This Present Evil Age
There is a long ignored element of life that we need to understand. We can bang our heads against the walls trying to understand the ignorant and violent world we live in and never understood until we understand this biblical concept. This world is against us.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-13 ESV
From Genesis to Revelation we are told there is a spiritual realm that governs our world. And if we pay attention, we will see that the world is our enemy. Paul says our fight is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Do we get that? It’s the result of the fall. Not only is mankind fallen, so is our world.
We see all kinds of evil in the world expressing itself in nasty and awful ways. At the same time, younger adults are being urged to deconstruct their belief in God. Evil in the world is said to invalidate our belief in God. It fact, it’s proves the existence of God. We would never call something evil unless there is a God who is both good and just and righteous. There is no darkness without light. But the rulers of this world shift the blame and tempt us blame God and then reject him.
Our world is ruled by evil. Men and women serve that darkness in every human endeavor including politicians, people in church including ministers, deacons, elders, bishops, all who assume authority over the things of God. You see it in those who devalue humans and seek to kill the unborn and the weak in society. They value money over lives. And the acquisition power is their highest goal.
If you are on various social media, you see the nastiness in some of the foulest language and insane forms of logic expressed in their arguments. The sad part is that many Christian’s use the same forms thinking they are doing God’s work. It is easy to be deceived.
In this current age, the world powers are our unified enemy. We have to understand this we are to keep our faith in Christ protected. Paul told us how to fight this evil.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:13-16, 18-20 ESV
We must focus our lives on these things to protect ourselves, our families, and our world. The world itself groans for redemption. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:22-23 ESV
All of creation seeks to be free from this present evil. While we are saved by faith in Christ, our salvation will not be complete until the return of Christ. The glorious promise is a new heaven and a new earth for the old is passed away. All things will be made right both for ourselves and our world. Our blessed hope is that we will be with Christ for eternity in a world made perfect by redemption.
So, until that day we put on the armor of God and we resist and fight evil with the spiritual tools given us until Jesus comes again.
