Are the Gates of Hell Prevailing? | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

Scripture reveals the “gates of hell” will not prevail against the church in Matthew 16:18b. This is not just a survival statement for large churches but a declaration of power for His church, the body of Christ. We have seen both a multitude of smaller churches close their doors as well as large ones. At times, other churches which maybe should have closed, stayed open after the flood damage of sin hit the pulpit. I don’t want to infer that there may never be circumstances when God may consider it time to relinquish the rights to a piece of real estate where an arm of the Church gather. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, God does sometimes mete out punishment before the “the day of Judgement” because things are so messed up, they won’t be cleaned up. God may remove the righteous from an area to bring judgement on the society not to proclaim an end of the church but to warn men they have gone too deep into sin. Does the failure of the righteous make the church defeated or cause it to sink? When the Edsel and Delorean cars came and went, did that cause automobiles to come into question? No!

The expression “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” is often viewed in Christian circles as the ultimate defense. Yet, it is possible that this was also referencing an offensive stance of the church like David running to the battle line against Goliath? Additionally, this verse could mean that Hades will have no defense against the power of God to snatch sinners from the realm of darkness into the radiating light of His church. Gratefully, these rescued souls find healing and safety within the walls, while they are built accurately onto the Cornerstone. Yet, the church has had seasons and in some countries an era where they needed to apply godly wisdom and operate more covertly, but that time has not arrived in this free, wealth-ladened culture of the USA. We are beginning to see some repercussions of the passivity of the church. It is not so much being squeezed as it is being kept in the place where she stands. Finally, this scripture does not mean that a local church body would not suffer defeat. The boarded up churches all over America are evidence of this.

Some say the church’s time has expired, mainly meaning organized religion, and openly refute her. In contrast, others hear the word “church” and barely know the difference between the people and the buildings. Also, I’ve heard that religion is a faltering fallacy and will soon be thrown out with the compost and only used to fertilize the new age of man. As church building attendance dwindles, and people become ever too busy, many look to the mega “churches” to lessen their demands on life and be hidden among the crowd. On the other hand, others just throw the idea of attending church out. This makes me think of the Buckingham Palace which keeps its attraction by pomp and ceremony with the changing of the guards, so will we allow the church to become just a tourist attraction?

In the Old Testament, the gates of the city were opened during the day, and warriors marched out to the battlefield. Likewise, God’s modern day soldiers fight in prayer during the day and night spreading truth while trusting in the Spirit to convict, correct, and save. It is comforting to know that when Jesus told Peter that he was given the keys to the Kingdom which would open the gates of hades, that the gospel would enable all who desire to freely escape death. Hallelujah, the gospel is the key which opens the gates of hades, no matter the size of your church, it will always be a one-size-fits-all key. This gospel gives the church the power to bind and loose by allowing or forbidding, forgiving or retaining, and opening or closing. For God’s glory, let us use this power.

In God’s economy, the mega church is like a “superstore,” where one can choose a variety of what they’re looking for in a church in one stop. A small, neighborhood church is like a “mom and pop” store which has a limited supply to meet your church preferences. It can be as easy to blend and not be noticed in a megachurch as well as in a smaller one. It takes a little ingenuity, but it can be done. I don’t plan to give lessons on this. No one can hide in an obedient, Spirit-filled church. These two extreme church models have similar products, different quantities, and definitely a different marketing strategy. The bigger the church, the bigger the gates must be, allowing a larger army to go out to spiritually battle. People could be deceived to think that because of the bigger gates, that more safety is found within. God said to those who have been given much, much will be demanded. We are called to pray and work for the freedom of others, not the safety of ourselves.

Let me share an example of what rescuing souls might look like. Upon arrival at a church, I discovered that there was a prevalent air of animosity in the neighborhood towards the building and its activities. Some were vehemently opposed to the mailings that are sent out, not realizing it was not this church group but another community group. Others cursed the property for the propagation of weeds due to the unkempt lawn. Still others had complaints which may have been probable enough to convince a less angered neighbor to join the bandwagon in assault against this household of faith. The neighborhood drew the battle lines while holding onto confused conceptions. I don’t know of any battles engaged in, but the fight was raging. After a dozen years or so, there still remains unhappy neighbors about the presence of this religious entity. Some church members know who they are and the gates they hide behind, so they engaged in the battle for souls through love and prayer. The victory over some issues took years, but God’s ways prevailed step-by-step for glory for His Kingdom.

Reflections on Are the Gates of Hell Prevailing?

What does Matthew 16:18 mean to you?

Have you seen God’s judgement in your lifetime?

Do you think God is asking His people to be offensive, defensive, or both against the powers of darkness?

How is the church to fight against evil?

Do you think that a church can become a tourist attraction? If so, how?

What makes you feel safe?