Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Holiness Enjoined

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: Holiness Enjoined ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with order, discipline, and the pursuit of holiness. The imagery of a well-ordered army serves as a metaphor for the spiritual life of believers, emphasizing the importance of unity, obedience, and sanctification.

Order and Discipline

The Bible frequently uses military imagery to convey spiritual truths. The disciplined march of an army in ranks symbolizes the order and structure that should characterize the life of a believer. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, the Apostle Paul exhorts, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This call to order reflects the disciplined nature of a military formation, where each soldier knows their place and role, contributing to the overall mission.

Unity and Cooperation

The unity of an army marching in ranks is a powerful illustration of the unity that should exist among believers. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Just as soldiers must work together, maintaining their formation and supporting one another, Christians are called to live in harmony, supporting and encouraging each other in their spiritual journey.

Obedience and Submission

The obedience required of soldiers in an army is akin to the obedience expected of believers to God's commands. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." This passage highlights the need for believers to remain focused on their spiritual mission, submitting to the authority of Christ as their commander.

Holiness and Sanctification

The concept of holiness is central to the biblical understanding of an army marching in ranks. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often described as the "army of the Lord," called to be holy as God is holy. Leviticus 11:44 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

The disciplined march of an army serves as a reminder of the sanctified life to which Christians are called. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is written, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is not merely an individual pursuit but a collective endeavor, much like an army moving in unison toward a common goal.

Spiritual Warfare

The imagery of an army also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are engaged in a battle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:11-12 instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The disciplined march of an army in ranks serves as a metaphor for the spiritual readiness and vigilance required in this battle.

In summary, the biblical imagery of armies marching in ranks serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing order, unity, obedience, holiness, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to live disciplined, holy lives, united in purpose and committed to the mission of advancing God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 23:9
When the host goes forth against your enemies, then keep you from every wicked thing.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Justinian.
... But we beseech your Holiness to pray for us, and obtain ... thousand had died of hunger
in the march of Ancona ... bishops and the nobility chose from the ranks of the ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

Preface by the Editor.
... in different parts of Scotland; three different armies, without concert ... the sins
of persons of all ranks from the ... godly, even when they were on the march to do ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Vohu-mano (good thought), Asha-vahista (perfect holiness), Khshathra-vairya ... but
Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... policy of the war, which pervaded all ranks of society ... boasting of the prowess exhibited
by our armies upon the ... "We should have failed in our march through New ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... Jan.1, 1802, in Camden, South Carolina: March 1, at ... descending with fearful rapidity
to the lower ranks of society ... people that he "ruled in the armies of heaven ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and the many-eyed and many-winged ranks, which in ... and the most divine power of every
hierarchy, holiness, and divine ... The two armies met and there was a fearful ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... commemoration has been from the middle of the fourth century at Rome March 7. See ...
cities and that it was composed of persons of all social ranks is attested by ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... them away,"that ancient river, the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... took their
places each at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm