The Adversary Is Real

An issue I feel I must address at this time is in regards to the idea of the existence of devils and what they can and cannot do. I believe I must address this for two reasons. 

The first reason is that many in Christendom take this attitude that Christ has taken all sin upon himself. This is a discussion for another time and I will get into this in further detail, but in summary at this time, Christ’s atonement is meant for those who repent. Repentance requires acknowledging that sin is real. And in acknowledging that sin is real that also means that a counter to Christ, an equivalent opposite also exists that strive to prevent us from repenting. 

This leads me to the second reason which is connected to the first. I will go into more detail on this second form because at this time I feel this is what the Lord wants me to bring forward. 

There is a growing movement driven largely by people who claim to have met Christ face to face. These experiences range from near-death experiences, open visions, etc. Now to clear the air beforehand I have nothing against such claims as I know for myself that such experiences are real. And to any of my readers who have a problem with this, now might be a good time to stop, since if you don’t believe in personal experiences with Heavenly beings there is no point in proceeding any further. 

My second point is to understand this, that not all spiritual experiences are heavenly. In ancient Hebrew you find this term occasionally used. Mastema. What does this mean?  Mastema is a plural for devil. It refers to not a singular being but a group or variety of fallen beings. Even though Mastema is plural it is used in a singular sense because these entities are united in one area. They wish nothing more than the overthrow and destruction of all that is good. 

Among their skills and tactics is to create counterfeits to truth and right. That is something that will deceive all but the elect. Among these deceptions is that they can pretend to be Christ. These counterfeits Often include principles that are true, but are mixed with lies to twist the meaning into something that does not lead to God. 

“So how is one to know the real apart from the imposter?” You may ask.  The answer is this and heed this warning well. You must become prepared. Ok, so how does one prepare?  Well if I give you the easy answer, the “shortcut”, it bypasses the work and preparation that is required. The answer is very simple. But it also requires a real work and an effort on our part. 

So where does one start?  One must learn the traits and attributes of Christ himself. In order to learn this, one must study scripture, with the sincere desire to learn these traits, and to apply them to our lives, each and every one of us. Seek out the prophets in the scriptures. Take note of their character traits and attributes. What did they do?  What was their motives?  What were they trying to teach the people. Look at the Savior when he came in the flesh. What did He teach? What doctrines did he put forth?  What was He trying to get the people to understand?  

The real Christ and the imposter both have something in common. Both desire to make us like themselves. But the end results look very different. The more you apply Christ’s teachings, the more selfless you become.  The more ennobled you become. Your heart and desires will forsake the things of the world and will turn to the things of God. In contrast, the more you apply the deceivers teachings, the more selfish you become, the more proud and vain you become. Those who follow him will turn to the things of the world, the pursuit of wealth and possessions, and will be taught to justify themselves in doing so. 

Break the cycle

In my previous article I talked about this conflict that existed between Canaan and Israel. While one side, from the evidence that can be gathered was more justified than the other, both sides did do wrong.  Both sides have committed acts of violence and hurt. 

In fact on one hand the Lord permitted the Israelites to make war with the Canaanite (Philistines, Assyrians ,etc.) people around them, but the Lord would put strict limits on how such wars were to be conducted.  I’m certain from what I know of God’s nature that He didn’t want His children to fight with one another and destroy one another. But if warfare becomes necessary then God would rather it be fine for the right reasons and that it is conducted in the right way. 

Allow me to explain. Throughout history, most wars were fought for one purpose. That purpose was usually to get gain. Armies would plunder and pillage wherever they went for gain. Kings would expand their territory to increase tax revenue and tribute. Taxes were enforced by the sword. Men would take their neighbors property. Spoils of war were then carried off to benefit the army, the ruler and the people. So how might God test and prove those that claim to be his people?  In times of war He can take away the gain. 

If the Lord demands that you kill the men and leave the women and children, what historically became of those people?  As terrible as it may be, most often the women and children were among the spoils of war. Slaves and servants that do the bidding of their conquerers.  Now aside from the fact that these people will resent their captors, which could cause problems later on, in the short term these people represent an opportunity for profit. They are a readily available source of labor which may be useful to work the conquered land and as such, from a materialistic standpoint, they are an asset.   So if God instructs the Israelites to kill the women and children too, much of the lucre of war goes with it.  Any conquered land will have to be worked by the people themselves which removes much of the benefit of conquest. And whether or not the Israelites obeyed said much about their condition. When they tried to gain by warfare, the Lord was displeased with them. 

And what of destroying the flocks and herds too?  Again, the animals and crops represent a wealth and an easy harvest. But if the people will destroy it rather than profit by it, it says much about the condition of their hearts. 

If one looks at the Old Testament history with open eyes, one sees that God didn’t actually want His children going to war. At times it may become necessary, and when it is necessary, God will lay out how such wars are to be conducted.  He would rather things be resolved peacefully.  And while men may be justified in defending themselves and their families, some of the most blessed are those who choose to break that cycle of warfare and bloodshed.  As Christ said —

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:9-10

Men may be justified in conflict at times, but there is a much greater blessing in forsaking our own will and desires and instead fulfill the law. Justice may demand that restitution be made, but Christ laid out and taught a better way. In our day, let Esau and Jacob be reconciled. Be the peacemaker.