Principalities and Powers in the Gate (Part 1)

Satan is referred to as the Prosecutor. We know him as the accuser of our brethren.

Revelation 12:10 KJV - And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

When Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, he triumphed over principalities and powers.

Colossians 2:15 KJV - And having spoiled {disarmed} principalities and powers, he made a shew {shame} of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

God clothed himself with flesh and blood so that through death he could break the power of the devil who had the power of death.

Hebrews 2:14 KJV - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

When we take up our cross and follow Jesus’ death by repentance, are buried with him by baptism in Jesus name, and are raised to Life by the Holy Ghost, we are delivered from death and the bondage of fear of death. We have power over the enemy and our names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 KJV - And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Matthew 16:18 KJV - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The “gates” of a city not only stood for its access or entrance, but also stood for those who held government and administered justice there. (Vine’s) Thus, those with power and authority would sit in the gate. (2Samuel 18:24, 19:8, Ruth 4:1)

Powers and authorities sitting in the gate can be applied to the gates of hell.

When Jesus died on the cross, he spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them. Satan is the Prosecutor of Justice that accuses us of our past sins. Because Jesus paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross, when we apply Jesus’ blood to our life by baptism in Jesus name, our sins are remitted – blotted out. Satan can no longer rightfully accuse us. God has forgiven us, and satan no longer has power over us.

Because satan no longer has the power of death, he has lost his power in the gates of hell. He has no authority to administer justice to the church – we are under God’s mercy, not justice. We have been forgiven of all our sins, for Jesus took the judgment for our sins when he suffered and died.

Thus, the principalities and powers of hell shall not prevail against the church. Because Jesus is the rock that His church is built upon, satan has no strength or power against it.

To be continued…