Published in 2000, the article entitled “Biblical Faith Confronting Opposing Spiritual Realities” by Willard M. Swartley discusses the biblical faith regarding the opposing spiritual realities. First, the article focuses on how the biblical faith in the canonical Scripture demonstrates the confrontation with the opposing spiritual powers. Second, how the biblical faith leads the people to confront the opposing spiritual realities. In addition, the article presents the historic practice of the Christian church. The author emphasizes that if the people are to be the witnesses of God, it is essential that they know whom they serve and whom they have renounced, and the matter of allegiance is entirely significant. As written in the Scripture, the very existence of confrontation of opposing spiritual powers happened in Israel. Specifically, the exodus of Israel in Egypt between the power of the God of Israel and the power of the gods of Pharoah as dramatized through the plaques. The article shows how the concept of the powers has its multidimensional reality; spiritual-psychic entities and as sociopolitical entities, respectively. In particular, the liberation theology stresses the political-economic dimension and the liberation of God of Israel from the oppression. Everything is in God’s holy war against the false deities with the religious practices.
Moreover, the author mention idolatry (allegiance to and worship of other powers and gods) as the primary issue of the biblical faith. God himself wanted Israel to trust the divine victory to gain the land and its political safety; however, Israel desired a human king and the came the idolatries from the neighboring countries. The struggle of Israel during the war and the use of military force are part and parcel of submission to or rebellion against the sovereignty of God. The worship of Israel signifies the triumph of God and the protection of the people. It declares that the God triumphs over the opposing spiritual realities that include human armies. Clearly, the article considers the New Testament, especially, the proclamation of Jesus Christ of the kingdom of God as the death blow to the opposing spiritual reality by Satan. On the other hand, the ministry of Jesus Christ defines the significant essence against Satan’s plundering ranks. Consequently, Jesus Christ is a mediator of the world of Spirit-power. The historical glimpse of Jesus represents the portrait of Spirit-power and intense compassion with the rich Christological titles. The story of Jesus Christ in the Scripture during the early church destroys the power of evil that once held the humanity oppression. Thus, the confrontation of the demonic power lies at the core of the gospel story.
The article declares that the power of the gospel mission in the Scripture is a victory over demonic power in the opposing spiritual realities, particularly of the Greco-Roman world. For example, the confrontation of Paul with Demetrius falls in the category that shows the gospel had overcome the powers of the idolatry of the demons. Correspondingly, the Pauline theology centers the victory of Jesus Christ over the powers of his death, resurrection, and exaltation. The readers can gain a basic understanding of the concepts regarding the opposing spiritual realities. The power of the liberating gospel can free the humankind from the chain of sin. The life ministry of Jesus Christ battles against the power of Satan. The only weapon is the truth, the peace mission, righteousness, salvation, faith, and the spirit empowered by the word of God. In conclusion, it is necessary to be a true people of God with the courage to stand against the opposing spiritual realities. The people should have lively proclamations of the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to worship God wholeheartedly.
Reference
Swartley, W. M. (2000). Biblical Faith Confronting Opposing Spiritual Realities. Direction, 29
(2), 100-113. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from http://www.directionjournal.org/issues/gen/art_1051_.html.
