Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints is Against: Death

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of spiritual warfare encompasses the struggle against various forms of evil, including death. Death, as a consequence of sin, is viewed as an enemy that believers must contend with, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The Bible provides numerous references that illustrate the nature of this warfare and the ultimate victory promised to the saints.

Death as an Enemy

Death is often personified as an adversary in the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 15:26, the Apostle Paul declares, "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." This verse underscores the belief that death is not merely a natural occurrence but an enemy that stands in opposition to God's original design for life.

Victory Through Christ

The New Testament reveals that the victory over death has been secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul writes, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage highlights the assurance that believers have in the triumph over death, made possible by Christ's redemptive work.

The Resurrection Hope

The hope of resurrection is central to the Christian understanding of victory over death. In John 11:25-26, Jesus proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" This promise affirms that physical death is not the end for those who are in Christ, as they are assured of eternal life.

Spiritual Warfare Against the Fear of Death

Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare against the fear of death, which can be a tool of the enemy to instill doubt and despair. Hebrews 2:14-15 states, "Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." This passage emphasizes that Christ's victory liberates believers from the bondage of fear, empowering them to live boldly in faith.

The Role of Faith and Perseverance

Faith and perseverance are crucial in the believer's warfare against death. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul assures the saints, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This conviction provides the foundation for enduring faith, enabling believers to stand firm against the threat of death.

Eternal Perspective

An eternal perspective is vital in the warfare against death. In Philippians 1:21, Paul expresses, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This mindset reflects the understanding that death is not a loss but a transition to a greater existence with Christ. The assurance of eternal life motivates believers to view death not with fear, but with hope and anticipation.

In summary, the warfare of saints against death is a multifaceted struggle that involves recognizing death as an enemy, embracing the victory secured by Christ, overcoming the fear of death, and maintaining an eternal perspective through faith and perseverance. The Scriptures provide a robust framework for understanding and engaging in this spiritual battle, offering hope and assurance to all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:14,15
For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... that he is wise to accomplish his nefarious designs: And against the saints his
rage ... Here the people of God live in a state of warfare"conflict with many ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Verse the Twenty-Fourth
... On the Perfection of Justice, against Celestius, St. ... through Jesus Christ, imparts
to his saints and believers ... which they ought to maintain a constant warfare. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the twenty-fourth.htm

Enduring to the End
... least, a furlough from this constant warfare?" The flesh ... God, preparing a place for
his saints; and will ... Let your prayer be not against death, but against sin. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
... strives within them, and their life is a state of continual warfare. ... They feel a
law in their members warring against the law ... Such honour have all the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xli death by adam.htm

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
... propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy ... of death, indeed, when the authority
of Him against whom it ... riches of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliv triumph over death.htm

Love in the Blessed Ones.
... in heaven the redeemed partake of the warfare with Michael ... or depart from, the hearts
of the saints, all their ... conflict of Christ and His people against Satan. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv love in the blessed.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... against us, the spirit of the times is against us ... Unless you are spiritually dead,
it means warfare. ... on Sunday that you would think they were wonderful saints. ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

Yea, Though I Walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I Will ...
... the deeds and motives of God's saints; those who ... the chosen friends of Christ, and
against His holy ... This, then, is our greatest warfare, the struggle with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/vii yea though i walk.htm

How Fursa Built a Monastery among the East Angles, and of his ...
... he distinctly heard this refrain: "The saints shall go ... burning in the fire, cast
him against him, and ... concerning the comrades of his warfare, whosoever will ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xix how fursa built.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... were drawn as soldiers for the great warfare, and we ... Doubtless there have been thousands
of saints who have found ... a nobody if he only protests against a wrong ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm