Though it may seem like blasphemy to say it – the truth is that there are two gods in this world. When I say gods I do not mean the stone, wood or plastic variety – there are plenty more of those. No, what I mean are two entities that actually wield power and authority. The one is the God (note the capital ‘G’) and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the god (note the lower case ‘g’) of this world. Note the following:
II Corinthians 4:4
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
This second god has many titles in the Bible: Satan, Baal, prince of the power of the air, the serpent, Belial, devil, adversary, thief, etc. You can call him what you want but his purpose is always the same. Jesus Christ declared:
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
The aims of this second god are ONLY to steal, kill and destroy. He opposes the purposes of the true God. He robs life and steals joy. He destroys lives and kills hope. The true God on the other hand sent the Lord Jesus Christ to give the more than abundant life. With the Lord came the opportunity for true life, unquenchable joy and a living and real hope. Even the sting of death eventually gives way to eternal life. Temporary sorrow to everlasting joy.
You see, there are two kingdoms at war. The Lord Jesus came to reveal the evil workings of the adversary. He explained how the kingdom of the devil works with structure and order – its aims are clear and well defined. The devil attacks with pressure and pleasure to sway the Christian believer from following the one true God. He will take whatever worship he can get. He even tried to get Jesus Christ to worship him! Thankfully the attempt was unsuccessful.
If you think that you are beyond being deceived or tricked by the father of lies, then it is too late – you have already been deceived. Men like the great Apostles Peter and Paul both found themselves on the receiving end of the devil’s trickery. The devil gives no quarters and takes no prisoners. You play by his rules – you lose.
Thanks again to our wonderful Lord and Saviour, there is another option. The Word of God states:
Ephesians 6:10, 11
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The only way to win is to stand on the accomplishments and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is, to know what the Lord did for you and to understand from the Word of God exactly how to believe it. The only way that the Lord himself dealt with the devil when he was tempted was to respond with the written Word of God. Satan had to withdraw.
How much do you know of the rights and abilities that you have in Christ? If you are ignorant of these – decide now to learn and understand what they are. If on the other hand you do not even think there is such a thing as the god of this world – don’t bother, you’re already a casualty of war.