Shaking Hell

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com

Hell trembles and is shaken

As we put on the armor of the Lord

And the chains of sin are broken

By the edge of the Spirit’s sword

We are all familiar with the admonition to “turn the other cheek,” and to “seek peace.”  True and faithful Christians and those of other religions generally hold to these principles.  However, there comes a time when, as Ezekiel prophesied, “Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. (Ezekiel 7:25)

God, Himself, has set forth principles upon which His beleaguered righteous children should draw a line in the sand, and say, “No more.”  It may be that we are in such a time, as the forces of darkness and terror inflict pain and death on innocent people regardless of nationality, race, or religion.  Such terror knows no boundaries, no ethnicities, and no sanctities.

While nations may rightfully take up arms in defense of life, liberty, and the pursuit of all things good and righteous, we, as individuals and families, may want to also adopt a more offensive posture.  However, our Christian values and beliefs often result in us adopting purely defensive postures and behaviors that keep us spiritually safe.  Hence, we have the pervasive instruction to repent, to shun evil, stay within the protective walls of the gospel – to avoid war, bloodshed, and disavow the doctrine of an “eye for an eye.” Generally, the history of mankind as particularly noted in the scriptures show the wisdom of such defensive strategies.

However, sacred works also prescribe the necessary prerequisites when it becomes necessary to take to the field of battle. In other words, there are things which God and His prophets prize above all – even life.   William E. Berrett, a noted writer, said it this way, “Notwithstanding the horrors and evils of war and the beauty of peace, there is a greater purpose in life than merely remaining peaceful. Life calls for growth of the soul. Opportunities for growth arise only where man retains his freedom, his free agency, his right to live, work, and worship according to the dictates of his own conscience.”  

When these eternal values are threatened, then fight we must.  However, like it has always been, the tactics and the weaponry have more to do with the powers of light and truth, and faith and obedience than upon guns and bullets.  Indeed, as the scriptures make clear, light and truth are the most potent of all weapons for the mass destruction  of the forces of darkness and evil.

The scriptures do provide individuals and families with instructions for fighting and taking the offensive.  The Apostle Paul after ensuring our defensive posture by  encouraging us to put on the “armor of God,” speaks offensively of the “sword of the spirit.”  Here again is what he said,

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”  (Ephesians 6:11-17)

Our meditation, “Shaking Hell” reflects on the need to act against the forces of evil using both defensive and offensive strategies.   And it reminds us that:

The powers of hell are shaken forever

When testimony and faith remain firm

And we, by grace and works endeavor

To serve God and His salvation affirm

 Shaking Hell

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men….  Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ….

 Book of Mormon   Alma 48:17, 13

The powers of hell are shaken forever

When testimony and faith remain firm

And we, by grace and works endeavor

To serve God and His salvation affirm

Yea, the devil will never have power

Over the hearts and souls of men

For his minions will run and cower

As we free ourselves from sin

Hell trembles and is shaken

As we put on the armor of the Lord

And the chains of sin are broken

By the edge of the Spirit’s sword

We shake hell to its foundation

As we choose the Savior’s grace

And heaven rejoices in celebration

As we receive the Heavenly Embrace

Larry Doyle Crenshaw