Distinct Warfare of the New Testament Church
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“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
The Apostle Paul clarified that the New Testament church has opposition in the world. He identified the opposition as the “rulers...the powers...the world forces of this darkness...the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. Concordant with the Pauline description, the spiritual enemy of the ecclesia is Satan and the multitude of angels who chose to rebel against God before the foundation of the world (cf. Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Revelation 12:9; etc.). The devil and his angels are arrayed in a spiritual hierarchy of evil for the purpose of destroying the ecclesia of God. As a consequence, the Apostle indicates that the New Testament church is compelled to engage in “wrestling, struggle or hand-to-hand combat” with the spiritual enemy.1 In the history of the church many different responses to the opposition of the devil and his angels have been presented, proposed, penned and promoted. Without biblical precedent, however, they are ineffective and even deceptive in origin. In contrast, the Bible reveals only one approach that is effective against spiritual opposition. It begins and ends with Jesus Christ. His ministry provides the New Testament church with the necessary position, power and protection for standing firm and resisting every scheme of the devil. |
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Origins
The eternal kingdom of God was originally populated by angelic beings (Job 38:7; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:1-6). They were created holy, immortal and spiritual in nature (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 20:36; Hebrews 1:14). Satan was one of the most remarkable of the angelic beings. He “had the seal of perfection” and was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). He is further described as having been beautiful and splendorous (Ezekiel 28:17). Possibly the most extraordinary of angelic beings, he served God in the role of high priest on the original, eternal earth. In spite of his lofty position in the kingdom, Satan coveted the glory of the King. Therefore, he devised a scheme by which he would challenge God for His throne. Satan’s scheme was founded on his presumption that the attributes of the nature of God could not be expressed concurrently in an unbiased manner. Specifically, he questioned whether or not God could demonstrate love and mercy together with justice. Believing the aforementioned attributes to be contradictory to one another, Satan resolved to test the sovereignty of God. He was convinced that his scheme would reveal God as vulnerable and weak and, thus, susceptible to deposition. Understanding the potential advantage of co-conspirators, Satan persuaded many of the angels to join him in his rebellion against God (Revelation 12:3-4). By the “abundance” of his unrighteous “trade”(trafficking or conspiring) he convinced about one-third of the angels that his plan would succeed (Ezekiel 28:16, 18; Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-4). As a result, they rejected their privileged citizenship in the kingdom of God and followed his lead (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-4). God answered the rebellious challenge of the devil and his angels in the only manner possible; in perfect accord with the attributes of His nature. As a consequence, they experienced His judgment and were sentenced to separation in “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41). The judgment and sentencing of the devil and his angels was immediate (cf. John 16:11). However, the serving of their sentence was postponed by God (Isaiah 24:21-22; Matthew 8:29; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:10). Separation in “eternal fire” for the devil and his angels was temporarily suspended to allow God the opportunity to vindicate His nature and silence any lasting presumption of vulnerability. While waiting to serve their eternal sentence, the devil and his angels were banished to a darkened existence outside of the kingdom of God. Separated from the immediate presence of divine life, the fallen angels became estranged from the King and degenerate by nature. Exiled to the “domain of darkness” the devil and his angels were no longer obligated to God under rule of life (zoe). Instead, they were necessarily subjected to the rule of law. It purposefully restricted their freedom. The angelic challenge of the divine nature not only caused death and degeneration, but significant destruction. It resulted in the irreparable deformation of their habitat; the original, eternal earth. The earth was not characterized by ruin, emptiness (“formless and void”) and darkness in the beginning (Genesis 1:1-2). Isaiah informs, “He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18). The earthly characteristics of ruin, emptiness and darkness were the result of the angelic rebellion. In the Bible darkness is frequently symbolic of divine judgment. Relative to their rebellion and the consequent judgment of God, the devil and his angels presently exist in an unenviable position of separation from God and banishment from His kingdom. Their position apart from God is characterized by spiritual death, degeneration of life, darkness, relative destruction and, by necessity, rule of law. |
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Vindication: Renovation
According to eternal plan, God renovated the original, devastated, uninhabitable heavens and earth to be inhabited once again. Divine justice demanded that it be fulfilled within the protective guidelines of covenantal law. The Renovation Covenant provided a protective, legal framework by which God unveiled and secured His eternal purpose and plan for the renovated earth and its inhabitants (Genesis 1:2-31). Concordant with predetermined stipulation, its legal framework served to clarify His intention beforehand. God’s subsequent fulfillment of covenantal stipulation demonstrated His veracity and served to further protect Him from accusation of wrongdoing. Consequently, He could no longer be accused of malfeasance by His creatures. The renovated earth was perfect. It lacked nothing. As a consequence, God pronounced every aspect of His renovation “good” and His holy angels rejoiced (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Job 38:4-7). Concordant with His eternal plan, God allowed the devil and his angels access to the renovated heavens and earth. Within the divinely renovated environment, they were permitted the freedom to will and to work. However, their opportunities were moderated by God. As a consequence, the schemes of the devil and his angels were contributive to the fulfillment of eternal purpose (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Romans 8:38; James 4:7; 1 John 5:18). The earth was not renovated to serve as a habitat for spiritual, angelic beings, but a new type of creature; mankind (Genesis 1:26-30). In contrast to the angelic beings, humanity was created with a physical or material body. By stipulation of the Renovation Covenant, the human race was originally designed as one collective entity. When God said, “Let us make man in our image” He was not referring to an individual human being, but the entire human race (Genesis 1:26). The Hebrew noun for “man” ('adam) is used in a collective sense. The first man, Adam, was appointed by God as the representative, covenantal head of humanity. All of his descendants, the entire human race; past, present and future, comprise his covenantal body (cf. Genesis 1:26-27). Congruent with the legal stipulations of the Renovation Covenant, mankind, represented by Adam, was given legal authority over the earth and its creatures. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth’. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:26-28). God planned to vindicate His nature in accordance with the newly renovated earth and its human population. According to plan He would demonstrate to the angelic host that humanity was willing to choose obedience of life (zoe) and, consequently, intimacy of fellowship. Thus, the rebellious accusation of the fallen angels would be proven wrong and the nature of God would experience vindication. |
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Fallen Angelic Response
While Satan was not entirely cognizant of the eternal plan of God, he was clear about Adam’s purpose on earth. It did not go unnoticed by him that God had replaced him in the kingdom with an inferior being. Further, it was obvious to Satan that Adam had been awarded representative authority over the renovated earth. Within the legal guidelines of the Renovation Covenant, Satan schemed to deceive Adam into relinquishing his legal, God appointed authority over the earth. The success of his scheme would not only allow him to regain authority on earth, but demonstrate to God that all of His creatures were incapable of obedience. Consequently, the judgment of God would appear unjust, He would be compelled to exonerate the devil and his angels and, more importantly, share His throne. Fall of Mankind God had warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was the one condition of the Renovation Covenant and, therefore, the solitary means by which they could remain in covenant relationship with God. Aware of the conditional stipulation of the Renovation Covenant not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Satan manipulated Eve into questioning its veracity. In the guise of a serpent he deceived her. Tragically, she chose to listen to Satan’s lie and ate from the forbidden tree. As forewarned, Eve suffered separation from God, immediate spiritual death and, as a consequence, began the long slow decline to physical death. Relative to Eve’s transformation, Adam was forced to make an extremely difficult choice. He could reject his beloved bride and allow her to experience her appointed destiny without him. It would be both lonely and heart wrenching. Conversely, Adam could choose to remain in union with Eve by eating of the prohibited tree and join her in rebellious separation from God. Ultimately, Adam was forced to choose between God and His beloved Eve. Rather than Adam, Satan had originally deceived Eve into eating from the forbidden tree (1 Timothy 2:14). However, by Satan’s deception of Eve he was able to manipulate Adam into disobeying God. Eve chose to rebel against covenantal stipulation because of deception. However, Adam willingly rejected God and chose the path of self-rule and lawlessness. As a result, he abdicated his God-given authority to rule the earth. Consequently, the entire human race and its earthly habitat were transformed into a fallen state of degeneration and darkness. By the success of his scheme, Satan regained some of his previous status and authority. Therefore, he presently and temporarily holds the legal titles of “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31) and “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). According to the Apostle John, “….the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). However, the present status and authority of Satan related to the renovated, fallen earth is but a distant shadow of the former glory he once enjoyed. Rather than ruling the pristine, original earth, however, his moderated authority extends only over the heavens and earth in degenerated form or the “domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). Under the fallen, representative headship of Adam, the entire human race became legally unsuitable and organically incompatible with God: |
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As a consequence of legal unsuitability and organic incompatibility, mankind was relegated to a fallen realm of existence apart from God:
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The fallen realm of existence is characterized by a distinct familial standing, citizenship, security, and style of governance:
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Under the headship of Adam, the natural state of the human race is legally unsuitable and organically incompatible with God. It is unholy or morally and ethically defiled. Consequently, the human race naturally exists apart from God and His kingdom in a state of debt, death, degeneration and darkness.
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Vindication: Redemption
“God is [selfless] love” (1 John 4:4, 16). It is an attribute of His nature. Therefore, all He does is from motive of selfless love. The eternal plan of God to vindicate His nature through the redemption of fallen mankind was from motive of infinite, selfless love. The Messiah or Christ (the Anointed) was foundational to the selfless, loving plan of God to vindicate His nature from angelic challenge and accusation. His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection fulfilled the stipulations of the Eternal Covenant (Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:23-24; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:20-21; etc.). “Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again” (Acts 2:22-24). The covenantal death and resurrection of Jesus Christ presented a perfect demonstration of the attributes of the divine nature in a concurrent, unbiased manner. Concordant with the fulfillment of the Eternal Covenant, God graciously and lovingly provided the means by which fallen humanity could be justly redeemed from the transgression of the rule of law. By the covenantal death of Christ, mankind would have the opportunity to receive forgiveness from all transgression of divine law. By His resurrection, the righteousness of the Christ could be imputed to the account of the forgiven and, as a result, they could be declared righteous in accordance with the standard of divine law. Declared righteous by law, the redeemed of the Church Age are “rescued from the domain of darkness” (the realm of satanic authority) and “transferred” into the kingdom of God (the realm of divine authority) (Colossians 1:13). By citizenship in the kingdom of God, they are necessarily released from the rule of Adamic law (synonymous with the principle of law or rule of law) (Romans 6:14; 7:1-6; 1 Corinthians 9:20; Galatians 2:19; 3:23-25). The rule of law was not established on earth for benefit of the righteous, but the unrighteous (1 Timothy 1:8-10). However, there are no unrighteous citizens in the kingdom. As a result, the existence of the rule of law is illogical within the kingdom of God, the realm of divine authority. Further, the rule of law is not conducive for the nurture of intimacy between God and mankind in the kingdom. Rather than gracious, its demands are rigid and formal. Intimacy between God and fallen mankind required that the justice of God be fully satisfied in regard to the human transgression of law. It necessitated both the forgiveness of all transgression of law; past, present and future and release from its rule. The release was fulfilled by the imputation and consequent declaration of divine righteousness. As a consequence, God was free to justly and graciously demonstrate the depth and intimacy of His unconditional, selfless love to His children. Before salvation from sin, the believer had been burdened by a “certificate of debt”. It constituted his official record of the transgression of the rule of law; past, present and future. Consisting of “decrees” against him, the believer’s “certificate of debt” was “canceled out” or obliterated when it was “nailed to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14). As a consequence, there is no further record of any transgression by the believer. Released from the rule of law and without official record of transgression, the devil and his angels have been “rendered powerless” according to law. There is no remaining transgression of law; past, present or future, by which they can accuse the believer. The writer of Hebrews states, “…since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives” (Hebrews 2:14-15). “Rendered powerless” by law through the death of Christ, the devil and his angels no longer have the legal right to accuse. Rather than rule of law, the redeemed of the New Testament church are obligated to God according to the intimate rule of indwelling life (zoe). In the New Testament, the rule of life (zoe) is described as the “law of faith” (Romans 3:27), the “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:2), the “law of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2) and the “law of liberty” (James 1:25; 2:12). While the rule of law could only allow for the bearing of “fruit unto death”, the intimate rule of life (zoe) allows the redeemed of the New Testament church the privilege to “serve in newness of the Spirit” and “bear fruit for God” by cooperation of faith alone (Romans 7:4-6). The rule of life (zoe) is gracious and, relatively speaking, informal by nature. Its gracious informality is conducive for the nurture of intimacy between God and mankind. To the bewilderment of the devil, the eternal plan of God for the redemption of fallen mankind and the vindication of His nature included His own sacrificial death and resurrection. It provided an unbiased, concurrent demonstration of His selfless love, unfailing mercy and absolute justice that was indisputable. 
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Utter Defeat
While Satan continues to have limited authority over the fallen world, he does not have any authority over the New Testament church. Utterly defeated by the redemptive work of Christ, he was rendered powerless against the ecclesia of God. By the redemptive work of Christ, Satan was bound; his abode plundered (his abode is his realm of authority; the “domain of darkness”); and his works destroyed (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 3:8). In addition, he is without armor; disarmed; and powerless (Luke 11:22; Colossians 2:15a; Hebrews 2:14). In evidence, the devil and his angels were made a public spectacle (they were exposed as shattered, empty and defeated to the heavenly host) (Colossians 2:15b). |
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In spite of his defeat, Satan deceptively “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He strives to keep the New Testament church from knowing his deepest, darkest fear; he was utterly defeated by the redemptive work of Christ.
Powerless, bound, unarmored and disarmed, Satan was left with only one method to oppose the distinct church of the New Testament, the object of his intense hatred and jealousy. He can deceive by means of falsehood alone. Therefore, Jesus said, “[Satan]…does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). It was for that reason that Jesus had said beforehand, “If you continue in My word (evidence of justification), then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32). He continued, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin (transgression of the rule of Adamic law) (effect) is the slave of sin (his indwelling sin nature) (source). The slave (transgressor or sinner) does not remain in the house forever; the son (evidence of justification) does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed (from sin and Satan)” (John 8:34-36). |
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Spiritual Deception
The deceptive schemes of the devil and his angels against the church are derived from a spiritual source. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). While spiritual lies derived from a spiritual source can influence life in the physical realm, they are spiritual by nature. Deception that is spiritual in source can only effectively be combated by means of spiritual weaponry. “…the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely (and spiritually) powerful” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Satan very much enjoys spending time with the believer that employs physical weapons in spiritual battle. He is not moved or intimidated by “weapons” derived from the flesh, inclusive of unbiblical strategies, formulas, religious prayers, etc. All temptation to fight a spiritual battle in the physical realm with fleshly weapons must be resisted. Instead, the New Testament church is to “…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”, “put on the full armor of God” and “…resist [the devil], firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (Ephesians 6:10-11; 1 Peter 5:9-10). |
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New Testament Church
The New Testament church is distinct. Before the foundation of the world, it was predestined to be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (cf. Hebrews 4:3; 1 Peter 2:9). The New Testament church is the object of the infinite, selfless love of God. Thus, it is comprised of the “beloved” of God (Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 4:10-11; etc.). The beloved New Testament church is the bride of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:6-9; 21:9-22:5, 17). Therefore, it is near and dear to His heart. The beloved New Testament church is distinctly privileged to share life with God. By unconditional benefit of the Eternal Covenant, it is characterized by indivisible, unparalleled intimacy with God. The beloved New Testament church has a distinct purpose (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 4:3; Revelation 13:8). It is its twofold purpose that provides the fallen angels with motive for warfare. First, the divine purpose of the distinct church of the New Testament is to demonstrate and, therefore, vindicate the attributes of the divine nature, including but not limited to selfless love, unfailing mercy and absolute justice. When the devil executes his schemes against the beloved New Testament church, God defends it with His very life (zoe). As a result, the attributes of His nature are clearly and consistently demonstrated in a concurrent, unbiased manner. The demonstration was designed to occur in a decisive manner throughout the Church Age. The nature of God is vindicated during the Church Age when the redeemed of the New Testament church respond to Him through the practice of shared life fellowship. The willingness of the redeemed to enjoy fellowship with God allows for a demonstration of the attributes of the nature of divine life (zoe) on earth. Therefore, when the New Testament church fulfills its purpose, it serves as a constant reminder to the devil and his angels of the foolishness of their choice to rebel against God. Revealing their ignorance to the entire angelic host, it serves as a painful testimony and constant reminder of the sovereignty of God, their tragic choice and consequent loss. Consequently, the New Testament church is a source of public humiliation that ultimately reveals them as foolish, weak and defeated. Thus, they view the New Testament church with intense hatred. The secondary purpose of the New Testament church is to repopulate the kingdom of God. It experienced a significant loss of population through angelic rebellion, divine judgment and the subsequent banishment of the rebellious. Through instrumentation of the New Testament church, the banished angels recognize that they are being replaced in the kingdom by undeserving, inferior, human beings. Their undeserving successor is not only freely awarded what was once their rank and authority in the kingdom, but more regrettably, their status as the primary objects of God’s love and affection. Consequently, they view the New Testament church not only with intense hatred, but with great jealousy. |
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Point of Contention
Although “rendered powerless” by the redemptive work of Christ, it is to Satan’s advantage to deceive the children of God into believing that his limited authority on earth extends to the New Testament church. As a result, the ecclesia is too often willing to entertain his deceptive lies. Satan’s fundamental weapon against the New Testament church is the lie of accusation. He is referred to as an “accuser” (cf. Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5; Zechariah 3:1-2; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Revelation 12:10). His accusation is related to the rule of Adamic law. Satan accuses the New Testament church of rebellion against God by guilt of the transgression of Adamic law. His frequent success has the capacity to undermine its effectiveness on earth. Despite his considerable effort to convince otherwise, however, Satan is not just in accusing the New Testament church of the guilt of sin or transgression of the rule of law. Congruent with the unconditional benefit of the redemptive Eternal Covenant, it has been justified from all transgression of the rule of law by grace through faith alone. Justified in accord with the covenantal death and resurrection of the Savior, the redeemed of the New Testament church are “holy and blameless and above reproach” and, relative to the rule of law, beyond accusation (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; Colossians 1:22, NKJV). Justification by grace through faith alone is an essential doctrine of the New Testament church and the fundamental doctrine for which the protestant reformers chose to defy the powerful Catholic Church. Martin Luther believed that justification by grace through faith alone was the article upon which the church stands or falls. Congruent with justification from sin by grace through faith alone, Satan has no legal basis by which to accuse the New Testament church of the transgression of Adamic law. Nevertheless, he understands the destructive power of false accusation. Preying on the ignorant, Satan fervently works to cause the ecclesia to believe it remains in bondage to the rule of Adamic law (otherwise known as the principle of law or rule of law) and, therefore, guilty of its transgression. It is his fundamental deceptive scheme against the New Testament church and primary point of contention. Although Satan’s accusation of guilt against the New Testament church is false, it serves to hinder its ministry, impair the object of his intense hatred and great jealousy and, in appearance at least, moderate its ability to vindicate the nature of God. He recognizes that false guilt and/or the appearance of guilt can be as debilitating and damaging as actual guilt. |
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Satan schemes to entrap, debilitate and paralyze the New Testament church by false guilt. The rule of law is his instrument of choice. It provides the fundamental means to allow Satan to falsely accuse the ecclesia of transgression. Therefore, it is to his advantage to make the rule of law a primary point of contention. Relative to the redemptive work of Christ, however, his accusation of transgression and the resultant false guilt is deceptive and utterly without merit.
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Life Based Warfare
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36). As defined by Jesus Christ for benefit of a Jewish audience, “everyone who commits sin” (fallen mankind) is enslaved to sin. Therefore, the slaves of the household are not free. In contrast, those with the status of sonship in the household have special status. They are free from sin. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15) The distinct church of the New Testament is not comprised of fallen people who are enslaved to sin. It is inclusive only of “sons”, people that have received the privileged familial status of sonship (Romans 8:14-15, 19, 23; Galatians 3:26; 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5). As a consequence, they have been awarded full legal privileges in the family of God. Sadly, the modern church is filled with believers who have been adopted by God and awarded the status of sons in His family, but continue to live and serve as slaves to sin. Although they have been set free from sin, they have been deceived and ignorantly choose to continue to live as an unbeliever under bondage to the rule of law (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-4). As a result, the modern church is frequently more aware of its sin than its Savior. The believer’s acquisition of sonship required that he be set free from sin. Freedom from sin demands release from bondage to the rule of law, the means graciously provided by God to reveal sin (Romans 3:20; 7:1-6, 7). Without the rule of law, there is not only no revelation of sin, but no violation of law or imputation of sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13). Thus, sin is powerless apart from the rule of law (1 Corinthians 15:56). Made “free indeed” literally means that the sons of God are clean of all restraint. In Adam, fallen mankind is under the restraint of sin and death. It is revealed according to the rule of law. As a consequence, the fallen are restrained from knowing God personally. Positioned in the realm of sin and death they can only know about God. Conversely, positioned “in Christ”, the redeemed “sons” of God who comprise the New Testament church are set free from all restraint. Rather than limited by sin and death, they are set free to experience God personally and intimately. Set free from sin and death and released from the rule of law, the New Testament church cannot combat the satanic accusation of unrighteousness by trying harder to obey the rule of law. It is nonsensical. As indicated, the rule of law was designed to reveal the transgression of law. An accusation of unrighteousness cannot be remedied by the revelation of additional unrighteousness. Simply providing more evidence of unrighteousness, it only leads to a response of “Wretched man that I am!” (Romans 7:24) It is to the advantage of the enemy of the New Testament church, however, to dictate the terms of battle. Consequently, he continually promotes the idea that the New Testament church remains under rule of law and, therefore, is guilty of transgression. During the Church Age, the New Testament church is the vehicle God has chosen to repopulate His kingdom with willing citizens. Immediately after entering the kingdom through the imputation of divine righteousness and union of life with the King, its citizens are necessarily released from the rule of law. Rather than associated with conduct in the kingdom of God, the rule of law was designed to moderate fallen life in the “domain of darkness”. Providing for the revelation of sin, it was intended to lead the sinner from darkness to the kingdom and its Savior King. The “domain of darkness”, inclusive of the fallen heaven and earth, is temporarily under the legal authority of Satan. He presently holds the legal titles of “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31) and “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). According to the Apostle John, “….the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). However, the present status and authority of Satan is but a distant shadow of the former glory he once enjoyed. Rather than ruling the pristine, original earth, he now presides over a fallen “domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). The “domain of darkness” is characterized by sin and death. Therefore, its inhabitants are necessarily subject to the principle of law. The New Testament church, however, was made alive to God. “…God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). As a consequence, the ecclesia was “rescued” from the “domain of darkness” and “transferred into the kingdom of [the] beloved Son”. The Eternal Covenant was the means by which the New Testament church was made alive to God. Its primary benefit was union of life between the mediator of the covenant, Jesus Christ, and His beloved ecclesia. Alive to God, law served its purpose for the New Testament church and it was released from its rule (Romans 3:31; 7:1-6). Alive to God, the New Testament church no longer exists under the authority of Satan. In the kingdom of God, it is positioned under the authority of God in the realm or sphere of the Spirit, characterized by the infinite power of divine life (zoe). Nevertheless, Satan works with all fervency to motivate the ecclesia of God to believe that it remains under his authority in the “domain of darkness”. Persuaded that it remains in the realm of sin and death under the rule of law, the New Testament church is ignorant about the incomparable power of indwelling life (zoe) and, as a consequence, powerless against its spiritual enemy. Thus, law based warfare provides Satan with significant leverage against the church, the object of his jealousy and hatred. While the ecclesia of God can ignorantly choose to remain and fight against Satan on his terms, it is ill-advised. The “weapons of warfare” consistent with the “domain of darkness” are dead. Under rule of law they are powerless against the schemes of the devil. Simply stated, death and darkness cannot be combated with death and darkness. The warfare of the church in the domain of death and darkness cannot produce life (zoe). Under rule of law, it can only reveal sin, the means chosen of God to lead the church to life (zoe). According to the redemptive plan of God, the warfare of the New Testament church is not law based, but life (zoe) based. “For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (rule of law). For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:21-26). Made alive to God in Christ, the spiritual walk and growth of the New Testament church on earth was designed to be life (zoe) based. Consequently, it should not be a surprise that the warfare of the New Testament church against its fallen angelic enemy is also life (zoe) based. Life (zoe) based warfare begins with the continual, faithful acknowledgement of the incomparable power of indwelling life (zoe) as the sole means by which the ecclesia can “stand firm” and “resist” every scheme of the devil. By faith alone the New Testament church has immediate access to infinite power. It is the power of God “that works within us”, the same power “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:20-21; 3:20). The infinite power of God indwelling His living (zoe) church is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament. Referent to His indwelling power Jesus proclaimed, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38). He clarified to His disciples that by the coming of the Holy Spirit they would be “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:50). Jesus further stated to them, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The ministry of God in Christ was also advanced by the distinct church of the New Testament. His indwelling life (zoe) provides its source of power. It quickens the proclamation of the Gospel; the gifting of divine grace; the ministry of life (zoe) (for example: the healing of sickness and the casting out of demons). Further, the power of indwelling life (zoe) produces everything necessary for life and godliness; an inheritance reserved in heaven; and future transformation in glory (Acts 1:8; 3:12; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:3-5; 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9; 13:4; Ephesians 3:7; 20; Philippians 3:21; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:3). The incomparable power of God manifested in and through the New Testament church is the same power by which Jesus Christ was conceived; He grew to adulthood and fulfilled His living (zoe) ministry; He demonstrated authority over the fallen angels and healed the sick; He died on the Cross and was resurrected; He ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father where all things were put in subjection to Him; He was given headship over the church; and He will return to earth in the future (Mark 9:1; 13:26; Luke 1:35; 4:14; 36; 5:17; 6:19; 21:27; 22:69; Acts 2:24; 10:38; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 4:20; Ephesians 1:20-23). The incomparable power of God manifested in and through the New Testament church is the same power by which the creation is held together and Satan was defeated (Hebrews 1:3; 2:14). In his letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul provides an example of life based warfare. Early in chapter 1 he provides the redemptive, covenantal foundation for life shared between God and man. Later in the same chapter Paul prayed that the Ephesians would comprehend the incomparable power of the victorious, living (zoe) presence of God in Christ. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). In Ephesians chapter 3 Paul specifically prayed that the believers in ancient Ephesus would be “…strengthened with power through [Christ’s] Spirit in the inner man, so that [He] may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19). While the love of God for His children “surpasses knowledge”, the object of the phrase “breadth and length and height and depth” is not, as often presumed, the love of God in Christ. Rather, the apostle prayed that the Ephesians would comprehend the incomparable power of the indwelling life (zoe) of God in Christ. He prayed that the believers in ancient Ephesus would be strengthened in the “inner man” so that they could comprehend the “breadth and length and height and depth” of His victorious, living (zoe) presence indwelling “their hearts” or inner being. The indwelling life (zoe) of God in Christ is not only evidential of the love of God that “surpasses knowledge”, it is the source of church victory against every scheme of the devil. The apostle’s blessing that immediately followed emphasized the incomparable power of indwelling life (zoe). “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). The New Testament church has immediate access to incomparable power. It is appropriated when the New Testament church stands firm and resists spiritual opposition by radical dependent faith in the living (zoe) Christ. Although utterly defeated, Satan does his best to distract the living (zoe) church of the New Testament from its untouchable position of infinite life (zoe) and power in Jesus Christ. He wants the New Testament church to fear and respect him rather than God. Therefore, he must convince the ecclesia that he has the authority to dictate the terms of the relationship. His terms are deceptively simple. In spite of the fact that the New Testament church has been “rescued…from the domain of darkness, and transferred…to the kingdom of [the] beloved Son”, Satan strives to persuade that it has not been “rescued” and “transferred”. He wants the church to believe that it remains in the “domain of darkness” and, thus, enslaved to sin by revelation of the rule of law. Therefore, it frequently chooses to submit to his invisible authority. As a result, the “unclothed emperor” can secretly inspire the infliction of abundant difficulty, pain and suffering. Apart from a life based approach to spiritual warfare, the New Testament church can only attempt to struggle with its enemy in his realm and arena. Providing Satan with a distinct advantage, it is precisely what he schemes to accomplish. Although Satan’s deception is based on falsehood, his practice allows him to retain a semblance of independence and dignity. Nevertheless, the living (zoe) must be ignorantly complicit for his lies to bear fruit. |
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Knowledge: Positional Truth
The weapons of the world are inadequate against the schemes of the devil. There is only one weapon that causes the devil and his angels to “shudder” or tremble with fear. It is the living (zoe) Christ. He is the sole means by which the devil and his angels experience utter defeat and are “rendered powerless”. Intimately positioned in Christ, the New Testament church is privileged to share His unconditional position of victory and the incomparable power of His indwelling life (zoe). By principle of position, the ecclesia of God is immovable, able to “stand firm” and “resist” every scheme of the devil and his angels by faith alone. |
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