There is a lot of chaos and uncertainty in our world today. We may try to ignore it, because there is something innate in us that desires the opposite: peace. But it’s to no avail, because it’s everywhere. If that makes you unsettled, let me offer you both a reason and a hope…
The bad things happening in the world are only physical manifestations of the activity of unseen spiritual forces. The Bible references a spiritual war: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
At the beginning of human history, the ruler of darkness convinced Adam and Eve to rebel against God’s command that was meant to protect them. Their disobedience ushered the power and presence of evil into all human hearts, and a corruption that has expanded to the rest of creation. Now, separated from God, the Source of all life, the only future is death. Because we are all born into a sin nature, we are born dead in spirit (see Ephesians 2:1).
“…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…” (Romans 5:12).
Sin is evident in the world. If not noticed in the rebelliousness of human hearts toward God, it can be seen in the evil done by their hands. It’s seen in sickness and dying, and death itself. The Bible says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). It’s waiting and longing to be saved from the terrible effects of sin and evil, for which we must constantly be on guard: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Without divine intervention, we are condemned to die and then to an eternity in Hell, which the Bible describes as everlasting fire, “wailing and gnashing of teeth”, and ultimately, “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (see Matthew 18:8-9; Matthew 13:42; and 2 Thessalonians 1:9). This is our destination as long as our spirits remain infected with sin, and thus we remain separated from God, who is holy.
But there is great hope! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, to achieve victory over the power of sin and death. Those who currently walk according to the prince of the power of the air (see Ephesians 2:2) can be rescued, as so many have testified: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Jesus came to earth in human form – becoming like us – to die for our sin, in our place, so that we need no longer fear the power of sin and death.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage…Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:14-17).
While Adam, through his rebellion, earned the punishment of death, the Bible tells us that through Jesus Christ, God does not give us what we earned, or deserve, but He gives us a great gift:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
“…But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15-17).
Jesus Christ not only died to take away the guilt of our sin, He also rose from the grave and lives eternally to intercede for us and to live in and through us with His life-giving Spirit. Through a spiritual rebirth, He gives us the power to turn from sin and to live righteous lives.
“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:8-11).
Jesus Christ came to rescue us from the darkness of sin and death, and the powers that reign in those realities. Jesus proclaimed: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
When you trust in Jesus Christ, you are brought into a right relationship with God, and “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
Jesus came to deliver you from the power of darkness and to bring you into His kingdom where you will find redemption and forgiveness. You will be promised an eternal home in Heaven, from where the effects of sin and darkness will be banished forever, because you will be in the very presence of God:
“…God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).
Complete and final victory over this war for your soul can be achieved, starting right now. Trust in Jesus Christ today – receive forgiveness and cleansing. Let His Light chase away the darkness, and let Him arm you with all you need to fight the power of evil and stand strong until it comes time for Him to take you home:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
“ …thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).