The Unholy Spirit

Is it possible in the world of today, with its powerful lines of communication, for a war (or any other event of importance) to go unnoticed and unrecorded in our newspapers (by our news reporters)? One can hardly imagine such a thing, and yet this very thing is happening. A war of major proportions is being waged, and our newspapers (news reporters) seldom if ever mention it.

It touches and affects every living person in the world today, for it is a conflict waged by the forces of good and the forces of evil. These two forces are locked in mortal combat, striving for the souls of men. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, commands the forces of good. Satan, the prince of darkness, commands the forces of evil. There will come a day when Christ will triumph. But until that moment of triumph the conflict continues with unabated fury. This is a spiritual war against God and man, headed by an unholy spirit. Satan is that unholy spirit - filled with hatred for all that is holy and good, a master of deception, the father of lies. He knows the art of warfare as no human could ever know it, and he uses every device and method possible to capture the souls of men. The Bible says that he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour - in other words, he uses the weapons of fear and intimidation. The Bible also tell us that he comes as an angel of light - he uses deception to confuse and make man believe that that which is evil, is good. But regardless of his methods, there is one way to detect and recognize this unholy spirit, his servants and his methods.

The Bible says that "every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." If you believe the full meaning of this statement, "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh," it means first of all that you believe in Jesus Christ. Consider the name, Jesus - do you believe in that Name? The Bible says, "And you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." If you believe in Jesus, you believe in a Saviour for mankind. The name Christ also has a meaning. It means Messiah, the anointed One. This name has the connotation of a Deliverer, as well. Those who believed the statements made by the prophets of the Old Testament, looked forward to the coming of this One Who would be sent from God and anointed by Him to bring deliverance to oppressed people. This, then, is the meaning of the name "Christ." Jesus Christ - the Saviour and anointed Deliverer sent by God! Thus it is seen that the statement which seemed so simple, has deep significance.

Satan, the unholy spirit who hates God and all that is good, will never confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. He does not want anyone to believe in that Name, for the Bible says that Name is a high tower - a place of safety for the one who believes in it and takes refuge in it. The Bible also says this: "Jesus Christ was made in the likeness of man." This means He came in the flesh. Jesus Christ, Who is God, became man - came in the flesh.

Satan, the unholy spirit, uses many ways to keep men from believing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. There are many religions, false cults, and "isms," which Satan uses to confuse and deceive people. Many of them sound good, but the way to tell if they are from God is to see if they confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Do they recognize Jesus Christ as the only Saviour - the One sent from God, and the One Who, although he was God, became man?

The Bible says that because Jesus Christ came in the flesh and gave His life for us, He made it possible for us to come to God. Our sins had closed the door to God, but Jesus opened the way for us again. And because of Him, God has delivered us from the power of Satan.

Satan is not against religion. He will encourage you to be very religious, just as long as you follow a religion that does not confess that "Jesus Christ, Who is God, became man and paid for our sins on the cross: and thus He broke down the wall between God and man." There are many false and terrible religions which Satan has inspired. Listen to what God says about some of their practices: "There shall not be found among you anyone that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire" (this refers to human sacrifice), "or uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all who do these things are an abomination unto the Lord."

The Bible also says that there will come a time when some will turn away from God and listen to "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; ...forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God has created to be received with thanksgiving."

Perhaps you say, "I don't believe in Satan." This also is one of the ways Satan deceives. He is willing for men to laugh at him as a myth. But those who laugh are unable to free themselves from the habits and thoughts which they know are pulling them inexorably downward. There are many who laugh at the idea of Satan, who are slaves to depression, fears, and many other influences of evil. Their lives testify to the fact of the existence of Satan, even while their lips deny it.

Satan, the unholy spirit, is a deadly, subtle foe. He is absolutely against Jesus Christ. He has one consuming passion, and that is to beguile you and all mankind into his snare of unbelief, and take you with him to his doom, so that you will be forever separated from God and all that is good and holy. You are not a match for this powerful enemy. You have already known his wicked influence in your life. You have seen his evil and cruel power in the world today. There is only one hope. Jesus Christ is victor - Jesus only. Turn with all your heart to Him, and put your trust in Him alone.

References: I John 4:2,3; Matt. 1:21; Phil. 2:7; Deut. 18:10; I Tim. 4:1-4