The Christian life unfolds simultaneously in two realms—one earthly, one heavenly. These are not parallel realities running independently; they are interconnected theaters of a single cosmic drama. The visible world is shaped by invisible powers. The spiritual realm, where Christ reigns supreme and His angels carry out His will, overlaps with the corrupted dominion of Satan, who manipulates men and empires to war against the saints. At the center of this divine drama stands God’s sovereign will, and around it, the responsibilities entrusted to His people who live as dual citizens of heaven and earth.
Power Structures in the Heavenly Realm
Scripture offers profound insight into the heavenly power structures. In Daniel and Revelation, we are given divine visions that peel back the curtain. In Daniel 7, God is portrayed as the “Ancient of Days,” seated upon His throne with dominion over the affairs of men. Before Him, “thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him” (Daniel 7:10). Angels serve as ministers of His will, executing His decrees across heaven and earth. This same majestic courtroom is echoed in Revelation 4-5, where God sits upon His throne surrounded by worship, while the Lamb—Jesus Christ—alone is worthy to open the scroll of redemptive history.
These passages remind us that God is not reactive—He is preeminent, orchestrating history toward a predetermined end. He is not competing with Satan for power. The devil’s rebellion, while real and fierce, is permitted within divine limits and will be crushed in due time (Revelation 20:10). All heavenly powers, including rebellious ones, exist under God’s ultimate authority.
Moreover, the angelic hierarchy itself is divinely ordered. Michael is called the “great prince” in Daniel 12:1, indicating rank and responsibility. Revelation 12 shows Michael and his angels warring against the dragon, a spiritual image that points to an invisible struggle above the political and cultural wars of the world.
Earthly Power Structures and the Shadow of the Deep State
On earth, the mirror image of heavenly order is often grotesquely distorted. Just as angels carry out the will of God, demonic entities influence the fallen systems of this world. Revelation 13 gives us the image of the Beast rising from the sea—representing political powers infused with satanic energy. This Beast, and the False Prophet who supports it, enforces idolatry, deception, and persecution against the faithful. It is no stretch to see in this an allegorical—but all too real—portrait of state power weaponized against God and His people.
Daniel 10 provides us a sobering glimpse into this spiritual-political entanglement. The angel speaking with Daniel was delayed by the “prince of the kingdom of Persia”—not a man, but a demonic force influencing the empire (Daniel 10:13). Later, he anticipates combat with the “prince of Greece.” These are territorial spirits, demonic rulers who manipulate earthly kingdoms.
In our time, the presence of the “deep state” bears striking resemblance to this biblical pattern. Behind the visible façade of elected officials lies a network of entrenched bureaucrats, globalists, financiers, and ideological activists who wield enormous power. These are not necessarily individuals sitting in dark rooms plotting world conquest, but rather a complex web of unaccountable influence that subverts democratic institutions and often advances anti-Christian agendas. Much of this machinery is godless, technocratic, and hostile to biblical values—especially when it comes to the family, life, national sovereignty, and truth itself.
Christians: Citizens of Heaven, Stewards on Earth
Ephesians 2:6 declares that believers are “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.” This is a positional truth—we belong to the realm where Christ reigns, and our spiritual citizenship is secure. But this is not escapism. We remain on earth for a purpose, and part of that purpose is to reflect the reign of Christ in a rebellious world.
Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That is not only a plea for divine intervention—it is a mandate for Christian action. We are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), stewards (1 Peter 4:10), and soldiers (Ephesians 6:11) who stand against the schemes of the devil.
To ignore the power structures of this world—both visible and invisible—is to abdicate our responsibility. Voting is not merely a civic duty; it is an act of stewardship. Local involvement, whether in school boards, town councils, or community charities, is part of our spiritual warfare. These realms are battlegrounds, not neutral spaces. They shape the moral and spiritual atmosphere in which our children grow up. To yield these spaces to the children of the serpent is to betray our calling.
The War Between the Seeds
Genesis 3:15 sets the stage for all of redemptive history: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.” The children of the woman are those who belong to Christ; the children of the serpent are those who follow the world, the flesh, and the devil. Revelation 12 brings this enmity into full relief. The dragon wages war against the woman and “her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).
This is not mere metaphor. It plays out in the real world—in policy decisions, court rulings, media propaganda, and academic ideologies. From transgender indoctrination in public schools, to abortion promoted as “health care,” to drag queens in libraries, we are watching a world increasingly molded by the serpent’s offspring.
But Christ has not left us without weapons. The blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and faithful endurance remain the keys to victory (Revelation 12:11). We are called not to cultural retreat, but to active resistance, creative engagement, and courageous witness.
Toward a Better Realm for Our Children
Christians must not succumb to naïve optimism or cynical despair. We do not bring in the kingdom through politics, but neither do we abandon the public square. Our work is to testify, to build, to resist, and to pray. We can form godly communities. We can disciple our children. We can elect leaders who fear God and love liberty. And we can prepare our hearts to suffer faithfully when persecution comes.
Daniel remained faithful in Babylon. John remained faithful in exile. Both men saw the throne of God and the victory of Christ. We are their heirs. Let us then live faithfully in both realms, with eyes open to the heavenly order and minds alert to earthly schemes, always trusting that the Lamb who was slain will return as the Lion who conquers.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
rob@christiannewsjunkie.com
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I recommend these Youtube channels and commentators for good content on politics and news from a Christian and/or conservative worldview: Albert Mohler, Allie Beth Stuckey, Bill O’Reilly, CBN News, Hugh Hewitt, John Anderson Media (Australia), Nick Freitas, Ruthless Podcast (language warning), Scott Jennings, The Hot Zone with Chuck Holton, Vince Dao, and Verdict with Ted Cruz.
For livestreaming of political protests and riots by conservative commentators, check out Nate Friedman, Cam Higby, James Klug, and Nick Shirley. I don’t agree with the perspectives of all these commentators and the language of protesters is often obscene. Most news outlets will not cover these illegal assemblies, though, because it doesn’t promote their narrative.
Depictions of Jesus Christ are used in some illustrations. I realize that some including conservative Presbyterians consider this to be idolatry. I respectfully disagree with their position on this matter as the commandment forbids worshiping such depictions, and I do not worship these illustrations.