Page 49 - The Mark of the Beast

Enemies of the Cross

One of the most misunderstood phrases in the Bible is that found in the title of this
chapter. The phrase “enemies of the cross” rolls off the lips of pastors and Bible teachers
often enough in these days, but it is almost universally misapplied. If you have been long
in the traditional Christian religious system of this day, when you hear the phrase “enemies
of the cross” you most likely will envision evil despots who rule their nations with an iron
hand and who persecute those who name the name of Christ. You may envision liberal
organizations such as the ACLU who have been instrumental in attacking public
expressions of Christ, removing prayer from schools, and other such actions that are viewed
as antagonistic toward Christianity.
Once more we see that the church has set its vision outward toward an external
enemy, and we observe preachers lambasting these villains outside the doors of the church
while urging the saints to take action and to stand against them. The truth of the matter,
however, is that those whom the Scriptures describe as enemies of the cross are much closer
to home than the church has wanted to admit. They fill the pews of churches every Sunday
and Wednesday, and they confess Jesus Christ, Yahshua the Messiah, as Lord. The apostle
Paul had confessing Christians in mind when he spoke the words “enemies of the cross.”

Philippians 3:17-19
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the
pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you
even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction,
whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on
earthly things.

Paul is writing to saints in this epistle to the Philippian church. He is declaring to them
that he has set an example before them of how the saints in Christ should conduct
themselves. His life of sacrifice and obedience is a pattern for others to follow. Yet, he also
declares that there are many of those who have been called of God who are manifesting
a different pattern. When Paul considered the carnality of these saints, the reproach they
brought upon the name of Christ, and the judgment they would meet with, he was brought
to tears.
Paul did not envision some outside entity that was antagonistic toward Christianity
when he spoke of enemies of the cross. He defined an enemy of the cross as anyone who was
focused upon earthly things and who lived to satisfy their fleshly appetites. In the book of
Galatians Paul wrote of the purpose of the disciple’s cross.

Galatians 5:24
Now those who belong to Christ Yahshua have crucified the flesh with its passions
and desires.

The cross is an instrument of destruction to the flesh. It is a place where we choose to
lay aside our desires and passions and choose instead to live for the pleasure of God. We can
understand then that an enemy of the cross is anyone who avoids the working of the cross
in their life. It is all those who seek to protect the flesh, and who serve their natural