The Conquered Foe

by Mathew Block

In this issue, we consider in greater detail the supernatural world which exists just beyond our line of vision. In contemporary culture, it is common, even among Christians, to ignore the spiritual powers at work around us. And yet, Scripture is clear: angels and demons exist. We forget them to our detriment and our danger.

The Devil is all too real, as Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau reminds us in his feature this issue (see page 9). And while Satan is a threat, we must always remember he is a defeated threat. He has been cast out of heaven. He has been vanquished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That knowledge informs some of the artwork chosen for this issue. On the cover, we see the Devil and his demonic hordes cast out of heaven by St. Michael and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9). Page 11 imagines the battle between Satan and St. Michael in more dramatic fashion, with Michael preparing to land the final blow. On page 10, the Devil flees from Jesus, who has successfully resisted temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:10-11). And on page 9, we see the resurrected Christ finally crush the Ancient Dragon beneath his feet—his spear thrust into the mouth of the serpent who so lately (and ineffectively) bit His heel (Genesis 3:15).

In these images, there is no mistaking that the Devil is dangerous; he is depicted as vicious and violent. But he is also defeated. He is cast down. He is crushed underfoot.

That image—Satan crushed underfoot—is one you should always keep in mind. Jesus has triumphed over Satan, and His victory is yours too. Just as God promised that Eve’s descendent would one day crush the head of the Ancient Serpent, so too we are promised that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet” (Romans 16:20).

“Resist the Devil, and he shall flee from you,” St. James instructs us (4:7). Likewise St. Peter warns us to resist Satan, promising that in the end the “God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:8-10). Your victory is possible because God wills it. Your strength is found in His strength. And He will watch over you.

Just as God promised that Eve’s descendent would one day crush the head of the Ancient Serpent, so too we are promised that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet.”

To that end, He commends you to the care of His angels, those blessed spirits who serve Him in heaven. We do not think about angels enough—something Rev. Dr. John Stephenson helps us to rectify with his feature article this issue (see page 6). These heavenly beings are guardians of the faithful. Just as St. Michael and his angels once battled the demonic hosts in heaven, they continue to protect Christians today. So it is that we pray with Martin Luther: “Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.”

God answers these prayers. Let me share with you a story of my own. Back when I was in university, I received a phone call one morning. The person on the other end of the line was a recent convert to Christianity whom I had befriended and helped mentor in the faith. It was 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and I blearily asked what the call was about. My friend asked, “How do you know if a vision is from God?”

I immediately became very awake; this person had, prior to becoming a Christian, been involved with certain occult practices. The first Scripture that came to mind was therefore 2 Corinthians 4:11—“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” I spoke on that theme for a few moments before my friend responded: “Thanks. I think that’s what I needed to hear.” And with that, the call was over.

A few days later, I learned my friend had been visiting with Mormon missionaries over the past few weeks, and had been convinced to be baptized into the Mormon faith. The next morning, she was troubled and reached out to me. Our brief conversation convinced her that she had been hasty in joining Mormonism.

Not much later, she invited me to meet her for coffee to discuss these issues more fully. And that’s when I had one of the most visceral spiritual encounters of my life. I was in the shower getting ready to go when I was suddenly overcome with an overwhelming sense of anxiety. I felt that I could not leave the house. The sensation was overpowering and suffocating. I could not go. I could not.

Eventually I turned off the shower, threw on a towel, and went out to find my roommate to ask him to pray over me. He prayed… and the sense of anxiety departed. I kept the appointment with my friend, and she became resolved in her Christian faith.

There is little doubt in my mind that this panic attack was demonic in nature. I am not an anxious person and I have no history of mental illness. Nor have I ever had a similar experience since. The whole thing was terribly disconcerting at the time but it illustrates an important point: the Devil is already vanquished. His power is limited. Resist him in the power of Christ, and he will flee from you.

The Devil is already vanquished. His power is limited. Resist him in the power of Christ, and he will flee from you.

The themes in this issue may be difficult for some. If you find them distressing, contact your pastor for prayer and support. And remember: the Devil is conquered. The angels watch over you. And God Himself is your strength and salvation.

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Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine and communications manager for the International Lutheran Council.

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