Is Wicca a Threat?

I recently got an email asking, “Why do you see Wicca as a threat? It’s an ancient nature-based religion.” Here’s how I answered.

I appreciate your question. Let me start with a couple disclaimers, so you won’t misunderstand where I’m coming from.

First, I don’t see Wicca as a threat to morality. I suspect most wiccans are nice people. And the Wiccan Rede forbids anyone to use magick to manipulate anyone. I also don’t see Wicca as a threat to Christianity. Christianity is the dominant religion in the U.S, and Wiccans aren’t actively anti-christian. (Hopefully the days of persecuting witches is long past, and Christians aren’t actively anti-wiccan). On the plus side, as adherents of a nature-based religion, wiccans tend to concerned for the environment, and that’s a good trait.

To me, Wicca is a threat to wiccans, not to Christianity or the social order.

I suppose that that statement calls for some explanation.

Wicca and Christianity have one thing in common. Both take seriously the idea that there is a spiritual universe alongside the physical universe, and that these universes interact. What happens in the spiritual universe can effect what happens in the mundane universe, and vice versa.

Both Wicca and Christianity portray the spiritual universe populated by self-aware,intelligent beings.

Wiccans, being very tolerant of the variety of beliefs in various brands of neopaganism, accept the idea that the spiritual universe is populated by spirits of the dead, by the ancient gods and goddesses, by spirits who have never been embodied, by angelic beings, by demonic beings, etc. Wicca, like other neopagan faiths, assumes that the vast majority of these spirit beings are benevolent, and will aid human beings who call on them. Thus neopagan faiths encourage adherents to seek contact with supernatural beings, to obtain “spirit guides” who will help them make good decisions and in other ways.

Christianity portrays the spiritual universe as populated by angels and demons. The angels are God’s servants, benefactors of God’s people. The demons are followers of Satan, and are hostile to human beings. In the Christian view of reality, any spirit which responds directly to a human attempt to make contact is, by definition, an evil spirit (a demon). The Bible warns specifically against any attempt to contact the supernatural world through occult means — channeling, magick, palm reading, etc. The reason for the warning is that any contact made through such means will be with a hostile spirit. This can open an individual up to demonic influences, which may prove initially helpful but will ultimately be harmful.

These two views of reality are in direct conflict on this point. So if a person is committed to a biblical view of reality (as I am), then he or she has to see Wicca and similar faiths as a threat to their adherents. And to see them a threat to those who might be attracted to them.

It’s tragic that those classified as witches have historically been persecuted by some Christians. Both pagan and Christian faiths, as well as Islam and other religions, can and have been distorted to the extent of torturing and killing others “for their own good.” And there’s no excuse for the distorted thinking that gives rise to such a response to another’s beliefs.

My personal conviction is that the right to choose one’s faith is to be protected. No one should be persecuted or ridiculed for what he or she believes. At the same time it’s important maintain an open and honest dialog. And to be educated on one’s own and other faiths. It’s important for everyone to have as much information as possible, because the faith-choice a person makes has implications for their present and their future.

So now you know why I spoke of Wicca and the neopagan faiths as threats. That’s also why on my blog I’ve devoted a number of posts to a discussion of Wicca and neopaganism. If you’re interested you can find these discussions in the www.demondope.com archives.

Larry

Demons trouble an Eight-year-old?

What do you say when an eight-year-old child shares “bad thoughts” and says that “her mind” or “voices” are telling them to her? If you’re like a friend of mine who has recently become more aware of Satan’s reality and the dangers of demonic attack, you probably [and rightly!] wonder if there’s any chance of demonic involvement.

And when your eight-year-old, who knows Jesus and is responsive to you and to truth, asks if the bad thoughts might be caused by demons? In that case, I suspect you wonder what in the world you can do!

That’s what happened to a friend of mine, who shared her story and asked for suggestions. I asked her several questions, got her responses, and send her the following, with an invitation to follow up with a phone call.

  ————————————————————————-appreciate all the information you’ve shared about Joanie. I think it’s significant that she asked if her bad thoughts were caused by demons. It’s not that this is evidence that they were the source, but what’s significant is that because Joanie raised the subject, you don’t need to fear that you introducing the possibility might increase her fears.

I’d suggest that you do the following:

1. Explain that you don’t know if demons are the cause of the bad thoughts, but that it is possible.

2. Explain that sometimes bad thoughts just happen. Sometimes demons may give us bad thoughts. But assure Joanie that demons can’t make us act on bad through ts.

3. Also explain that Christians have power over demons. When bad thoughts start, we can order the demons in Jesus’ name to stop and to go away. Because Jesus is more powerful than any demon the demons have to stop.

4. I’d also suggest that for a while you take time each evenings to read an incident from the Gospels in which Jesus casts out an evil spirit, to build confidence in his power over them. If Joanie (being precocious) questions whether we can do what Jesus did, show her in Luke 9:1 where Jesus gives his disciples power to “drive out demons.” The Apostle Paul did this after Jesus died and rose again (Acts 16:16-18), and the Bible promises, “resist the devil and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7).

Of course, you and your husband will want to pray that the Lord will bind any of Satan’s followers from attacking or approaching Joanie in any way.

——————————————————————

This is admittedly a too short “answer.” But I think it covers the essentials of first steps a parent can take. I trust this will resolve the problem, and help to equip Joanie to repel any future demonic efforts.

Spiritual Warfare vs the Devil (11)

We’re in the middle of a study of Ephesians, approaching it as a manual for spiritual warfare. Taking our clue from Paul’s description of the armor God provides believers to “take a stand” against the devil, we’re looking through Ephesians to understand what each piece of armor represents.

So far I’ve posted two studies, one on the Helmet of Salvation, and the other on The Breastpiece of Righteousness. Naturally, I got overenthusiastic and took them out of order.

The correct order is seen in the fact that in Ephesians 6, the armor is listed in the order in which pieces were put on by Roman legionaries. This turns out to be the reverse of the order in which Paul deals with each topic in the book.

We can chart the relationship as follows:

     The order put on                The order discussed

   6:14  The belt of Truth               Eph. 5:8-6:9
   6:14  The breaspiece of              Eph. 4:17-5:7
         righteousness
  5:15  Feet fitted…peace               Eph. 2:11-19,

                                                       [related digression 3:1-13]
                                                       [related prayer 3:14-21]
                                                       [related exhortation] 4:1-16

   5:16  Shield of faith                     Eph. 2:1-10
   5:17  Helmet of salvation            Eph  1:1-14
                                                      [related prayer, Eph. 1:13-23]
   5:17  Sword of the Spirit             Not mentioned in Ephesians,
                                                      defined in v. 17
                                  
                                  
More on Peace         

In the last post (on feed shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace) I noted that the “peace” in view is interpersonal, the unity and harmony that is to characterize relationships between Christians (see previous post). This is illustrated by the joining of Jew and Gentile in one body. The two groups, which were hostile to each other because of their contrasting views of and response to Law, can now become one, for in the cross Jesus made Law irrelevant as a divisive factor. It follows that all lessor factors by which humans define themselves [race,wealth,education,etc.] are also irrelevant in view of what Christ has done to make us one.

In the earlier post I left the discussion there, even though the topic is continued as a “related digression” in Ephesians itself.

First related digression: making peace revealed God’s wisdom to man (3:1-13)

The bonding of Jew and Gentile one body was stunning to both Jew and Gentile. The Jews were God’s chosen people, the avenue through which he revealed himself to humanity, and we laden down with promises of a magnificent racial future.The Gentiles were outsiders, strangers to the covenants and promises of the Old Testament and without hope in the world. Then Jesus came and each people was given access to the same standing in Christ. No longer separated, Gentiles became fellow citizens of God’s kingdom with the Jews, and even more, believing Gentiles were welcomed with believing Jews as sons and heirs of God.

Paul points out that this revelation is a “mystery.” In the NT, “mystery” is a technical theological term referring to an aspect of God’s plan which was unrevealed in the older testament. And now, suddenly, in the church that unifies the separated and hostile, God’s wisdom is seen to be far more complex and his plan far more intricate that Jews or Gentiles had imagined. How amazing that through faith in Jesus all humans now are provided with access to God, and through Christ may approach him with “freedom and confidence.”

Second related digression: experiencing peace reveals Jesus to believers (3;14-21).

At this point Paul shares a prayer he offers for the Ephesians. The prayer is addressed to the Father, “from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” Paul’s point is self-defined. Since God is Father, and believers are God’s children, we believers are “family.” Paul prays daily for that the believers Christ might be at home in our hearts, and explains that you “being rooted and grounded in love” may have the ability [power] “together with all the saints” to “know the love of Christ” and so become filled with all the fullness of God.

In this context the love in which we are to “rooted and grounded” is love for one another. Since Christ has made peace between us, we are to love one another, and through love for each other not only to experience the reality of Christ’s love, but also to open ourselves up to his Spirit and the transformation the Spirit brings.

Third related digression: keep the unity of the Spirit (4:1-16).

Paul has shown us that the cross of Christ makes the differences that divide human beings irrelevant. God has displayed his wisdom by designing a body in which differences are submerged in the reality of oneness. What’s more, in making peace and uniting us in a single family, God has made it possible to experience Jesus now and to grow in him. Through the love of brothers and sisters we experience Christ’s love, and open ourselves up to the transforming power of the Spirit.

Now Paul provides practical guidance for the expression of peace within the body. Read the verses yourself, and you’ll not such guidelines as “be completely humble and gentle . . . bearing with one another in love.” In this context those will spiritual gifts for building the body toward maturity will function. ‘Speaking the truth in love’ each of us will contribute to the growth of others and we “will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

Putting it all together

In the earlier post on peace I noted that the Roman legions won primarily because they were a disciplined force, trained to fight side by side in close formation. There were no “lone rangers” in the Roman armies, dashing off alone to perform heroics. The legions marched in unison, camped each night in a fortified camp they constructed after the day’s march, and fought is close formation. Unity was essential.

Paul portrays peace, peace as unity and harmony in the body of Christ, as essential equipment for spiritual warfare. Christ blood provides the basis for peace, love provides the context, and commitment to keeping building unity within the body provides direction.

If Christians are truly to stand against the schemes of the devil we must stand together, our feet shod with the preparation that makes for peace.

Occult on TV

I’ll be doing an interview on the Occult on the Hermann and Sharron show on CTN. I’ll be taping on Tuesday the 23rd, but I don’t believe the show will appear then. You can check it out on the Internet on CTN (Christian Television Network). Also check on Channel 22 in Clearwater. The network is carried on Direct TV (channel 376) and on Dish Network (channel 267). Appreciate your prayers. When I find out when the program will be airing I’ll let you know.

Spiritual Warfare against the Devil (10)

When we look at Ephesians as a manual for spiritual warfare our approach nuat be to examine just what this book teaches about each of the pieces of armor we’re to wear in conducting war with evil spiritual powers.

So far we’ve noted that the only offensive weapon listed is “the sword of the Spirit,” which is defined in Ephesians 6 as “the word of God.” This definition is necessary because it is the only item on the list which has not been discussed previously in Ephesians.

The first defensive equipment we examined was “the helmet of Salvation” (Spiritual Warfare post #9). God himself provides salvation, and understanding what God has done for us and who we are as adopted members of his family is critical in spiritual warfare. We need to understand our identity in Christ if we’re to take our stand against the evil powers that rule this world. There is no way that we could stand if we were still lost sinners, alienated from God and powerless to control even our own fallen nature.

But Jesus Christ is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given” (Ephesians 1:21). As members of his living Body, bonded to Christ in an unbreakable union, we are no longer weak and vulnerable, subject to Satan’s whims. As we put on this helmet of salvation, reveling in our new identity in Christ, we find the courage to stand. And we lose our one-time terror of the dark forces ranged against us.

Standing vs State

There’s an important theological distinction we need to make at this point. This is the distinction between our standing with and in God, and our state. Our “standing” is who we are eternally in Christ. Our “state” refers to our present experience.

For instance, believers have the standing of “saints,” in the biblical sense of those who have been set apart, saved, and made pure by God. But a Christian’s life may be anything but saintly! Thus Paul in 1 Corinthians confronts believers in Corinth with the fact that while they bicker and divide over which Christian leader to follow, they are “acting like mere men.” In their standing the Corinthian believers are anything but “mere men.” They are members of God’s family, brothers and sisters whose common allegiance is to Jesus Christ. But they are behaving as if they were ordinary humans . . . who define themselves by their differences in order to feel superior to others. Paul’s critique is rooted in the conviction that standing and state should be in harmony; that a believer should behave in ways that are appropriate for who he or she now IS.

What About the Rest of the Armor?

God has provided us with the Word of God, which we are responsible to study and to know that we might be able to aim deadly thrusts at the Evil One.

God has given us a new identity through the salvation each person of the Godhead was actively involved in providing for us. This standing is provision which we’re to understand and count on as we take our stand against the Devil’s minions.

But the other pieces of armor that Paul discusses in Ephesians have to do with our state. That is, Paul is not describing who we are in God’s sight, but rather is describing characteristics of that lifestyle which armors us against Satanic and demonic attack.

“Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”

As I noted earlier, in chapter 6 of Ephesians Paul treats the armor in the order in which it was put on by the Roman legionnaire. This reverses the order in which the topics are discussed in Ephesians. The Helmet of Salvation, listed last in Ephesians 6, is discussed in Ephesians 1. “Peace,” listed next to last in Ephesians 6, is discussed in Ephesians 2.

The military sandals worn by Roman soldiers we a vital piece of equipment. Legionaries were noted for the ability to cover miles quickly, marching in rank and without stragglers. In addition the foot gear was designed to provide good footing when the legion fought. Both features of the foot gear were important, especially as no Roman Soldier was intended to fight alone. The legionnaires fought in tight formation, facing the enemy side by side, with companions protecting their left and right sides. The was the secret of their ability to defeat enemies with vastly superior numbers who tended to rush into battle as a mass of individual warriors. In Roman legions there were no stragglers, and no one fought as an individual.

This was surely in Paul’s mind as he described the significance of “the gospel of peace” as essential to fitting the feet of those who would engage in spiritual warfare. The peace that the Gospel provides was and is essential if the people of God were to battle side by side against the evil spirits ranged against them.

“The Gospel of Peace”?

Reading the phrase the first question we have to answer is, what “peace” is Paul referring to. It’s common here for commentators to leap to verses like Romans 5:1, which states, “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But if we approach Ephesians as a spiritual warfare manual, we need to understand that “peace,” like the other elements of God’s armor, is defined in the context of the book itself. Our hermeneutic demands definition in context, not jumping from text to text in search of definitions that are out of context.

In Ephesians there’s no doubt that the “peace” Paul writes about is that harmony and unity of believers, bonded together in Christ’s body, which Jesus made possible on the cross.

The primary example of “peace” in Ephesians is the relationship between Jew and Gentile. For millenniums the relationship between Jew and Gentile was one of mistrust and hostility. The Jews, confident of their special relationship with God, and proud of the Law God had given them on Sinai, looked down on Gentiles and condemned their behavior. In the first century no observant Jew would enter the home of a Gentile, and might even consider himself defiles if a passing Gentile’s shadow touched him. For their part the Gentiles resented Jewish assumptions of superiority. History, and particularly Old Testament Law, served as a barrier that not only divided the races but created hostility.

Then Jesus came, and in Paul’s words, “made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, b y abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create one new man out of the two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:14.15).

The two races, each of which had defined itself by its differences from the other, was united in Christ. Peace . . . as unity and harmony . . . was now to be the norm, for the basis of hostility was made irrelevant in the cross of Christ.

Paul concludes chapter 2 of Ephesians arguing that despite their origins Gentile believers are “no longer strangers and aliens” but “fellow citizens with God’s people” who have been “joined together” and are being “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

Peace

In context then, the “peace” that Paul has in mind when describing the sandals with which believers are to be fitted is interpersonal. It is not peace with God, which refers to our standing. It is peace . . . unity, harmony, bonding, being “built together” . . . with other believers! And this is a state for which we must strive.

Paul picks Jew and Gentile as a classic example of definition by differences, and the consequent hostility and mistrust which result. But they are simply an example here. The principle extends to every kind of difference which believers may use to define themselves and other believers . . . and so distance themselves from one another.

The difference may be socio-economic, political, or racial. The difference may, as it was with the Corinthians, be denominational or a matter of exalting one Christian leader above another.

The difference may even be personal, stemming from a thoughtless comment, growing from an intended or even unintended hurt.

Whatever drives a wedge between believers whom God has united in one body, and intends to build together to become a dwelling in which He dwells, interrupts peace . . . and makes us vulnerable to demonic attacks.

Put on the whole Armor

The Christian involved in spiritual warfare against the Devil can’t afford to permit differences or hurts to separate him or her from others. In Christ, the differences are of little moment, and hurts must never be nurtured into bitterness and isolation. We are to affirm our unity with all who honor Jesus Christ as Lord, and we are to be quick to extend as well as receive forgiveness when we sin or are sinned against.

If we would “be ready to take our stand against the devil schemes” we need to seek peace with brother and sister Christians, and to pursue it actively.

In Christ we do have peace with God.

We are now to live with one another in the peace Christ makes possible.

Multiple Personalities Book

Earlier I discussed and recommended Tom Hawkins book on DID [Dissociative Identity Disorder]
I just finished reading the book ‘Multiple Personalities’ by Tom’s wife, Diane. It’s subtitled ‘understanding and supporting the severely abused.”

Talk about a 5 star rating! I only wish it were on Amazon so I could enthusiastically plug it there.

Diane understands DID from the inside, as one who was ritually abused as a young child and who has struggled with the after effects as an adult. With the help of her husband Tom and some wise counselor she’s now been restored and the dissociated identities reintegrated. Whats so impressive about the book is not only the authenticity that personal experience provides, but also the solid research into such issues as the role of conflict and denial, and the functioning of memory. Also thee are extremely helpful discussions of the kinds of support a victim of ritual abuse leading to DID will need, and how to provide that support.

If you have loved ones or friends you suspect may be victims of DID, or if you have begun the process of recovering suppressed memories of something terrible that happened in your childhood, this sensitively written book can provide insight, support, and most of all hope.

The book also raises a warning for exorcists. Evil spirits may attach to one of the fragmented identities. The author argues that In such cases it’s important to begin reintegration before simply attempting to expel the evil spirit. He reasoning for this is sound, so anyone who attempts to confront demons should read what she says and proceed cautiously. 

As I noted, the book isn’t yet on Amazon. You can order copies from Restoration in Christ Ministries, phone 540 249 0677 or order online at www.rcm-usa.org.

Invisible War Books 1 & 2 Available Now!

Two more Invisible War books are now available for purchase! The first book, Earthbound, reveals the origin of demons, how the human race became entangled in the Invisible War, and the impact of the first pair’s tragic choice.

The second book in the series, The Day of the Others, explores earth’s earliest ages, the origins of man’s religions in demonic counterfeits and lies, and the impact this had on the earliest generations of human beings. All packed in fascinating stories that explore the origin of civiliaztion and the nature of those mysterious Nephilim described in early Genesis.

But enough of that. How can you get these two new novels?

First, the publication date [the date they will be in bookstores, on Amazon.com or Barnes $ Noble.com is September 1.

Second, if you just can’t wait . . . you can get them NOW at Tate Publishing’s on-line bookstore. Just look up Earthbound and The Day of the Others and order them.

However . . . if you CAN wait just a while longer . . . I’ll have them for you to purchase on August 1st. And I’ll have them at Amazon’s price . . . which is definitely cheaper.
So, take your choice. Now. August 1. Or September 1.

TV Appearance

Occult, tv appearancen Tuesday, June 32, I’ll be appearing on the Herman and Sharron Bailey show on Christian Television Network (CTN). There are 13 affiliated stations, and the show is carried on the network by both Dish Network and Direct TV. If you have no other access, you can watch the show on your computer by streaming the Clearwater, Fl channel at 11 AM.

The sunday before I’ll be at the First Methodist Church of Hudson, Florida, with my old Sunday School class.

Spiritual Warfare with the Devil (9)

In my last post I suggested that one way to approach the book of Ephesians is to view it as a manual for spiritual warfare against “the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This is certainly not the traditional approach to Ephesians. Nor the only valid approach. But it seems to me to be a valid approach in view of Paul’s concluding remarks about the whole armor of God and in view of the spiritual situation in Ephesus as described in the Book of Acts [see post Devil 8].

This is the first assumption I make in this and following explorations in Ephesians.

The second assumption is that each piece of the “whole armor of God” that we’re to wear for spiritual warfare is explained in Ephesians itself. This is supported by the fact that each armor element . . . [the helmet of] salvation, [the breastpiece of] peace, etc., are major themes of the book. Only the “sword of the spirit” requires definition as “the word of God” because only Scripture is not a major theme in Ephesians.

The major themes

The “whole armor” [panoply] was the equipment worn by Roman legionnaires going into battle. Paul sees a relationship between each piece of armor and a theme developed in his letter, and by drawing this analogy indicates that each theme is central to spiritual warfare. Here’s his list:

    truth                            to be belted about the waist
    righteousness              to be worn as a breastpiece
    the gospel of peace     to be like the hobnailed sandals worn in combat
    faith                             to be a shield against darts hurled by the enemy
    salvation                      to serve as a helmet
   
And, “on all occasions,” we’re to pray.

Interestingly, while Paul lists the items of armor in the order in which they were put on, this is not the order the themes that are addressed in his letter. One might even argue that the themes are dealt with in reverse order. However, we’ll draw from the entire epistle to develop the role played by faith, salvation, etc. in our spiritual warfare. In this post, we’ll begin with the last item listed, and the first dealt with in Paul’s letter: salvation.

The helmet of salvation

In a recent presentation of my Spirit World Workshop, I was surprised to find that one woman was terrified to even be talking about demons. Didn’t such talk make one vulnerable to evil spirits? And a good friend of mine expressed some hesitation about even reading The Blind Prophet, concerned that a story involving the demonic would give him bad dreams. I later heard that he read the book anyway, staying up one night till 1 AM to finish it–and I was assured that the book opened up insights into the Old Testament, without any nightmares.

Somehow demons provoke dread.

The fact is, of course, that demons are evil spirits, and as such they are hostile to humans and especially hostile to believers. Demons will grasp at any opportunity to harm us, and take advantage of our weaknesses. But, despite their hostility and despite the harm the may do, demons aren’t entities that should terrify believers. In fact, demons aren’t creatures we need to fear.

This may seem strange in view of the harm demons do and the pain and suffering they can cause. But it’s important to realize when thinking of the demonic . . .or when under attack . . . to remember who we are in Christ.

That’s one reason Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians as he does. As citizens of a city that was a center of the worship of the demon-goddess Diana, where witchcraft and all sorts of occult activities were practiced, the Ephesians had had good reason to fear evil spirits. But, Paul wants his readers to understand, when they became Christians everything changed. They were no longer helpless victims preyed on by demons. In Christ they had bee4n lifted up to the heavenly realms and blessed with every spiritual blessing. And this had been accomplished by God himself, through the active involvement of each person of the godhead.
   
Chosen

God the Father chose us before the creation of the world, destining us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ (Eph.1:3-5). While some stumble here at references to “chosen” and “predestine,” the concept we should focus on is adoption.

In the Roman world adoption removed every past connection to one’s old family and replaced it with membership in a new family. Every debt and obligation incurred before adoption was wiped out, and the newly adopted son gained instantly the status enjoyed by his new family. What’s more, while all he was and did now reflected on the honor of the new family, all that the pater familias of that family possessed was now considered his.

No wonder Paul pictures us as possessors of “every spiritual blessing.” We are no children of God, son’s of the Father who chose us for adoption, and he has poured out his spiritual blessings on you and me.

Redeemed

While it was the Father who chose us, it was the Son who entered history as a human being and through his sacrifice redeemed us, winning the forgiveness of our sins through the shedding of his blood (Eph.1:6-10). In doing so Jesus unveiled the extent and nature of God’s grace . . . that overpowering determination to do for sinful human beings what we could never do for ourselves. The sacrifice of Christ stands as history’s central moment, giving perspective to all that is past and the promise of an ultimate resolution under the living Christ.

Sealed

Then when we heard and responded to the Gospel the Holy Spirit entered our lives, marking us unmistakeably as God’s own and guaranteeing our ultimate redemption (1:11-14). The Spirit’s presence is God’s guarantee that we will experience the full benefit of Christ’s sacrifice, and receive the inheritance due to sons of God.    

The truth applied

Paul applies this truth concerning a salvation planned by the Father, won by the Son’s sacrifice, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit’s presence, in the prayer that follows (1:15-23). Paul prays that his readers might know God better and that they eyes of our hearts might be opened to understand the hope to which we’ve been called, and to experience “his incomparably great power.” That power raised Jesus from the dead, and set him “above all rule and authority, power and dominion.” God has placed all things under Jesus feet, and he is head of that body which we constitute with other believers. We are the fullness of the One who fills everything in every way.
 
Think about it

Who are demons? Simply created beings, and fallen ones at that. Powerful? I suppose so. But powerless before Jesus, who is all powerful.

Who are we? We are sons of God, adopted members of his family, chosen, redeemed, and sealed. Powerful? Not in ourselves. But we have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenlless, and we have access to the strength of Jesus Christ himself.

So it’s no wonder that Paul calls on those who would “struggle against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” to put on the helmet of salvation.

Don’t let Satan frighten you.
Don’t let demons cause you to cower.
Remember who you are, and never permit evil to convince you that you are weak.