War in heaven

Philip Pullman is a gifted writer of fantasy books. His Dark Materials trilogy includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass and is very popular among young readers. But below the surface of these sympathetic characters and compelling subplots is a sinister purpose. The story culminates in a great war against God.

In these books, Pullman views the fall of Satan as a righteous cause for personal independence from God’s “tyrannical” control. He implies that Satan’s attempt to usurp the throne of God was the right thing to do!

In the book of Revelation, we read of the endtimes: “War broke out in heaven . . . [And Satan] was cast to the earth” (Rev. 12:7-9). That future war is being preceded by an earthly conflict on the battlefield of our minds.

We must recognize Satan for what he is — a liar (John 8:44). His strategy is to take God’s words out of context and twist them into falsehood (Gen. 3:1-7). Our best defense against him is to hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word (Eph. 6:10-18).

Our loving heavenly Father is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). But neither will He force our obedience. He leaves the choice to us.   — Dennis Fisher

The prince of darkness grim —

We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure —

One little word shall fell him.    — Luther

READ: Revelation 12:7-12

When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Chronicles 7-9

• John 6:22-44