Week 10: The Climax — Light Breaks, Darkness Breaks

1.The climax of the novel brings together the two narrative threads that have been running in parallel throughout — the human investigation and the angelic battle — as both reach their decisive moments simultaneously. What is the narrative and theological effect of this convergence? What is Peretti saying about the relationship between events in the visible world and events in the invisible one?

2.The defeat of Rafar is directly tied to the prayers of the saints, the proclamation of Christ's name, and the authority that has been established through persevering faith. Read Colossians 2:13-15 — 'He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.' How does the climax of the novel dramatize this theological reality? What is the 'weapon' that ultimately breaks the demonic stronghold?

3.Read Revelation 12:11 — 'And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.' This verse identifies three elements of spiritual victory. How do each of these elements — the blood of the Lamb, the word of testimony, not loving life unto death — appear in the climax of the Ashton story?