Lk. 11:23
He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

There must be some form of agreement to have unity (Amos 3:3). This message our Lord spoke to his disciples after being accused by his enemies of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub (Lk. 11:14-23). His exclamation point was “He that is not with me is against me…” (Lk. 11:23). There is no neutral ground with Jesus Christ. It is an either – or, for or against situation. No one can be “for” Christ without God’s initiating work in him.

Sin separated man from God in the Garden of Eden. Adam hid from God’s fellowship and fellowship with God has not been natural for man since. Paul gives us a list for whom Christ died in Romans chapter five. He speaks of those “without strength” meaning having no ability to live according to God’s standard (vs. 6). “The ungodly” or those living in opposition to God is second on this list (also in vs. 6).

Thirdly, Paul speaks of “sinners”, those who violate God’s law (vs. 8) and finally Paul uses the term “enemies”, which speaks for itself (vs. 10). Note: the term friend never appears in the context. In other words, scripture teaches that all men are enemies of God. They are all in opposition to God and his ways. There is no one on God’s side (Rom. 3:10-12). This is the glory of the gospel.

Once a person is “saved” or becomes a follower of the Christ, he is “for” Christ. Until that point occurs, he is “against” Christ regardless of his testimony. One must view Christ as God in the flesh and submit to his authority. All others are “anti” Christs. An antichrist is against Christ or in the place of Christ. Either way they are enemies. May God’s glorious gospel be affective in our land.
William A. Bembeneck