As I was preparing a Bible Study on the Antichrist, a thought struck me which had nothing to do with prophecy. As Satan's mouthpiece, Antichrist utters the ultimate in deliberate disbelief and irreverence, with a total disregard for any god because (Daniel 11:36-37), he magnifies himself above all. I began to get a sense of the horrible pride and malignant blasphemy of this dictator. As I was thinking about this, I saw something I had never seen before. It came to me as a question.
IS THERE NOT AT LEAST A HINT OF BLASPHEMY IN EVERY FORM OF PRIDE?
We know that it was pride that caused Satan's fall.
We know that it was not what we consider the "gross sins" but pride that turned angels into demons. Lucifer became Satan because of the misuse of his GOD-given gifts.
Pride can be blatant and ugly; or it can be subtle, conniving and manipulative. It is insidious and it takes many forms. It can appear repulsive or spiritual. Oswald Chambers has said, "There is no pride equal to spiritual pride because it is nearest to the throne of God and most like the devil!" If pride takes the form of seeking the attention and applause of others -- OR -- if it takes the form of hiding away from the notice of others -- OR -- if it hypocritically engineers compliments -- where is the focus? In all such cases, isn't SELF in the centre, in the place where God should be?
I have always known that pride is a very serious sin and I also know that God hates pride. The Lord hates a proud look (Proverbs 6:17). Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5). I looked up "abomination" in Webster's New World Dictionary and some of the descriptive words were: disgusting, vile, loathsome, great hatred. A very old dictionary added: odious offensive, unclean.
If my focus is on myself, where is God? If I am the centre of my world and take top place in my thoughts, am I not usurping God's rightful place?
Is that not what Satan did? Is this not what Antichrist will do? If it was blasphemous pride for Satan to try to set himself above the throne of God (Isaiah 14:13-14); if it is blasphemous pride which will make Antichrist declare himself to be God (II Thessalonians 2:4); then isn't every form of pride, be it ostentatious or surreptitious, tainted with blasphemy?
Pride is the central citadel of independence of God.
Much as I abhor the treacherous pride that rears its ugly head in me, this was the first time I was faced with the shuddering possibility that pride, my pride, could be rooted in blasphemy.
How I need the Blood, the precious Blood, which Jesus shed for me.
Oh the Blood, the precious Blood That Jesus shed for me;
Upon the Cross, in crimson flood, Just now, by faith, I see.
With love & prayers,