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The Daily Word of Righteousness
The Age of Reconciliation, #2
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12—NIV)
The Original Rebellion
Before the heaven and earth were created there existed a universe of
intelligent beings. All were created by God the Father working through the Logos, the Word. Some of these spiritual creatures were rulers over the others—exalted dignitaries of awesome wisdom, knowledge, authority, and strength. Were we to see them we would be overwhelmed by their grandeur.
Satan, who apparently was one of the most exalted of the heavenly rulers, decided to lift himself above the other stars of God, above the Father's will for him. The poison of discontent and rebellion against the Father began at the highest level of the heavens and spread throughout the universe, entering man the moment he was created.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:12-14)
The moment Satan decided to lift himself above the place chosen for him by the Father, sin entered the universe. Wickedness, unrest, rebellion, lust, murder, corruption, death, agony, insanity—all came into existence. The spirit of sin and death was born.
The numerous personages who accepted Satan's way were cut off from the Father. Confusion, disorder, tumult filled the spirit realm where we believe previously there had been peace, harmony, love, joy.
We see, then, that the original sin was discontent with one's assigned place. It is true today that the redemption that is in Christ enables us to be content in whatever state God places us. To be quiet and content in our assigned role and place in Christ is to be in the rest of God.
God's Response to the Rebellion
The creation of man was God's response to the rebellion of the angels. Man was created to be the throne of God, to govern all the works of God's hands, to be a fullness, a completion of Christ, to be the judge of all creatures including the angels, to prevent future rebellion for eternity.
Meanwhile the sinning angels have been bound in the chains of spiritual darkness. All of them, from Satan downward, are bound forever in lust, murder, violence, hatred, torment, jealousy, bitterness, self-will. They can never again experience love and blessing, only lust, rage, jealousy, and covetousness. The world of today reflects the state of the angels who left their proper domain and positions of authority.
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (Jude 1:6)
The entire Scriptures reveal God's response to the rebellion of His creatures, both angelic and human. More than we realize, the things written in the Scriptures are directed toward the angels. The Ten Commandments are a judgment on Satan and his followers.
To be continued.