The title is not always a spoken word, but in any conflict, it is either spoken with authority or considered by someone victorious. The best example is a chess game. One player will feel enlightened about winning moves and thinks to himself, “Gotcha.” Therefore, I’ve chosen this title to summarize what is happening today.
While some may blame the current presidency, the real problem is otherwise. Objectively, the entire world is messed up, the first thought being the worldwide confusion about Covid-19. Or could this affliction be a biological weapon? Unfortunately, the emphasis is quite beyond this world.
The greater reality today lies in the second heavenly realm at each demonic victory with a shout about another earthly victim. Graphically, it is like a rodeo where we are the runaway steer being pursued and finally roped in a capture. The problem is that most people are unaware of this contest or couldn’t care less.
What can we expect? Scripture is quite insistent about the increase in the End Times as it describes the Satanic horde on the prowl for victims: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks among you like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
“Remember, I am sending you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3b). “I know that when I am gone, some savage wolves will come among you who would not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29). “Be on guard against prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but are wolves on the prowl” (Matthew 7:15).
Many writers have written about the End Times as the current world reality prophesied in scriptures. The other reality is the final subterfuge of Satan and his minions to bring forth the Anti-Christ as world ruler.
Before the” Gotcha” is voiced by the demonic forces, there is an enormous everyday hidden thrust. These are the massive delusions that are taking place. Deception has become normal due to the ministrations of angelic beings and their converts worldwide. That sounds too nice. Let’s say our era is populated by Satanically inspired demonic forces as well as human non-believers thrusting the so-called Satanic religion and sins of any magnitude upon us.
Not wanting to emphasize the vast biblically mentioned sinful enterprises, there are two that seem the major efforts. The first is the explosion of the lying rhetoric of media and political forces. The second is the much more visible deception of normal sexuality. These range from abortion to the abuse of children and women, as well the confusion of male or female genders. I can imagine a devotee of the gender confusion explaining, ‘Well, God may have created me, but He certainly doesn’t realize who I really am!’
The broader aspect of contemporary sin is like a worldwide cloud ready to envelop us. As believers, our task is to thwart any modern attempt to dissuade us from our Christian beliefs and lifestyle versus any religion posing as truth and trying to hinder our salvation message. Therefore, we need to remind ourselves of the many powerful and divine recommendations to avoid sin.
Should we be worried? Absolutely not! By accepting Christ, we have already defeated the evil one, but that doesn’t mean that the game is over. Scripture shows us what to expect as happened in the life of Jesus: “When the devil had finished all the tempting, he left Him to await another opportunity” (Luke 4:13). However, scripture provides complete efforts to avoid demonic efforts.
The first warning is counter to deception and any personal confusion as: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. However, if we confess our sins, He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).
As Christian warriors, the task is clear: “Take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
“Submit to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9b).
“Do not give the devil a chance to work on you” (Ephesians 4:29).
Scripture also warns us about seemingly innocent conversations:
“Avoid worldly talk, for those who indulge in it become more and more godless” (2 Timothy 2:16). “Have nothing to do with senseless ignorant disputations” (2 Timothy 2:23). “See to it that you abstain from stupid arguments and genealogies and all controversies and quarrels about the law” (Titus 3:9).
Reminder and Conclusion
“The Spirit distinctly says in later days some will turn away from the faith and will heed deceitful spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1). Therefore, “See to it that no one deceives you through any empty seductive philosophy that follows mere human traditions, a philosophy based on cosmic powers rather than Christ” (Colossians 2:8). (IE. horoscopes, tarot cards, Ouija boards, astrology, and deceptive religious leaders).
Awaiting the Rapture, we should be aware that Paul’s words centuries ago are like a thunderclap for 2022. For others who reject the Son of God, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). “All that matters is that one is created anew” (Galatians 6:15). Therefore, “We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live” (Hebrews 10:39).
As we fly away in the Rapture, perhaps we can shout “Gotcha” to Satan.