|
can come to dominate ones life. If an animist feels helplessly at the mercy of the spirits, always trying to please them, then an unhealthy co-dependency develops. A life of fear instead of joy holds the animist in bondage. The good news of Christ is that he has “disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities" through the cross, (Col. 2:15). The spirits have no claim over our lives! Jesus death destroys the power of evil and death and frees those who are held captive by their fears! Hebrews 2;14-15. Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended to the throne of power. “He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet,” 1 Cor. 15;25. When Jesus confronts evil spirits he doesn’t appease them, he puts them in their place. When Jesus confronts sinners he doesn’t appease us but gives us his Spirit whereby our sinful self is put to death and Christ is risen in us! All enemies (spirits in rebellion) are being realigned to God! In place of a fatalistic view where we are at the mercy of the spirits, we can have a Kingdom of God view of life where the God of love is on the throne! In the Kingdom, fear does not exist because “God’s perfect love drives out fear” 1 John 4:17-8. He drives out fear of spirits, fear of living, fear of death and fear of condemnation! All these enemies and spirits of evil have been defeated at the cross! They can no longer separate us from the love of God! Romans 8:38-39 Furthermore, by considering the positive aspects of animism we gain a fuller appreciation of heaven. In heaven, which is none other than the earth and universe renewed, all things will be interconnected in peace and harmony. The Spirit of God will pulsate throughout all created things and they will be alive and praise their creator. The sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, birds, land creatures, lightening, rain, hail, snow, clouds, mountains, hills, trees, plants and all nations, tribes and language groups will praise the Lord! This Great renewal will happen because Jesus died, rose from the dead and brought all things in heaven and in earth together under his kingship. All heavens host in a loud voice will proclaim: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
|
