Throughout the sweeping story of Scripture, one persistent thread weaves its way from Genesis to Revelation: the presence of spiritual enmity. It is more than just human conflict or historical rivalry—it is a deep, spiritual hostility that exists between God’s redemptive purposes and the forces that oppose them. In Enmity: It’s All About Jesus, author Pierre Vernet explores this profound theme, tracing how Jesus Christ not only addresses personal sin but also confronts the historic and spiritual enmity that has long impacted Israel and the world.
The Origin of Enmity in Genesis
The concept of enmity is first introduced in Genesis 3:15, where God, in His judgment of the serpent, declares:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This verse sets the stage for the cosmic struggle between good and evil, a conflict that carries prophetic significance. The serpent—Satan—is placed in direct opposition to the “seed of the woman,” ultimately pointing to Christ. But there’s more: this enmity would not only be spiritual but also manifest through people, nations, and ideologies.
Israel, as God’s chosen people, stands in the very center of this battlefield. From Pharaoh’s oppression in Egypt to Babylon’s exile, and later, the Roman occupation during Jesus’ time, Israel has continually faced opposition. These historic hostilities have always pointed to a larger spiritual agenda: the enemy’s attempt to thwart God’s covenant promises.
Israel’s Role in Redemption
Israel’s history is not merely one of survival—it’s a testimony of divine purpose. God chose Abraham to birth a nation that would bless all nations (Genesis 12:3), and through Israel, the Messiah would come. But Israel’s story is marked by repeated spiritual attacks, political betrayal, and cultural rejection—all orchestrated by the enemy to sever the relationship between God and His people.
Yet, God’s covenant never fails.
Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, came not to abolish the Law or reject His heritage, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and preached in Jerusalem—not by accident, but by divine design. His coming was the culmination of prophetic anticipation, rooted in Israel’s story but destined to redeem all.
The Enemy’s Strategy: Divide and Deceive
One of the enemy’s most consistent strategies has been to foster division, especially between Jews and Gentiles, and even more so between Israel and her Messiah. Many still do not recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Spiritual blindness, cultural resistance, and historical distortions have all contributed to this ongoing division.
Moreover, anti-Semitism, both ancient and modern, is not simply a sociopolitical issue—it is spiritual. The persistent hatred against the Jewish people is a manifestation of the same enmity introduced in Eden. The enemy hates what God has chosen, and Israel has long been at the center of that hatred.
Pierre Vernet emphasizes that to understand the gospel fully, we must recognize these patterns—not with condemnation, but with compassion, prayer, and a desire for reconciliation.
Jesus: The Bridge That Heals
Jesus did not come to pick a side between Jew and Gentile—He came to be the bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity, and yes, between divided peoples. As Paul explains in Ephesians 2:14-16:
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier… His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.”
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus broke the curse of enmity. The cross reconciles not just individuals to God, but entire peoples to one another. Christ is the only One who can heal the deep wounds of history—whether they are personal or collective, cultural or spiritual.
He confronted the enemy directly. He fulfilled Israel’s destiny. And He opened the door for all to be grafted into the redemptive story (Romans 11).
A Call to the Church: Stand in the Gap
The Church must not remain passive in this ongoing conflict. Today’s spiritual warfare continues in the form of division, false doctrine, and apathy toward God’s promises—especially those concerning Israel.
Believers must recognize their role as agents of reconciliation. This includes standing against anti-Semitism in all its forms, supporting the spiritual awakening of Jewish people, and faithfully proclaiming Jesus as Messiah to all nations.
Healing historical enmity involves truth-telling, humility, and prayer. It means understanding prophecy, acknowledging history, and joining God in His eternal purpose to redeem, not just individuals, but peoples and promises long opposed by darkness.
Conclusion:
Uncovering the Heart of the Gospel The story of Jesus, Israel, and the enemy is not just a theological theme—it’s the spine of Scripture. It reveals a war that began in Eden, escalated across generations, and found its turning point at the cross. Today, that war continues in the spiritual realm, but its outcome is certain: Christ is victorious.
In Pierre Vernet’s Enmity: It’s All About Jesus, readers are invited to explore these truths more deeply—to see the gospel not as a Western idea or a generic message, but as a fulfillment of God’s ancient promises to Israel, extended by grace to the entire world.
