“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1
It seems that the terms “latter times,” and “latter days,” speak of not only a period of time, but of the historical unveiling of “the mystery of iniquity,” and also of the glory of Christ in the church. Many believe that this period began around, or on, the day of Pentecost. This is declared in Joel’s prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Spirit, and the specific reaffirmation of that period, mentioned by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost, when he said: “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days,’ saith God, ‘…I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.'” (Acts 2: 16,17). When Paul wrote to Timothy his two letters recorded in the Scriptures, he addresses this period of time, and the crescendoing effect, and manifestation of, “…seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Tim. 4:1) In his second letter, he adds in his description of this time, that these will be “perilous times,” times where mankind shall be described as “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” (2 Tim. 3:3) We might say that these words have always described godless men. However, in the last days, the Lord Jesus puts us all on guard concerning our enemy, the devil, who walks about seeking whom he may destroy. In John’s gospel we see the true character of the evil one when Jesus says, “…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (Jn. 10:10) The character and nature the enemy of Christ, and the church, will be increasingly revealed throughout the world, manifesting his godlessness and wickedness by the deception and destruction that his nature will naturally covet and accomplish. In light of these days, and times, which are most certainly upon us now, what is to be the perspective that God would have the believer to have? Are we to accept that wickedness will “apparently” triumph, as it sought to do the day Christ was crucified? Our answer lies in two declarations, one by Christ, and other, given through the Apostle Paul by the Spirit. Jesus said: “…be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Christ’s overcoming of the entire godless world system of sinful men, was fully realized on Calvary, when He declared, “It is finished.” There occurred at that time, His finished work, a victory that was so totally complete, that it provided an unchanging way for every believer to know the overcoming life of Christ. Paul writes to the Colossian believers on this matter: “And having spoiled principalities and powers, He mad a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col. 2:15) On the one hand, in the last days, there will be the increasing manifestation of the wickedness, godlessness of the enemy of God, Satan. But there will be also, the increasing manifestation of Christ’s glory in the church, even though it will be assailed and opposed. With the horizon of darkness coming, there is the declaration of Pentecost, that the Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh, that by the power of the Spirt in the church, Christ’s victory over all the power of the enemy can be revealed. The great and wonderful truth concerning the period of the last days is this, that though darkness will come, the eternal light of Christ has been put into the hearts of those who truly believe, that by the Spirit, the truth of the Gospel will have its triumphal effect, world wide, in the salvation of souls. How is this to be accomplished?
When God began created the body of Christ, the church, He gave specific callings and gifts to every believer. With communion with God, by the Spirit and in truth, as its very basis, and each member having received a specific calling, and gifts from God according to His design and purpose, God will reveal His overcoming victory in Christ by the Spirit.
Dear Father, Grant us today this overcoming life of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.