This article is part of a series which might be better understood by starting at the first post.
A World of OppositesWhat is an upside down kingdom? It is a pattern of living that is the antithesis of what God has established. An inverted soul makes a man the opposite of what he was created to be. As a result, he cannot understand God nor operate in the role that God has ordained (I Corinthians 2:13-14).
The Scripture tells us that before Satan fell, he was an angel named Lucifer. When he rebelled against God, he became the opposite of what he was created to be. He was once the light bearer (Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel 28:17), but he became the ruler of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). He was once anointed (Ezekiel 28:14), now he is accursed (Genesis 3:14). He was perfect in his ways (Ezekiel 28:15), he is now full of iniquity (Ezekiel 28:18). He was wise (Ezekiel 28:17), but now he is the purveyor of lies (John 8:44).
Notice however, that he still can appear as an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14). The impact of the fall changed foremost the inner make-up of his being; his character, his personality, his desires, etc. Satan is therefore depicted as a creation who was designed to be beautiful and full of light (and can still appear to be that way), but whose character has become the opposite of that. This is what Satan desires to do to mankind: turn the soul of man upside down so that he becomes the opposite of what God created thereby preventing fellowship with God.
Church, it is only the grace, presence, and power of God that sustains creation. It is God alone who preserves. Apart from God, separated from the source of life, all living things will begin to decay. This is true as well for mankind. Just like Satan, when mankind fell into sin, he too became the opposite of what he was created to be.
What happened in the Garden of Eden was a role reversal. Adam became submissive, taking the woman's role. Eve became the source of authority, taking the man's role. On the outside, they looked the same, but on the inside they had become corrupted, upside down. The helpmeet became the head; the head became a figurehead; and a rebellious, Adamic seed was sown in the bloodline.
The changing of their character through sin reversed the order God had ordained and immediately put them at odds with God. In this state, fallen man will always try to hide from God's presence and justify his sin, just as Adam and Eve did. Out of order and unable to be led by God's Spirit, they were no longer God-conscious, but became SELF-conscious.
Turning the World Upside Down
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