Many believers feel that something dark is growing stronger around the world. The rise in confusion, deception, spiritual oppression, interest in the occult, mental struggles, violence, moral decline, and turning away from faith is not just a social or political issue. The Bible teaches that an unseen spiritual battle is happening behind the scenes, and it eventually shows up in our culture and actions.

The Bible often shows that what happens in the physical world starts in the spiritual world. Spiritual problems show up later in real life. Nations fall apart spiritually before they fall apart morally. People become corrupted on the inside before it shows on the outside. When we see chaos, it usually points to a deeper spiritual problem.

Paul warned Timothy that the last days would be marked by “perilous times”:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1–5)

Paul is talking about actions that come from what people believe and what is happening spiritually. What we see in the world is a result of what happens in the spiritual realm.

Nations collapse only after they fall apart spiritually. Cultures lose their morals after they lose their spiritual foundation. People destroy themselves after they are corrupted inside. Churches and Christians are led astray when they first accept false teachings and deception.

Spiritual issues are the root cause, and what happens in the physical world is the result.

We can see Paul’s warnings happening in the Church today. Many people are leaving the faith. Some churches focus more on feelings, mysticism, psychology, and self-centered ideas instead of the Bible. Many avoid talking about sin, repentance, holiness, judgment, Satan, or spiritual warfare.

What people believe will eventually show in the way they live.

We can see this trend in both today’s Church and society, even in the statistics:

• Only 6% of American Christians possess a biblical worldview (The Christian Post)
• Only 37% of pastors possess a biblical worldview, and more than six of every 10 pastors (62%) hold a syncretistic worldview (Arizona Christian University 2022)
• Only 3% of sermons even mention sin (Arizona Christian University 2025)
• Only 24% of Americans now qualify as practicing Christians (Barna)
• Only about 21% of self-identified Christians believe Satan exists and actively influences people today(Barna)

These changes in behavior are not just random. They show deeper spiritual problems and a breakdown in what people believe.

Paul warned Timothy again:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)

False teachings are dangerous. The Bible says that deceiving spirits are behind false beliefs. Satan knows that if he can change what people believe about God, he can also change their morals, worship, identity, actions, and even whole societies. In history, every rebellion against God has followed the same pattern: first doubting God’s Word, then denying it, then twisting it, and finally falling into full deception.

Satan’s first recorded words in Scripture reveal this exact pattern of theological corruption:

“Has God indeed said…?” “You will not surely die…” “For God knows…” “Your eyes will be opened…” “You will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1–5)

The enemy’s plan has always been to attack the truth and lead people away from it.

False teachings can trick believers and cause them to miss out on blessings now and rewards in eternity. What we believe matters because it shapes how we follow God. Our beliefs affect our actions, morals, attitudes, choices, spiritual growth, and the good things God wants us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

If our beliefs about God are wrong, our relationship with Him suffers.

This is why Paul repeatedly warned believers to remain faithful to sound doctrine and spiritual discipline. Jesus urged us to remain steadfast so that no one would take our crown (Revelation 3:11), and Paul himself spoke of the danger of becoming “disqualified” for the prize concerning false doctrine. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Wrong beliefs can keep believers from receiving rewards because false teachings affect how we obey, serve, and grow spiritually. One day, Jesus will judge every believer’s actions at the Bema Seat. He will look at not just what we did, but why we did it and whether we were faithful to His truth. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

As biblical Christianity weakens in America and the West, more people turn to occult practices to fill the gap. People naturally want to worship. If they reject the true God, they often look for spiritual answers somewhere else. This is why we see more interest in astrology, tarot cards, witchcraft, spirit guides, meditation, New Age ideas, manifestation, and the paranormal. Surprisingly, studies show that many people who say they are Christians now take part in practices the Bible clearly forbids.

About 30% of Americans use astrology or horoscopes, and around 27% of U.S. Christians say they consult astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, or fortune tellers at least once a year. (Pew Research 2025) This means there is almost no difference between what the world and Christians are doing in this area.

Today’s entertainment industry has made darkness seem normal. Violent images, demonic symbols, occult themes, sexual immorality, horror, and anti-Christian ideas are everywhere in the media. The more people see these things, the less sensitive they become. Things that once scared people are now celebrated and sold as entertainment.

This loss of sensitivity matters spiritually. Seeing these things again and again weakens our self-control, makes it harder to tell right from wrong, and opens us up to darkness. The Bible often warns us to guard our minds, eyes, and hearts because spiritual influence can slowly enter through what we keep watching.

Ephesians 4:27 warns: “Nor give place to the devil.”

The words “give place” mean to give space or opportunity. Sin opens spiritual doors. Ongoing rebellion, involvement in the occult, holding onto unforgiveness or bitterness, sexual sin, trauma, pride, isolation, and false teachings all create weaknesses that demonic forces can use.

This does not mean every problem comes from demons, and Christians should not become paranoid or too focused on spiritual warfare. Still, the Bible clearly teaches that believers are in a real spiritual battle. Peter warned believers:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The enemy targets faithful believers because their obedience to God threatens the kingdom of darkness. Lukewarm believers, whom Jesus described as “lukewarm” (i.e., useless) in the Laodicean church, pose little threat to Satan’s agenda and therefore experience minimal spiritual opposition. But believers who know God’s Word, live by it, and boldly proclaim it will face resistance.

Jesus warned that no servant is greater than his Master. Those who function as salt and light through the power of the Holy Spirit will be hated, just as Christ was hated. By contrast, believers who seek the world’s approval and avoid confronting evil often experience little spiritual conflict because they are not hindering the enemy’s influence.

Faithful believers who expose darkness, defend sound doctrine, and confront deception should expect opposition from Satan and his forces. The more a believer advances God’s truth, the greater the spiritual resistance they may encounter.

One of Satan’s main tactics in the last days is to attack people’s minds and emotions. Demonic oppression can appear as fear, confusion, despair, discouragement, temptation, loneliness, anger, anxiety, disappointment, obsessive thoughts, hopelessness, division, money problems, and even using the weaknesses of people around us against us.

The enemy also uses our hurts and past wounds. Things like rejection, abuse, abandonment, shame, bitterness, and pain can make us spiritually vulnerable if we do not give them to Jesus. Satan wants to keep people trapped in false ideas about themselves, wrong thinking, and cycles of fear or bondage.

At the same time, the Bible teaches that God is always in control, even during spiritual battles. Satan can only do what God allows. The story of Job shows that Satan cannot act without God’s permission. Even though spiritual warfare can be hard, God often uses it to help us become more holy, humble, patient, and mature.

James writes:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2–3)

God can use spiritual attacks to help us pray more, grow stronger in faith, let go of worldly things, and focus on eternity. Satan may attack, but he is still under God’s control.

The book of Revelation shows where all this is leading. It describes a future time when the line between the spiritual and physical worlds becomes less clear. People will not just feel the effects of demons; they will actually see and even worship them.

Revelation 9 describes terrifying demonic entities emerging from the Abyss:

“Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth… The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.” (Revelation 9:3, 7)

Later in the chapter, John talks about a huge demonic army of 200 million that destroys a third of humanity. Even after such a terrible judgment, people still refuse to turn back to God:

“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent… that they should not worship demons…” (Revelation 9:20)

This is one of the most serious truths about the last days. As evil grows, people become more stubborn, rather than turning back to God. Even when God judges them, many will keep worshipping fallen angels and demons.

We can already see this hardening happening today. Evil is often celebrated, and doing what is right is mocked. Biblical views on sexuality are called hateful. Confusion about gender is praised as progress. Antisemitism is sometimes rewarded. People reject truth for feelings and personal freedom. What the Bible calls rebellion, modern culture calls liberation.

Yet believers are not called to fear.

The same Bible that warns about people leaving the faith, deception, demonic activity, and moral decline also promises that Jesus the Messiah will win in the end. Believers are not helpless in spiritual battles. The Holy Spirit lives in Christians.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

The Bible teaches that we should not panic as things get darker but instead be spiritually prepared. Believers are called to:

• repent quickly of sin
• reject occultism entirely
• renew the mind with Scripture
• walk in holiness
• occupy until He comes
• stay rooted in sound doctrine
• remain in fellowship
• pray continually
• resist Satan
• wear the armor of God
• keep an eternal perspective

The rise in demonic activity in the last days does not mean God has lost control. It shows that prophecy is happening just as the Bible said it would.

Darkness is growing as the Church age draws to a close. Satan knows his time is running out, that God will keep His promises to Israel, and that the Messiah will return to rule. The world is getting ready for the Antichrist and the final rebellion against God. But at the same time, the return of Jesus the Messiah is getting closer every day.

The darker the night gets, the closer the dawn comes.

Author: Brandon Holthaus