In the ongoing conflict between light and darkness, the forces arrayed against God’s people and the truth of the Lord’s Return are commanded by a single, powerful spiritual being. Scripture definitively identifies this entity with a title that communicates his ultimate function: the Adversary.
Understanding the nature and tactics of the Adversary is paramount for those who seek to defend the truth and stand firm as prophecy unfolds in the last days.
The Prophetic Role of the Adversary
The title “Adversary” immediately communicates the specific function of this being: one who actively opposes, resists, and is set against a divine purpose—God’s plan for humanity and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. The Apostle Peter issues a solemn warning to believers, emphasizing the active threat:
“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 focus here is on his intent and activity. This is not a passive enemy; the Adversary is a strategic foe working diligently to undermine the faithful and prevent the spread of truth concerning Christ’s imminent Return.
The Adversary in the Last Days
The scriptures that describe the end times consistently show the Adversary as the orchestrator of global deception, using earthly powers to oppose Christ’s authority:
- The Accuser of the Brethren: Even as the return of Christ draws near, the Adversary’s work continues, seeking to condemn the righteous. Revelation 12:10 (KJV) speaks of him as “the accuser of our brethren… which accused them before our God day and night.”
- The Source of Deception: His primary goal is to hide the truth of prophecy, causing men to reject the signs of the times. The spirit of the Adversary works through those who deny the foundational promises of scripture.
- The Final Defeat: The promise of the Lord’s Return is not only the resurrection of the righteous but the ultimate, guaranteed, and eternal defeat of the Adversary. Revelation states that “the devil shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone… and shall be tormented for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10, KJV)
Knowing the character and destiny of the Adversary is crucial for remaining vigilant. His opposition only confirms the certainty of the Lord’s soon-coming triumph.