2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Angel of Light

When the Nazis rose to power in Germany one of their first targets was the German Church. Many in the church had in fact been pleased to see the rise of Hitler. Hitler spoke up for the German people and rejected the ridiculous and ill conceived demands placed on them by the Treaty of Versailles. (not sarcasm) Furthermore, Hitler was a Christian! (sarcasm) At least he sounded like one. He even called Jesus Christ the “Greatest Aryan Hero”. In private Hitler despised the church and its gospel of mercy and love. Mercy and love were viewed as weaknesses incompatible with the Nazi philosophy. Some in Hitler’s inner circle wanted to destroy the church right away. Hitler didn’t consider it that much of a problem. He would deal with it at the right time; however, his underlings could take over the church to use it if they wished. They did.

The “German Christians” were composed of many who hated the cause of Christ but mostly they were composed of people who were simply duped. They amassed a significant enough number to take over the offices of the German Church and elected evil men to its highest offices. Very few had the wisdom to see what was happening until November of 1933. The “German Christians” held a great rally to celebrate Germany’s withdrawal from the League of Nations. The main speaker was Reinhold Krause. Krause was unaware that his words would be reported beyond the immediate audience of likeminded people present at the rally, so he spoke his mind plainly.

In coarse language he demanded that the German Church must be rid of anything Jewish starting with the Old Testament. A new Christ had to emerge without the “exaggerated emphasis on the crucified Christ.” Every pastor must take an oath of personal allegiance to Hitler. Every person of any Jewish descent must be expelled from the church. He continued on mocking the Bible and Saint Paul. Once this was widely reported many people woke up. Of course, by then it was too late. 

Every Christian should understand this: Satan can appear as an angel of light and his minions can easily appear as ministers of righteousness! How can you tell when you are dealing with such? Not by their words, unless they make the “mistake” Krause made of speaking privately in public. You tell by the fruit of their lives. Here is what you look for: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. These are the only sure signs that the motivating spirit is the Holy Spirit.