Understanding the Spirit World

The spirit realm is real even when many people do not believe it is. This is why we need to have a deeper understanding of the spirit world. What is the doctrine of the spirit world and why does it matter?

The Reality of the Spirit Realm

The spirit world is that invisible realm inhabited by holy angels who actively serve God by ministering to the believers (Hebrews 1:14). But it is occupied by Satan’s demonic forces who oppose God and continuously wage war against God’s people (Ephesians 6:12).

Have you noticed that things in our world aren’t always as they seem? One of the primary reasons why is the fact that Satan and his followers exist. We need to understand that the challenge for every Christian is far greater than merely dealing with the visible details of life.

The believer’s primary struggle for well-being is not only dependent on their flesh-and-blood relationships. Rather, it also involves unseen friends and enemies.

Angels: God’s Servants

The Bible tells us explicitly that angels are created spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 148:1-5). Angels are also endowed with power (Psalm 103:20), have a personality (Luke 1:26-38; 15:10), and do not die (Luke 20:36).

God created angels to worship (Hebrews 1:6) and serve the Lord (Psalm 103:20), and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14).

Natural observations may not reveal the angels’ importance to us. However, faith in the Word of God assures us that God’s angels often mediate to carry our God’s sovereign acts in our lives.

What’s more astounding is the assurance of the Scriptures that angels do not always remain invisible. Thus, the letter to the Hebrews urges us to not forget to entertain strangers. Because by doing so, some have unwittingly entertained angels (Hebrews 13:2).

Satan and His Demons

Who is Satan? Satan is an especially powerful angel who rebelled against God. Although his act of rebellion is not described directly in the Bible, he is alluded to in Isaiah’s description of the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:12-15). Ezekiel did the same in Ezekiel 28:11-19 when he referenced the king of Tyre.

The Bible also calls Satan the following names:

• the devil
• Lucifer
• Beelzebub
• Belial
• serpent
• dragon
• ruler of the world
• god of this age
• prince of the power of the air
• angel of light
• accuser
• deceiver
• tempter
• liar
• murderer
• the evil one

And because of Satan’s constant activity against God and His people, he is a far greater threat to us than any enemy, personal or national.

Who are the demons? They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion. Theologians and Bible scholars believe that about 1/3 of all the angels joined Satan and God drove them away from heaven. Some of these demons are active as members of Satan’s army (Ephesians 6:12) while God locked others up in prison (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).

These personal agents of Satan’s evil empire can stimulate and arouse the worst capacities and desires within us. Indeed, they don’t make us evil. However, they willingly dominate those who refuse to surrender their hearts and lives to God.

The Activities of Satan

Satan, with the help of his demon followers, plants false Christians among the true (Matthew 13:24-30, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). He seeks to devour the Lord’s people (1 Peter 5:8) and falsely accuses God’s children (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-5; Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 12:10).

Satan also rules over the unsaved world (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2) and can possess unbelievers (Mark 5:1-13; Acts 5:16). He deceives people through his outright lies (John 8:44) and his cleverly-designed thought systems (Colossians 2:8, 20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-3).

Christians are constantly interacting with the working of Satan and his minions. Like Peter (Matthew 16:23), we are unaware of God’s ways that even our good intentions can serve Satan’s purposes. It is for this reason that we must continually depend on the Lord’s guidance and leadership.

Christ Defeated Satan and His Forces

Just when Satan thought he was winning, the Lord Jesus broke his power by His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15).

Today, the devil and his forces operate as defeated foes. They know they are doomed to the lake of fire (Matthew 8:29; Revelation 20:10). This is why they are working double time to mislead and deceive God’s people.

We must keep in mind that God has already determined Satan’s final outcome. His predetermined fate is a terrible reality that should help us to avoid either carelessness or despair.

Defeating Satan

How do Christians defeat Satan? Those who have placed their trust in Christ can overcome Satan in their daily lives by:

• submitting to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
• being aware of his strategy and avoiding the sins that give him a foothold in our lives (1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 3:6-7; Ephesians 4:26-27)
• putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18)
• rejecting all forms of occult activity such as magic, witchcraft, and spiritism (Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 8:19)

Conclusion

Satan and his demon followers are real and they dominate the spirit realm.

Many of us may have experienced his attacks and suffered his wrath. This leads to the question, “Why is God allowing His people to go through Satan’s schemes and tactics? Why does Satan still have a hold on the believer’s life?”

Jesus already defeated Satan; He has won the victory. Satan seems to be winning now but his fate has already been sealed. He is destined to suffer in the lake of fire together with his followers.

If you haven’t accepted God’s gift of salvation, now is the time to do it. Acknowledge you’re a sinner, confess your sins, and receive God’s forgiveness.

Surrender your life to God and live for His glory while waiting for Christ‘s promised return.

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Recommended Resource:

Spiritual Warfare in the End Times by Ron Rhodes

Understand the Battle Before You Enter It

When you think about the end times, you’ve probably already considered the rapture, the tribulation, and the Antichrist. But are you prepared for the spiritual warfare that is already escalating around us as we draw closer to the final days?

Now more than ever, it is essential to equip yourself with God’s truth so you can stand against the encroaching darkness.

In Spiritual Warfare in the End Times, bestselling prophecy author Ron Rhodes powerfully exposes Satan’s most destructive and effective tools of spiritual injury—and the means of rendering them ineffective.

Though Satan will always want to diminish your capacity to serve in God’s kingdom, God promises you’ll never fight him alone.

Spiritual Warfare in the End Times will provide you with all you need for victory both now and in the future.