This time of year, images of ghouls and goblins come to mind for many people. Most see Halloween as a harmless childhood celebration, not truly believing that demons exist, or at least not understanding that dark forces may be lurking. The history of Halloween began with the Druid celebration of Satan and death. Constantine’s effort to thwart this pagan practice by instituting All Saints Day backfired as the people wanted to keep both festivals.
I do not wish to elevate Satan’s work above the attention it “deserves” and I certainly do not encourage interest in these beings; however, considering how demonic activity is clearly presented and included in my book, Escape From Doubting Castle, I thought it would be a good time to explain why I did so.
In the book, as well as in the two remaining books of the trilogy, I purposefully allow the reader to look behind the scenes into the spirit realm in order to reveal that demonic spirits can influence people’s words, causing factions between friends, groups, and families. This peek behind the scenes is merely a cursory look in order to bring awareness, yet not frighten the young reader.
It is imperative to grasp the fact that just because we cannot see something, does not mean that it does not exist. The Bible says, (Ephesians 6:12), “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.” These very terms rightfully indicate the unseen spiritual legal system and judgments taking place in the spirit realm.
The spirit realm is a legal system of Divine laws and judgments. The Bible says (Ephesians 4:27) that we are not to “give place to the devil.” In other words, do not give the devil a foothold into your life. As I write, I can picture a salesperson at the front door of your house. You open the door just enough to hear what he has to say. He now has enough room to put his shiny black shoe into the doorway, blocking you from closing the door in his face. He now has a foothold ... and you gave it to him! You may argue within yourself, “One look (or one sip, or one lie) won’t hurt anything.” If you believe that and act upon it, you will open the door, just wide enough for that foot. He now has a “legal charge” against you. Do you really want to make an agreement with the devil?
I want to be clear: Satan does not have the attributes of God in being omnipresent (present everywhere), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) or eternal existence. Nevertheless, he does have an army of fallen angels who watch us, study us, and lie in wait to trap us. The Bible says, (II Tim. 2:26), “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Even so, Satan does not have free reign over us.
How do you fight this furious foe? First, recognize you are in a war and your enemy is real! Second, recognize that you cannot possibly win this fight alone. You need Jesus Christ and His Word living within you to discern the lies when presented to you, most assuredly all tied up with a pretty bow and having your name written on it.
Your enemy knows you and has studied you, and knows your weakness. Your enemy is prepared. Are you? God has written a whole book to help you win this war. It’s name is The Bible. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He used the Word to fight back (Matthew 4:4), “But he answered and said, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Imagine that ... the living Word of God – Jesus – reciting the Word of God! (And that I will blog about on another day!) Not only has He given us His Word, but He has also given His Holy Spirit to abide in and guide those who believe.
Here is something the devil understands ... God has already won! If you try to fight this war in your own strength, you will lose. So, whose side are you on? Jesus said, “If you are not for me, you are against me.” Therefore, in doing nothing, you have already made your decision ... one that could affect you for all eternity ... but until you take your last breath, there is still time to get on the winning team.