Twitter

I – The “Problem” of Evil

It has been said that Satan’s greatest victory has been convincing the human population in general that he does not exist. As a result, mankind does not often take the spiritual world very seriously, and Peter’s warning that to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8) goes unheeded. Even among the various groups and individuals who claim to believe in the Scriptures, there are those who would explain away the warnings and descriptions of demonic opposition as referring to metaphors of human evil, or literary constructs to explain fate and the “unpredictable nature of God.”

We know, however, that our Father declares, “I change not;” (Malachi 3:6) and although His thoughts are higher than our own, He is nevertheless supremely interested in our well being and eternal happiness. This is a consistent characteristic of His being. He does not tempt anyone, nor can He be tempted to work against us (James 1:13); nevertheless in the Book of Job we see that in order to refine the faith of His devoted servants (1Peter 1:7) He will occasionally allow Satan (who is a very real being – Mark 1:13, Luke 10:18) to do his worst.

Often people become confused by the question of why bad things happen to good and faithful people. We are told that no one will be tempted “above that which ye are able [to bear],” (1Cor 10:13) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) Some have found difficulty in a statement that the Father makes, in which He declares, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I Yahweh do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7) This is easily understood, however, when we realize that this word for evil in its Hebrew original – “rah” – is not a term reserved solely for moral evil, but also for “misfortune.” The Psalms say, “evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him,” (Psa 140:11) and we understand that the word here refers to circumstances which are not pleasant to the individual involved. It can also, in such a case, refer to just and natural consequences of wrong actions.

It is in this sense that our faithful Father “creates evil,” by allowing us to face the accusations of Satan in order that we might benefit, and that others – beholding our victory and the steadfastness of our faith – might be drawn to the One whom we serve. At the end of the Book of Job, we read that the main character was greatly blessed, (Job 42:12) and not for himself alone. His friends also received a more clear understanding of the Almighty, to their eternal gain. (verses 7-9)

In another sense, those who persist in wrongdoing may find themselves delivered “unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1Cor 5:5) The Father will make “evil” fall upon us, so that we may intelligently recognize the consequences of rebellion, and repent. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” (2Cor 7:10a) This is in keeping with His desire for mankind, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” (1Tim 2:4) even if that education is at times painful.

There are very real beings on the earth who are seeking our destruction, and Scripture is rich with instructions concerning the avoidance of their influence. Our faith must be set on our Redeemer, who Himself “spoiled principalities and powers; He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:15) He invites us to do the same: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev 3:21)

In order to do this, we must allow the Spirit of the Almighty to guide us wholly, not only in actions and words, but also in thoughts. As Christ declared, “if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20) and when this is done we become the Temple of that Spirit by which He so dwells. (1Cor 3:16) We are told that love “thinketh no evil” (1Cor 13:5) toward others, and we will see by the Scriptures exactly why this is important to the individuals seeking Heaven.

II – The Nature of Witchcraft

Ever since the confusion initiated at the Tower of Babel, human beings this side of the Flood have experienced a spiritual conflict on the planet. With the widespread existence of false religions of every shape and form, and the influence of corrupt men even within the gates of Christendom (Acts 20:30), it is no wonder that the Saviour sadly declared, “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mat 7:14) As Paul wrote, our true enemies are “the rulers of the darkness of this world, [and] spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12) We can read from the Bible that this is hardly a new problem.

The Book of 1st Samuel records that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1Sam 15:23) The connection here is a simple one: Witchcraft is a rebellion against the will of the Almighty. Individuals that wish to influence the course of events for their own gain, or even on behalf of others, have often turned to idolatrous rites, ceremonies and charms in order to bring about the results that they desire. Any person or persons who supplants the will of the Father with their own will shows a spirit unlike that of Christ, who humbly said, “not my will, but thine, be done,” (Luke 23:43) as an example to us all. Idolatry, rebellion and witchcraft are one and the same.

Even the relatively “milder” pagan religions such as Wicca and LeVeyistic Satanism, which do not acknowledge a personal “Devil,” are nevertheless rightly termed “Satanic” since they hold to the religion which Lucifer initiated. The fallen Cherub (Ezek 28:16) was the first to withdraw his allegiance to the King of Kings, and all forms of idolatry (even nature or natural forces can be an “idol” – Romans 1:23-25), selfishness (self-worship), perversion (going against the ways of Yahweh) and magic (which involves all of these) had their seeds in that initial, rebellious act.

Witchcraft begins with an individual withdrawing his/her trust from the Holy One of Israel. For some, who never had this trust to begin with, that step is an easy one to take. Finding themselves unable to trust in Yah, they set their affections on other things in order to bring about their desires. They will not submit their destiny to the Creator who made them, and “as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” (Rom 1:28)

The Bible very much acknowledges that human beings can summon up supernatural forces and produce miraculous effects when they ally themselves with spiritual beings. A young girl in the Book of Acts prophesied due to the presence of a demon within her. (Acts 16:16) In that same Book Simon Magus “used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria.” (Acts 8:9) A possessed individual found himself able to break free from constraints that would have held an ordinary man, (Mark 5:2-4) and the Ephesians found it necessary to burn their magical volumes when the Spirit of Yahweh was present among them. (Acts 19:19)

The early Church had many such conflicts with demons and those who served them (even when these fallen angels took on the names of mythological gods – Acts 14:13, 19:27), and although Satan and his forces have become more subtle with time (2Cor 11:3) we can be assured that they are no less interested in the ruin of human faith. We are told rather that as the time of judgment draws near, the evil angels will fight with greater ferocity than before to draw people away from the path to life, “for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Rev 12:12)

Isaiah’s book records a statement concerning the various forms of witchcraft which are still prevalent in the world today. Although often labeled as entertainment or harmless diversions, those who accept the Scriptures as authoritative and – more importantly perhaps – those who understand the nature of our Father as one of holiness and love, see that nothing good can come of an association with such things. “For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” (2Cor 6:14b-16)

The statement from the Book of Isaiah reads as follows: “Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.” (Isaiah 47:12-14)

What hope, then, does the Christian have, surrounded by such great and powerful enemies? Our Savior has comforted us with these words through His beloved apostle: “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1John 4:4)

III – Greater is He That is In You

The apostle Paul encourages us to live in this manner: wielding spiritual weapons, and “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2Cor 10:5) This is not arbitrary advice, and it is certainly not an unpleasant warfare. It is essential for those who would live Godly lives, and is that which the regenerate heart both desires and does as a matter of course. As stated in the section above, coming under the influence of harmful spiritual forces begins very simply: with a breakdown of trust for our Heavenly Father. Time and again we are cautioned not to “hate thy brother in thine heart.” (Lev 19:17) We have seen from the examples given how dramatically our spiritual state can influence the world around us by the power of demons, who are eagerly awaiting a chance to do us harm, and our only defence therefore is to embrace completely the conversion experience which renews our very minds, keeping it from such evil thoughts. (Rom 12:2)

When we are “crucified with Christ,” as Paul describes it, (Gal 2:20) we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and the Son of Yah dwells within us. Our thoughts become like His thoughts, and our characters like His character. “Love thinketh no evil” for the simple fact that evil thoughts lead, in one way or another, to misfortune; and misfortune is not something a convert wishes to cause other individuals.

It is written, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Mat 5:23, 24) Herein is wisdom: We are told to make things right with our neighbors before approaching the Throne of The Almighty, because it is at that same Throne that Satan presents his accusations against the inhabitants of our planet. (Job 2:1, 2) If we go before the presence of the Most High with hatred, jealousy or bitterness in our hearts, we give the tempter occasion against both ourselves and others. Similarly, if we know that anyone has such things against us (which is the specific case mentioned in Matthew 5), we are to likewise affect a reconciliation, as much as it is within our power to do so.

Some may say, “How is it that one person’s evil thoughts can bring disaster upon others? How is that fair?” In order to truly be “fair” to all human beings, the Almighty has chosen to respect individual freedom. In other words, He does not prevent evil people from doing evil things. What He does do, however, is to give the faithful ones grace, peace, and contentment, even in the midst of situations which they did not directly bring upon themselves. (Psalm 119:165, Philippians 4:11) In this way, evil men reveal their evil, and righteous men reveal their righteousness. (Mat 7:17) The scales thus being balanced, upon the return of Christ the criteria for separation will be plain: Those who loved and trusted God will have words, actions and thoughts which reveal their faith. Those who did not love and trust Him will have words, actions and thoughts which reveal their faith.

How we think about other people will affect how we treat them, (Mat 12:35) but more than this, how we think about them determines to a certain degree how they are affected by the spiritual world. Consider the 10th Commandment: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” (Exodus 20:17) Not only are we not to commit such crimes as theft, adultery and murder, we are not to even want to do them. This is the freedom experienced by those who live in Christ – by the born-again nature, all these “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor 5:17) Paul says that of converts, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” (Rom 8:9a)

We note the fact that we are told to withdraw from the presence of those who maintain “evil surmisings,” (bad thoughts). (1Tim 6:4, 5) It is not enough to be doing the right things, and following all the “rules,” for as Isaiah wrote long ago, “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?” (Isa 1:11a) A failure to have true faith, and true love, which thinks no evil toward others, can harm not only our own spiritual lives, but the lives of others as well. Both directly and indirectly, demonic forces act on behalf of the witch (who is nothing more than an idolatrous, rebellious person) to cause harm to others. If we accept the Biblical description of witchcraft, this should be obvious.

It may be a difficult concept for some to see, however, with popular media and fairy tales giving images of old women with pointy hats, or old men with long beards and flowing robes as the stereotypical “witches and wizards.” The truth is, anyone who steps out of faith with the Almighty is already easy prey for the influence of dark forces, and that being said, there are many “sorcerers” (Rev 21:8) even among those who call themselves Christian!

Many have said, “I have friends who are witches, and they are the nicest people I know.” It is true that a morally good character may be found among even the most anti-Christian religious disciplines. It is true that outward kindness is not limited to the faithful; however there is a difference between a “good” character and a “godly” character. While men may look upon and judge the outward appearance, “Yahweh looks on the heart,” (1Sam 16:7) and there is a great gulf fixed between the hearts of those who do good to others from moral convictions alone, and those who do good to others because their hearts are renewed and kept by the eternal presence of the Living God.

Many morally upright people, whom others judge to be “good” will be lost in the day of Christ’s return. “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.’” (Mat 7:22,23) These people fed the poor, clothed the naked and were kind to strangers… but the difference between these individuals and those who will ultimately be saved is in the heart, in the innermost thoughts. Those with true faith, and true love, bring forth these good things naturally, (Mat 7:16-20) and the goodness that is manifest in them is an overflowing of the love of the Father that is poured into their souls from Heaven above. Only the actions that proceed from faithful thoughts are acceptable to the Almighty, otherwise they are only “works.” Those who obey from obligation alone, even if this is accompanied by the best of intentions, are not truly fulfilling the commission unto which we are all summoned.

A faithful churchgoer who harbors malice in his heart is in rebellion against the law of love. “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,” the Scriptures tell us. (1Sam 15:23) The sweetest tithe-payer who covets her neighbors’ things and is envious of the good fortune of others has placed her fleshy desires where the purest love for God and man should be. “Stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry,” the Word of Yah declares. Wives who do not submit to the spiritual headship of their husbands (Eph 5:22) and husbands who do not love their wives as they love themselves (verse 28) work in opposition to the principles espoused by Heaven.

A conversion is needed for those who think evil of others, because they are not operating within the safe confines of the law of liberty, which is the law of love. This article is not an attempt to get people to “jump at shadows,” but to encourage an appreciation for the way our mindset influences not only our wellbeing, but the wellbeing of others also. Even if our desires are never manifest in our actions, or in the authority that demons can thereby take over the lives of others, evil thoughts and intents reflect severe problems in an individual’s faith.

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’” (Rev 22:7) Christ and His Church call out to those who are struggling under the burden of sin, and the unrest of uncharitable thoughts. Unto all who humbly and willingly submit, the Savior provides a cleansing. He said, “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” (Mat 23:26)

In these last days, reports of the supernatural are seldom taken seriously. The Scriptures foretold of this time, however, when we would experience “the spirits of devils, working miracles.” (Rev 16:14) From those who willingly court demonic forces to accomplish their own ends, to the more innocent youths who, due to their uncontrolled thoughts and spiritual incompleteness, may experience the phenomenon known as “poltergeist activity,” the Messiah offers His freedom. We are not made free from our individual thoughts and desires; but we find rather that our thoughts and desires become free from the stains of unrighteousness. We are different, and completely so, but we are still, and even more fully, ourselves.

Only in Christ can we know our true selves – as we were meant to be, had sin never tainted the hearts, minds and bodies of the human race. Only in Christ can we experience that true love that will motivate our every action and word. Only in Christ can we hear the leadings of His Spirit, calling us forth from worldly desires and into His will, and calling us forth from false religion (even among the so-called “Christian” forms of witchcraft) and into the security of a unified people, who will fulfill the request of the apostle to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment.” (1Cor 1:10)

There is one thought that is common to all those who follow after the example of the Crucified Lord, being filled with His power, and His Spirit. There is one thought that leads us “in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psa 23:3) There is one thought that connects the Throne of Heaven to the faithful few on earth, who are “troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed.” (2Cor 4:8, 9) That thought is “joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” (Gal 5:22, 23) all of which is summed up in a single word: “Love.”

David.

Home | Contact | More Articles