Standing Strong in Deceptive Times

As the time of Christ’s return draws near, the devil is going to open up the floodgates of hell against God’s people. We see this happening already within the walls of the church, as Satan has infiltrated God’s house with subtle lies and false doctrines. Multitudes of deceptions and heresies are swirling through the church, and undiscerning Christians are swallowing it all.

How will believers be able to stand in such times? The Lord answers this question by promising to take on the problems himself. “You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). Our Father assures us, “Don’t be afraid! I’m going to take this matter into my own hands and I will empower you against every onslaught of the enemy.”

We can learn how to do battle with the enemy by going to the Old Testament and witnessing the lessons of godliness recorded there. One of the first lessons we draw from the Old Testament is just how safe a child of God is when he trusts in the blood. On the night of Passover, not a single Israelite was in danger from the death angel who swept through Egypt. Every man, woman and child of God rested safely and securely under the blood covering that was spread on the doorposts of their homes. “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).

This picture of safety in the Old Testament represents the protective power of our Lord’s blood over his children today. As Christians, we are to be a believing, trusting people who have the blood of Christ sprinkled on the doorposts of our hearts.

Even though we have been saved and secured by Christ’s blood, we are still engaged in a battle with overwhelming principalities, satanic powers and demonic strongholds. We are to claim the power that is available to us through God’s New Covenant — but that power comes only by faith!