CAST UP!

As we embark upon our final secion of this project, we will consider at greater length the situation the entire world finds itself: a clash between truth and a disortion of the truth. Our discussion will continue to focus on the metaphor of stones that are placed in the paths of countless numbers of people, who puts the stones in place, and why the stones are placed where they are. The purpose of this discussion is to attempt to shed some light upon the efforts of those who knowingly or unknowingly place those stones—who they are and why they expend the effort they do. Some of the information discussed here has been mentioned in ealier remarks but reiteration is necessary to strengthen the argument and give importance to the matter.

As mentioned numerous times, there are stones that lie in the road of this life which people travel throughout the course of their lives. These stones may be refered to as stumbling blocks. Metaphorically speaking, these stones or stumbling blocks represent the differing views of truth and reality and significantly influence the way people think and how they view and interprete the world and universe in which they live. Many times these views are refered to as worldview and become the lens through which people view reality. Unfortunately, these views or stones, if you will, cause many people to stumble and deflect many from coming to a knowledge of the truth.

For our discussion, if these stones and stumbling blocks exist, how are they placed in the road and who is responsible for them? Let's continue and try to shed some light on these questions.

Behind the Scenes: War!

Contrary to what most people believe, human life is lived on a battlefield—a cosmic and spiritual battlefield fought between two great forces: the forces of God and Jesus Christ on one side, and the forces of his enemy, Satan and his cohorts on the other. The struggle between these two combating forces is real. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the reality and implications of this warfare. Most people believe and live as though life should be considered more as a playground than a battlefield. For most, life's goal is about the acquisition of possessions and a persuit of as much enjoyment and pleasure as possible within the boundaries of personal situation and assets. This is not the biblical point of view.

On a battlefield there are many casualties. Many people are injured and many lose their lives. Those lives are lost as a result of intentional attempts by opposing combatant forces while conducting military operations. The goal of those operations is to injure and destroy the opposing forces present on the battlefield. This is also the case on the spiritual fighting grounds human beings find themselves on.

And, as in any theatre of battlefield operations, each side has its battle arms and assets to conduct its operations. God has his instruments of warfare which include the Bible, the proclamation of the gospel, the Holy Spirit, the testimonies of those who are part of God's camp, just to name a few. The opposing forces too have their assets for warfare: battlefield participants, disseminated false information blinding people’s minds to the reality of warfare, a hierarchy of leadership, just to name a few. Their ultimate leader is Satan himself and he is accompanied by numerous spiritual entities. The apostles Peter summarizes this warfare in this manner: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV).

The apostle Paul also concisely explains the nature of the conflict human beings are involved in, and says,

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV).

Contrare to popular belief, many in the world are hostage to the enemy's forces. And what about those involved in the conflict who are presently taken captive by enemy combatant forces in this conflict? What should we do? Well, the Scriptures instruct believers to inform such people with confidence and with humility (knowing we too were once in the same predicament). Consider Paul's instructions about this matter (italics added):

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26 ESV).

In short, Scripture’s description of the earth is that of a battlefield complete with opposing forces, all the necessary instruments of weaponry, and mortal combat.

I would like to briefly explain a segment of the forces arrayed in the enemy’s camp who argue against the truth of Jesus Christ. The New Testament sometimes refers to them as Suppressors of Truth. These individuals oppose the God of the Bible and place stones in the road which hinder unsuspecting travelers from coming to a knowledge of the truth. These forces are real and an ever present threat to many on the road of their lives.

We will briefly consider five aspects of the suppressor's involvement in this warfare:

    1. The term the Bible uses for those who argue against God and suppress his truth.

    2. How suppressors of truth come to be suppressors.

    3. The primary tactic used by suppressors to wage war.

    4. The primary methods used by suppressors.

    5. The ultimate end of suppressors after the war concludes.

To be clear on the matter, we are discussing primarily those people who openly reject the gospel of Christ and attempt to pursuade others to do the same.

Please continue on with me as we consider how the term Suppressors of Truth came to be used.