The Ruler of This World Is Judged

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment . . . of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8, 11.

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross.” Col. 2:15.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:17.

Satan, the prince of this world, is still not bound consequently there is a battle going on between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of the times—the Spirit of Christ and the spirit of Satan. Every individual has to choose for himself who is to have authority in his life. The spirit of the times, the ruler of this world, exercises authority over the children of unbelief, but not over those who believe. Everything a person does, which is influenced by the spirit of the times, is already judged. Only what he says and does in Jesus’ name will remain; it is the only thing of eternal worth.

It is obvious that many believers attempt to walk a fine line between the world and the church. They do not want to bear the reproach of the world, but they also want to be considered Christians. And so they go along with the course of this world—but a few steps behind. What they do is not done in Jesus’ name, constrained by the Holy Spirit. It is not done believing that it pleases Him whom they call their soul’s bridegroom. For whatever is not done in faith is sin. Rom. 14:23.

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and discretion, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” 1 Tim. 2:9.

Concerning this Paul says in verse 8, “I desire that . . . .” Among all the things he lists he says that they shall adorn themselves with propriety and discretion. Things are developing in the direction of the days of Noah and Lot. The state of morality is sinking. You can see this most readily with women; they are closest to the world, and Satan gains power through the woman.

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” V. 14.

When you enter a house or an assembly, you can notice what kind of spirit rules there by the way the women appear. The situation is judged by how the women appear. She is the visible evidence of whether the world has gained entry or whether it has been overcome.

Nowadays “believing” women dress in short skirts that don’t even reach the knees. Some years ago even the world couldn’t imagine dressing immodestly like that. They have departed far from adorning themselves with propriety and discretion. Many of the “believers” are sinking together with the world, comforting themselves with Jesus’ return. They are living in a terrible deception.

“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3.

From what are you supposed to purify yourself? “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all impurity of the flesh and spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1. The above-mentioned scripture tells us from what we are to purify ourselves, and James speaks about keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. Ch. 1:27.

We are to purify ourselves in the same way to the point where we are pure just as He is pure. Otherwise you have gone astray if you are looking forward to Jesus’ return. You can dress yourself modestly and still be immoral in your heart, but you cannot dress yourself immodestly and be modest in your heart. That is impossible. You cannot be acceptable to Jesus and seek the praise of this world. You are seeking the honor of this world when you are running along according to the course of this world.