satan to see which one to whom he would remain faithful. I believe there are those who have been tested since the days of Job and there are those of us who are being tested today. We may suffer terrible loss and our friends and relatives may turn against us, but we must remain firm. Where we spend eternity and with whom we spend eternity may be at stake.

We can also do our part in building God's kingdom. Winning people to Christ is the most effective way to do that. Then we need to help those who respond build a relationship with Him. Educate them on the Bible, take them to church, show hospitality, and be an example. Before we can educate others, we need to be well acquainted with scripture ourselves. "Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Tim.2:15 KJV). "... Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (I Peter 3:15). "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (II Timothy 4:2). Every dedicated convert builds the kingdom.

Satan can make wrong seem right and right seem wrong. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil," (Isaiah 5:20). "Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed" (I Cor. 13:7). We must be well grounded in God's Word. Satan can also make worldly things seem fun, exciting, and harmless. Don't be fooled. He is the father of lies. It is a paradox that when we are disciplined, we are the most free, but when we become “carefree,” we become a slave to our sins. To be free in Christ is to be free indeed!

Like in any war, there will be loss, but the final battle will be won. We must do our part, not because we have to but because we want to and because we want to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven, not Satan in hell. "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14).

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned." John 5:28-29

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Romans 12:9

--Becky Wall