Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

additional benefit. In fact, heart-rending recognition of self-deception (Jam.
1:26) in any one of the areas mentioned by James in his Epistle could easily
result in rebirth. It would not be the first time that wretched, would-be, saints
would come to the eye-opening acknowledgment that they are still wretched
sinners in dire need of a Savior! Still, while gladly acknowledged as an awesome
bonus, this is not the main focus of James.
It stands to reason that submission to God goes hand-in-hand with resistance
against and victory over Satan in his grim onslaught (Mt. 4:1-11; 2 Cor.
12:7; 1 Pet. 5:9), pervasive presence (1 Chron. 21:1; John 13:2; Acts 5:3;
Eph. 2:2), lurking strategy (Lk. 4:13), devious methods (Eph. 6:11), cunning
devices (2 Cor. 2:11), and subtle snares (2 Tim. 2:26) (See also Manton, 360-
365). He indefatigably and doggedly is after us to cater to self, whether in
terms of self-expression, self-assertion, self-promotion, self-gratification,
self-indulgence, etc. (See Tasker, 93). It is impossible to serve two masters.
Prior to the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, Satan
had the legal authority over mankind. As such, he had access to heaven (Job
1:1-2:10, Zech. 3:1-10). As such, he also displayed his ownership (Mt. 4:3-9).
On the cross, however, Satan was decisively defeated (Col. 2:14-15). As a result
of that, he was thrown out of heaven (Rev. 12:7-9), and bound for a thousand
years (Rev. 20:1-3). Please, note that this binding is only a partial one.
He is not allowed to unite his allies in the battle against the Kingdom of
God. 334 This binding started immediately after the victory of the crucified and
risen Christ, and was openly attested to by His glorious ascension. Nevertheless
this binding does not turn him into a “paper tiger” (1 Pet. 5:8). The
Christian must learn to walk a fine line. Satan is quite powerful, even if he is
in principle defeated. At the same time he can be resisted in the power of faith
(1 John 5:18; Eph. 6:16; 1 Pet. 5:8), and forced to flee, even if he renews his
attacks again and again. Both (complementary) truths must be constantly kept
in mind and direct the Christian’s behavior vis-à-vis the Enemy. 335
This state of affairs will last until all God’s elect have been gathered.
Then Satan will be released and under the command of the Man of Lawlessness,
the Son of Perdition, gather all his allies together for the final battle
334 This, of course, represents an interpretation of Revelation 20:1ff that is argued by what is
commonly designated as “Amillennialism.” To me this interpretation fits the clues of both the
text and the context, of Revelation and Scripture in general, best, and is therefore also most
conducive to explain Church history. Regrettably this is not the place to argue all this extensively.
335 In some segments of the Church it is customary to “bind” Satan. This is not the terminology
that Scripture uses. Satan is bound (See also Mk 3:27). Christians, therefore, do not need
to bind him again and again. They now (must) resist him!
679