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 (Matthew 16:18).
Many people interpret the Lord Jesus’ statement about the gates of hell as though the Church were under constant attack from the powers of darkness. But that’s not the picture the Lord gave. Gates represent authority and control. In ancient times, the gate of a city was the place where decisions were made and authority was exercised.
So, the “gates of hell” refers to the authority of the kingdom of darkness. When the Master said: “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He wasn’t portraying the Church as a victim trying to survive the attacks or onslaughts of darkness. Rather, it reveals the Church as an advancing force.
The kingdom of darkness already existed when Jesus spoke those words. The Church was the new entity being introduced into the earth. Therefore, the picture is not of hell attacking the Church; rather, it’s the Church advancing against the authority of darkness. They can’t withstand the Church or hold out against our advancement.
We’re advancing with the authority of Christ, bringing light where there’s darkness and establishing God’s will on the earth. Through the Gospel, the influence of the Kingdom of God expands, pushing back the authority of darkness.
Every time the Word is preached, lives are transformed, the power of God is manifested, and the Lord adds to the Church such as should be saved. Hallelujah! Rejoice that you’re a part of the triumphant and advancing Church of Jesus Christ, the restraining force against evil in our day.
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for making me a part of your victorious Church. I walk in the authority of Christ and advance the influence of your Kingdom everywhere. The powers of darkness cannot withstand the light of the Gospel working through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
