How Jesus Changed Spiritual Warfare on Earth and in the Heavens
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12, KJV)
Man’s struggle with the powers of darkness didn’t start in the New Testament. It began in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve relinquished their dominion to the devil, spawning the kingdom of darkness on earth. This malevolent kingdom plagued humanity until Jesus dramatically altered the landscape of spiritual warfare.
Understanding the shift from the Old to the New Testament is vital for claiming Christian victory today. Daniel’s battle with demonic princes offers perhaps the most vivid account of spiritual warfare in the Old Testament (Daniel 10:12-13). However, many Christians miss a crucial point: Daniel, as a human being, had no authority over these demonic principalities.
While God granted humans dominion over earthly matters (Gen. 1:26), this authority didn’t extend to angels, good or bad. Not even Archangel Michael could rebuke Satan—the prince of these evil principalities, as God had not provided such authority (Jude 8-10).
With Jesus’ arrival, a paradigm shift occurred in both the visible and invisible realms. For the first time, He began casting out demons and asserting authority over them. But Jesus went even further and took two revolutionary steps that fundamentally changed human warfare against these spirits. First, He stripped them of their power and authority, effectively disarming them (Matt. 12:28-29, Col. 2:15).
Second, and most astonishingly, He granted believers power and authority over the entire host of darkness (Luke 10:19). For the first time since God created man and angels, humanity was officially given authority to rule over Satan and his host of evil spirits. This is a staggering development. Not even mighty prophets like Moses or Elijah were endowed with such authority. This divine intervention serves as God’s deliberate act to disgrace Satan and his legions.
The significance of this shift can’t be overstated. It is akin to placing a 3-year-old child in command of the U.S. military’s top generals. Imagine a scene in which a child commands these powerful men who obey not because of physical strength, but because of his authority. God has publicly humiliated the devil and his host by granting us this authority (Psalms 8:2).
Many of us may not realize the magnitude of this gift, but the ability to cast out demons is nothing short of revolutionary in the spiritual realm. Even the Apostles were astonished (Luke 10:17). This monumental change directly resulted from Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Brethren, it’s time to exercise the authority Christ has granted you. He has rewritten the rules of spiritual warfare on your behalf.
Meditate
The above devotional contains profound truths. Take a moment to reread it and let these revelations sink deep into your heart.
Apply the Word
You have more authority than Daniel ever did. If a demonic entity tries to obstruct your prayers, in stark contrast to Daniel, you can do something about it—tell them to stop! That is authority! (Matt 8:9-11).
Pray
Lift your voice in gratitude for the incredible gift Jesus has bestowed upon us.
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- The Prince of the Kingdom of Persia
- The Miserable Defeat Of Satan
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- The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal
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