This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
Summary: The Bible often mentions signs and wonders meaning miraculous events. The kind of “sign” Paul refers to in this passage is a bit different. Paul considers it a proof of things to come.
Generally speaking, Paul’s words about the Gospel are instructional. Yet, now and then, he makes an undeniably clear statement about good and bad, right and wrong.
In this passage, Paul makes such a statement.
He tells us that there is a certain sign. Then he says that when we see this sign, it means someone will be destroyed, and someone else will be saved. So what is this “sign” he mentions, and who does it refer to?
The “sign” is what he has been talking about in the prior two verses. Paul says that if we (you and me) “stand firm in the one Spirit,” “strive together as one for the faith of the gospel,” and are not frightened by those who oppose us, then that is the “sign.”
The word Paul uses for “sign” is “éndeixis.” Strong’s Concordance defines this word as an “indication (abstractly):—declare, evident token, proof.”* This is not the word Paul would use to describe a miracle. Instead, it is an indication or proof of two things.
One of those things is that the people who oppose you will be destroyed. The other is that you, me, and all who “strive together as one for the faith of the gospel” will be saved.
On one hand, this kind of blunt judgment seems out of character and perhaps out of place. On the other hand, it is refreshing to hear such a clear statement about what happens to those who oppose God’s people.
However, a word of caution is in order.
First, I am assuming that Paul presupposes that the people who oppose God’s people never change. Paul himself originally opposed God’s people. He changed and became an Apostle whose work for the Lord helped change the world. We should always keep that in mind.
Second, Jesus points out that we are not to judge (Matthew 7:1).** It is not up to us to decide who will be destroyed and who will be saved. That is up to God. Even Jesus does not cross this line! (John 12:47)
In the end, it is enough to know that striving for the faith has value, and opposing the faith leads to destruction. If that knowledge helps each of us stay in the fight, then that is enough.
Application: Strive for the faith at all times.
Food for Thought: If opposition to the faith is proof of heaven and hell, what does that mean for us?
*”G1732 – endeixis – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 24 Jun, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1732/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
** Keep in mind that Jesus says, “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” (Luke 12:57). There are different meanings for the Greek “krino,” so it is important to understand the context when it is used.
Very good devotion this morning!
As I read it I began to think about Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
This is God’s law of agriculture: what you sow, you will reap. Sow to the flesh, reap corruption (some translations say destruction), sow to the Spirit, reap life. Something to add to this: Hosea 8:7a “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” This is demonstrable in nature, a seed produces in greater measure.
If opposition to the faith is proof of heaven and hell, what does that mean for us?
If we sow opposition to the faith, we reap less awareness of His Spirit and greater separation with the Spirit (one of many things). If we sow invitation to the Spirit, in prayer, reading His Word, surrendering to Christ, and in striving to be more Christ-like, we will reap greater awareness of His presence. This is also proof of heaven and hell for the believer.
Chris, thank you!
I like the comparison to the sower – seeds of salvation and seeds of destruction. Choose carefully!
Heaven and hell are real and we want to be ambassadors for Christ to move people from hell into heaven. It is a spiritual battle and we should expect opposition. But we want to rescue the perishing from one kingdom to bring them into His. That is our mission as we proclaim the gospel.
Colossians 1: 13 – 14: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Thank you, Rich!
I like the clarity of your words:
“But we want to rescue the perishing from one kingdom to bring them into His. That is our mission as we proclaim the gospel.”
If opposition to the faith is proof of heaven and hell, what does that mean for us?
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
In the spiritual world, there are two kingdoms at war with each other—the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Opposition to Christ is physical a demonstration of this spiritual reality. Believers should find encouragement when the truths of Jesus Christ in our lives are criticized as signs of weakness in this world.
Thanks, Ron.
You remind me that there is an invisible realm and an invisible battle going on. As you point out, opposition to Christ is a marker, a physical indication of the invisible battle.