Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, war is often depicted as a spiritual battle, a contest between the saints and the enemies of their salvation. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage underscores the reality of spiritual conflict and the necessity for divine protection and strength.The nature of this war is not physical but spiritual, as Paul further clarifies: "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" (Ephesians 6:12). This highlights the unseen, yet potent, adversaries that Christians face, emphasizing the need for vigilance and spiritual discernment. Throughout the Bible, the imagery of war is used to describe the believer's journey and the opposition they encounter. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, Paul writes, "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" . Here, the apostle speaks to the spiritual tools at the disposal of the faithful, which are mighty through God for overcoming spiritual strongholds and deceptions. The Old Testament also provides numerous examples of physical battles that serve as allegories for spiritual warfare. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan, under the leadership of Joshua, is often seen as a type of the spiritual battles Christians face. Just as the Israelites were commanded to drive out the inhabitants of the land, believers are called to resist sin and the devil, as James 4:7 instructs: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" . Moreover, the Psalms frequently depict God as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. Psalm 144:1 declares, "Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle" . This verse reflects the belief that God equips His followers for the spiritual battles they must face, providing them with the necessary skills and strength. The ultimate victory in this spiritual war is assured through Jesus Christ, who has already triumphed over sin and death. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" . This victory is the foundation of the believer's confidence in the face of spiritual opposition. In Revelation, the final book of the Bible, the theme of war culminates in the ultimate defeat of Satan and his forces. Revelation 12:11 proclaims, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" . This passage highlights the means by which believers overcome: through the sacrificial death of Christ and their faithful witness. In summary, the concept of war in the Christian life is a profound metaphor for the spiritual struggle against the enemies of salvation. It calls believers to be vigilant, equipped with the armor of God, and confident in the victory secured by Christ. The Bible provides both the strategy and the assurance needed to engage in this spiritual contest, encouraging the saints to stand firm in their faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 7:23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 10:3 Ephesians 6:12 1 Timothy 1:18 Library Psalm CXVIII. The Power of God Third Sunday in Lent Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved? Prayer and vigilance Matt. xx. 17-19. Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. 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War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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