Travis Lamb, Pastoral Staff–Intern
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
—Revelation 11:15
On this, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, we remember the horrific and vulnerable day, where we were when it happened, the sacrifice of the first responders, those who lost their lives, and their families. We also witnessed firsthand the goals of terrorism to intimidate, distract, divide, and shake confidence in the government. As American citizens, we should never forget that infamous day. As Christians, today and every day, we should also never forget the unshakable government of our eternal King as if He is not securely on His throne.
Scripture says that in Christ we have been made “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). We have been transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), and “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). As citizens of this spiritual nation, we must consider the abhorrent personality of sin as terrorism.
A terrorist doesn’t usually conquer a nation by conventional military strength. The aim is to disrupt by creating fear, undermining confidence, destabilizing ordinary life, and trying to make citizens live as though their government cannot protect them or has insidious purposes for its own citizens. Sin works the same way in the Christian life, with the axis of spiritual terrorism (the world, the flesh, and the Devil) constantly attacking in concert. Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), the world presses us to conform to its patterns (Romans 12:2), and our own flesh wages war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Sin persistently whispers that Christ cannot be trusted, obedience is dangerous or boring, that holiness will cost us too much, and life would be better if we simply surrendered and joined the regime, even for a moment.
Do not fear, for these interlopers cannot overthrow Christ’s kingdom. The King is already enthroned. Christ has “disarmed the rulers and authorities” and triumphed over them through the cross (Colossians 2:15). We have received and are receiving “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).
It’s true, defeated enemies can still wreak havoc, which is why the Christian life requires vigilance. But we. Do not. Negotiate. With sin. We don’t make peace with the flesh or allow fear to dictate our allegiance. Rather, we “take up the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13), resist the Devil, and stand firm. Terrorists may still attack the borders, but they do not own the country. Christ does. And if we are the citizens of His kingdom, we will live accordingly with courage, holiness, freedom, and peace. Stay vigilant. Never forget.
