Subject: Hades shall not overpower the church? |
Bible Note: Hi, following Him! I understand what you are saying... my views are that Satan has no kingdom. As Lucifer he attempted to overthrow God but failed; not too miserably since he took a third of the angels with him! (Revelation 12:4) This demonstrates his eloquence and guile--no wonder Paul commands us to put on the armor of God! (Ephisians 6:10-18) If we are to hold fast we cannot do it on our own for we have neither the knowledge nor the power to battle, resist or overcome him that is in the world. The devil does have dominion but not in Hell or Hades or Gehenna: 'Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be driven out. (John 12:31--see also John 14:30; 16:11; Revelation 12:9, 12) Was Jesus fearful about the devil's powers? No! Many people do not seem to understand what happened in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11): when Jesus had enough, He commanded Satan to leave, and he did! Having all power and authority, Jesus commands us to abide in Him and in His Word. He demonstrates our dependence on Him: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) Satan and his minions will suffer Hell or the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41), so there is no real hurry for them to get there nor to form a kingdom there: When he reached the territory of the Gadarenes on the other side, two demoniacs came towards him out of the tombs--they were so dangeroulsy violent that nobody could use that path. Suddenly they shouted, 'What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before the time?' (Matthew 8:28-29) But knowing their eminent demise does not deter Satan and his minions from attacking the Church, in a twisted effort to rule (destroy) Creation. (Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 12:4-18) So... are we to fear Hell, Satan, his minions? No! We are to fear God (Matthew 10:28)... but not because He will cast us into Hell--God has no such interest: ...Why die, House of Israel? I take no pleasure in the death of anyone--declares the Lord Yahweh--so repent and live!' (Ezekiel 18:30-32) We are to fear God because Judgment has already been passed (John 12:48) and those found out of the Fold--those who do not abide in Jesus--will be cat into the Second Death (Revelation 2:11; 21:8); these will include Satan and his minions. (Revelation 20:9-10) God Bless! Angel |