Following politics in the United States over the last few years has been very educational. If one studies the "War in Heaven"—the great controversy between Christ and Satan—many similarities become apparent. The U.S. political system is adversarial by nature, pitting one party against another: Democrats versus Republicans. While the idea is that different perspectives create a working democracy, a system that constantly pits citizens against each other for the sake of "unity" may work for a while, but it eventually leads to deep division.
It has been said that democracy has a lifespan of about 200 years before it devolves into anarchy, followed by tyranny. Democracy is not inherently sustainable in the long term; it can only function if the people are moral and righteous. When a population becomes unrighteous, democracy can become oppressive—a "tyranny of the majority." Looking at the last few U.S. presidencies, one can see a transition: the nation is slowly descending into tribalism, hatred, and strife.
How does an upcoming presidential election have any semblance to the War in Heaven described in Revelation 12:7-9? Much can be learned. The term used for "war" in this context can be understood as a conceptual or "political" struggle. It was not a physical war of weapons—since you cannot physically attack God—but a campaign for the loyalty of the angels.
In heaven, freedom reigns. However, heaven is not a democracy; it is an absolute monarchy with God as the Monarch. Lucifer, once a high-ranking angel, wanted a change in government. He desired to be part of the ruling Godhead (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He wanted to be worshipped and thus began a "presidential campaign" to become like God.
Slogans of Rebellion
Lucifer’s campaign was built on the idea that God’s government was unjust and His laws were restrictive. His "slogan" might have been: "Angelic Freedom," or "Make Heaven Truly Great." He preached that the system was crooked and that only he could make things right. This campaign created the first instance of mistrust and division, eventually forming two "political parties" in heaven:
The Party of Righteousness: Those who believed Christ was the rightful, righteous ruler.
The Party of Rebellion: Those who followed Lucifer, believing that more freedom would be found by rejecting God’s Law.
When reconciliation was no longer possible, the heavenly tribunal judged Lucifer guilty of high treason. He was banished and became known as Satan, the Adversary.
I see this same hardening of positions in U.S. politics today. The division is extreme. One side accuses the other of conspiracy and the overthrow of government, while the other side counters with accusations of deep-seated corruption. Both sides are hardening their positions to the point where they can no longer speak to one another.
In heaven, the angels had to make a choice based on faith. Lucifer claimed to be a freedom fighter while accusing God of being a tyrant. It was difficult for some to know who was telling the truth. God permitted the campaign to continue until every angel had made a final decision. No one could remain neutral; to be neutral was to effectively side with the rebellion.
We are approaching a similar "Election Day" in the Great Controversy. Each of us has a choice to make. We "vote" for a side by the way we live:
Voting for Christ: Choosing to believe in His Word, confessing our sins, and seeking to live righteously.
Voting for Satan: Choosing to live in rebellion against God’s Law in the name of "freedom to sin."
Just as voters often make up their minds long before they reach the ballot box, we are making our spiritual decisions now. Human probation is soon to close. Two candidates are running for rulership of your life: Christ, the Prince of Peace, and Satan, the prince of this world.
The candidates are campaigning for your mind and your loyalty. Christ is calling for repentance and obedience, promising eternal life and restoration. Satan is campaigning through deception, promising that "freedom in sin" will bring happiness and that you "shall not surely die."
The real "Election Day" is coming soon. Whether it arrives through the end of your life or the final global crisis, I implore you to cast your vote for Jesus now. Become a member of His Kingdom so that when the final results are in, you are found standing with the Prince of Peace.
Comments