The Circumstances of God's Kingdom Advance

From the beginning, God had a plan. In our human-centered mind, we forget that in eternity past - before creation - a lot went on. Scripture tells us that while Father, Son, and Spirit were eternally existent, everything else - including the angels - were created beings. At some point in eternity past, one of those created beings, Lucifer, led an angelic rebellion. As a result, Lucifer and one-third of the angels (now called demons) were expelled from heaven. The rebellion, however, did not end.

Because Lucifer's primary goal was to have the honor and glory that belong only to God, he began immediately to interfere with God's very good creation. His first recorded act reveals that his nature was not changed: he tried to convince mankind they could be "like God" - blatantly attempting to steal glory intended for God alone. What he failed to consider, however, was that God would fight back. Rather than abandon His fallen creation, He would redeem it. In the end, all the nations of the world would bow at His feet in worship.

So while Genesis 3 records the beginning of our role in the conflict between God and Satan, it is by far not the beginning of that battle. However, it does demonstrate to us a clear choice. A battle rages, and we are either on God or Satan's side. There is no middle ground, no demilitarized zone.

The Biblical certainty is that God's kingdom WILL advance. Scripture builds to the crescendo of Christ's finished work on the cross, which won the certain victory despite the fact that mop-up operations continue. Along the way, we see that at every point, God's kingdom advanced because of His plan and His character - and despite human failings and circumstances. In fact, Paul's observation in Phil. 1:12 that his circumstances had worked for the furtherance of the gospel is not limited to the Apostle; Scripture is filled with examples of God's work in seemingly impossible circumstances.

As we study history from a Godward view, we begin to see the broad brush strokes of God's work in the world. Some of these are amazing. Pagan kings become His instruments (Cyrus). Boastful rulers are used by God to purify His people, then go to God's school of humility (Nebuchadnezzar). Ambitious rulers are used by God to unite the Mediterranean world under a common language for a soon-to-come Redeemer (Alexander). The dispersement of early believers due to persecution becomes a method of evangelization. The extremely organized Roman road system becomes pavement for the feet of the messengers of Good News. An exile to Patmos becomes a time of receiving not only revelation, but The Revelation.

Cultures change. Forms are modified to reflect new situations. But the message stays the same: God's Redeemer has crushed satan's head, and we are taking back his ground. Victory has been won! Glorify God, and come worship at His throne - as He intended all along.