January 10 – Divine Hostility in the Heart

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. — Genesis 3:15 (KJV)

Adam and Eve stood as transgressors before their Creator, awaiting the judgment their disobedience had brought upon them. Yet, before they heard about the thorns and thistles, the pain and toil, and the dust to which they would return, they received a message of hope. Though they would suffer under the adversary’s power, a promise of ultimate victory was given to them.

God declared, “I will put enmity” (Genesis 3:15). This enmity is not a natural product of the human heart but a supernatural gift implanted by God. When humanity fell into sin, our nature became corrupted, aligning with Satan rather than opposing him.

The arrogant usurper, having succeeded in deceiving the first humans as he had deceived the angels, believed he had secured their allegiance to his rebellion against the government of heaven. Yet, when Satan heard that the Seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head, he understood that, despite his apparent triumph, God had a plan to restore humanity’s lost power. Through this mysterious process, humanity would be enabled to resist and ultimately overcome their oppressor.

It is the grace of Christ, implanted in the heart, that creates enmity against Satan. Without this grace, humans remain captives to the enemy, willing servants of his commands. The new principle introduced by Christ’s grace disrupts the peace that sin once held within the soul, creating conflict where harmony with evil had reigned. The power Christ imparts enables humanity to stand against the tyrant and usurper. When someone turns from loving sin to hating it, when they resist and overcome the passions that once controlled them, it is evidence of a divine principle at work.

The Holy Spirit must continually be present in the believer’s life. Without His ongoing influence, there is no strength to contend with the forces of darkness. Yet, through Christ’s power, humanity can claim victory over sin and the schemes of the enemy.

Will we not accept the enmity Christ has placed between humanity and the serpent? In the strength of Jesus, we have the right to declare, “I will be victorious. I will not be defeated by the enemy’s deceptions.” Let us take hold of this promise and live as conquerors through Christ.