"The gates of hell shall not prevail." Often quoted. More oft misunderstood.
Peter proclaims Christ, "the Son of the living God." And Christ commissions Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church."
Jesus calls him by his given name, "You shall be called Cephas (which means Peter). Aramaic and Greek. The word for Rock.
This the foundation of the church. The body and bride of Christ. Built not on sand, but on solid rock.
"And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Look close now. Who is on the defense?
Gates barred tight. Walls built high. Inside full of huddled, fearful masses. Whispers all around.
"She marches. The body. His bride. Built on a rock. She comes with light. The truth of the despised. And He has spoken. Our gates will not hold. We shall not prevail."
The church does not hide for fear of the culture, the world, the enemy. She has no walls, no gates to bar. She marches into hell. Her orders come from He who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth." So she fears no other. She is not on the defense. She is not neutral. She is on the offense.
Her message is love.
His name is Jesus.
And demons tremble.
Mt 16:18, Jn 1:42, Mt 28:18, Ja 2:19
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