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This commentary on the preparation for spiritual warfare should be either
included in or attached to this writer’s commentary on the book of Ephesians.
Upon concluding the original study of this epistle by the Apostle Paul this
writer has come to the conclusion that more may (and must) be said about the
forces of evil that daily confront the Christian and how he is to prepare for it
by utilizing God’s armor. This “additional” commentary on the 6th
chapter of Ephesians will center on verses 10-18.
This writer also admits that much of the material within this commentary is
not original (but then, “there is nothing new under the sun”); much of it has
been gleaned from the works of Chuck Missler, which anyone may access by going
to www.khouse.org,
and other sources that this writer deems doctrinally sound and appropriate.
The book of Ephesians is a magnificent letter highlighting the
inheritance every believer has in Christ, which has been set aside for
him before creation. It contains a clear definition of the Salvation Formula,
which is For by grace are you saved through faith, and that
not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast
(Ephesians 2:8, 9). Another way of expressing this formula is by
the phrase, by faith alone in Christ alone.
For a more detailed treatment of the Salvation Formula, please access the
topical study on the subject in
www.bibleone.net
But once a person is saved and starts out in the Christian life, he should be
aware that he has entered into spiritual warfare and should be prepared for
it. This is the emphasis of this topical study, which is a postscript to the
writer’s commentary on the book of Ephesians.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up
the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with
the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of
God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being
watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Twice within this passage the Apostle Paul instructs the believer to “put on
the whole armor of God.” This wasn’t done lightly. He repeated himself for
emphasis. Unfortunately, so many Christians (and this writer does not exclude
himself) have a dearth of understanding when it comes to the evil that exists
around them. If the believer’s spiritual eyes could truly be opened to see all
the spiritual forces that pervade his surrounding atmosphere, he might very well
shrink in abject terror. All around us the battle between the forces of good and
of evil is turbulent, horrific and relentless. It was therefore important to
Paul to stress to Christians the importance of the armor of God.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
When Paul returned from his third missionary journey, he warmed the elders of
the church at Ephesus about the dangers they would be facing:
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among
you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up,
speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore
watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night
and day with tears. (Acts 20:29-31)
The forces of evil come in many guises and forms. There are those unseen
forces composed of Satan’s demons (believed by some to be the spirits of the
Nephilims, a product of some of Satan’s fallen angels as they co-mingled with
humans, which were destroyed during the flood and who seek bodies to indwell),
his fallen angels that as yet have not been cast into the “bottomless pit,” and
Satan himself.
And there are those seeable forces composed of individuals, both in power and
out, that have made a willful choice to serve Satan and his plan. Additionally,
there is the never ending parade of philosophies and beliefs, which dishonor God
and His Word, e.g., Religion (Christianity is not a religion; it is a union or
relationship with a Person, Jesus Christ), Gnosticism, Paganism, Neo-paganism,
Relativism, Intellectualism, Freudianism, Communism, Materialism, Nihilism,
Behaviorism, Socialism, Existentialism, Rationalism, Fabianism, Secular
Humanism, Agnosticism, Atheism, Evolution and the like.
Because of this spiritual warfare that surrounds and engages each believer,
the Apostle Paul warns that the only way he will be able to stand against such
evil, sinister and overwhelming odds is to be strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might. This instruction is the umbrella
under which all the armor of God must function. Without the employment of this
basic principle, none of God’s armor will function properly.
A person becomes a Christian by turning from legalism, religion and
self-effort by a genuine act of will to trust solely in Jesus Christ and His
sacrifice for his personal salvation (this is saving repentance).
In this act he fully realizes that there is absolutely nothing he or any
organization can do that will save him. He then simply decides to depend (trust)
totally on Christ and the work that Christ performed for his personal salvation.
THEN, a strange thing often happens. Having been saved by grace through
faith, he comes to the conclusion that the way to live for Christ is by
exercising his self-determination to keep God’s Law and to conform to a laundry
list of “dos and don’ts.” In other words, he resorts back to legalism, religion
and self-effort.
He simply cannot believe that as (by faith alone) he received Christ Jesus,
he is to in like manner (by faith alone) walk (conduct his spiritual life) in
Him (Colossians 2:6). This is called the perfect law of liberty
(James 1:25; 2:12), which frees the Christian from the obligation to
adhere, by his own power, to God’s Law. And it freely makes available to him the
power of the Holy Spirit, who resides within him, to do that which God requires.
Yet most Christians never avail themselves of this marvelous and never-ending
power. They are saved by faith, but they endeavor to live by works, which always
leads to being consumed in pride. And utilizing this means to “fight the good
fight,” to conduct spiritual warfare, brings them to their knees every time in
utter failure.
It is therefore most important that the Christian realize that in his
own power and ability he is absolutely powerless to conduct spiritual warfare to
any victorious end. He must understand that it is only when he rids his daily
life of any known sin by confessing (naming; admitting responsibility for) it
before God (1 John 1:1:9) and then receiving by faith alone
(trusting only in) God’s Holy Spirit to conduct the battle through him
that he will have any success on the spiritual battlefield. As he does this,
only then will he be living the meaning of “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians
1:27).
With the source-of-power-issue resolved, Paul then proceeds to list the
various pieces of God’s armor that are necessary for the believer to wear and
employ in spiritual warfare. Each armament item is critical and the time to put
them on is before the battle begins. They are listed in the order in which Paul
presents them in this passage.
1.
Having girded your waist with truth.
Another way of putting it is to say “put on the belt of truth.” The
Roman belt was 6-8 inches wide and all the body armor and weapons were
attached to it. Because of this, the belt gave the soldier freedom of
movement.
It is truth that is the foundation for all other spiritual
armament. It grants the believer freedom under the perfect law of
liberty with self, others and God. The ultimate Truth is Jesus
Christ. He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
He alone is the Creator of the Universe, this solar system, this earth
and all contained therein. He alone is the fulfillment of prophecy.
And He alone will be the ultimate Conqueror, the King of kings, the
Lord of lords and the Ruler of His created domain. His personal “love
letter” to all mankind is the Holy Bible; 66 books written by some 40
different authors over thousands of years, yet containing one
integrated message of absolute truth.
In all matters truth is the key to success, fulfillment and
achievement. Yet in this century, with all its advancements in
technology, there has been an abandonment of truth. From the “founding
fathers” and the principles of God’s Word, upon which the United
States was established, this country has turned to the likes of
Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, George Wellhusen, Sigmund Freud, John
Maynard Keynes, Soren Kierkegaard, John Dewey and others in its mad
rush toward secularism, humanitarianism and God-lessness.
In America’s educational system the adoption of John Dewey’s
humanism, his atheism, his amorality, his evolution and his one-world
socialism has crowed out morals and Biblical teachings, which were the
bedrock of America’s culture. In fact, this continual “improvement” of
education has resulted in the continual “dumbing-down” of America’s
students from year-to-year.
Through its strivings to be open to multiculturalism and “value
relativism,” America has disenfranchised its youth from its Christian
heritage. Two generations of graduates have been subjected to the
“improved” and morally impoverished philosophies administered in its
school system. They are now America’s leaders and teachers and clergy,
all ignorant of the great moral and Christian strengths that founded
our country.
This has resulted in the New Age Movement in which the Bible is
relegated to fiction or even less, and everyone is encouraged to “live
in harmony with nature” as the “life force” (god) of all that exists.
This spiritually apathetic society and its “liberal” Supreme Court
abolished school prayer and Bible reading in 1962 and 1963. The
result: a startling rise in teenage pregnancies, venereal disease and
divorce; not to mention the steady decline in S.A.T. scores. The high
principles that made America great have and are continuing to be lost.
All this is the result of forsaking God’s Truth. The Bible
prophetically portrays a rise in lies and deceit as characteristic of
the last days (Daniel 8:25). The next to the final world leader
(Christ will be the final one), the Antichrist, will exploit signs and
lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and he will be preceded by
doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). So falsity and deception
will prevail during the “last day.”
They of course always have, but in these recent times their
existence and proliferation have accelerated at a terrific rate. They
are embedded within every aspect of our culture, our educational
system, our political structure, our altruistic organizations, our
churches and in all “religion.”
And what is so dangerous for the Christian, who still retains the
“sin nature,” is that he may be “his own worst enemy.” When God is not
in control it is quite easy to “lie to self.” It is therefore critical
that even though a Christian may “walk in the flesh” [that is, remain
in human form] that he does not (spiritually) war “according to the
flesh,” being sure that he brings every thought into captivity to
the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
This may only be accomplished by learning Bible Doctrine, a
factor directly proportional to studying Bible Doctrine. This
is how one learns, understands and is conformed to the mind of
Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and
of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy
2:15)
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures
daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)
The believer must not minimize or moderate the importance of
studying God’s Holy Word that has been so faithfully and graciously
canonized into one book, the Bible. Ministers must not turn from this
most important function, the teaching of Bible doctrine in the
local churches today.
If anything should take a backseat, let it be emotionalism, let it
be the song service, let it be all the various church sponsored social
events, BUT never let it be the teaching of Bible doctrine.
Only by renewing our minds and challenging the various lies and
false doctrines that drive our society today can we achieve a better
destiny than the fate toward which we now stumble. Is it no wonder
that the Apostle Paul begins his list of spiritual armor with “being
girded with truth”—the Word of God?
2.
Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
The Roman breastplate, typically made of bronze and backed with
leather, was designed to protect the vital organs, the most vital of
all organs being the “heart.” And what is the “heart?” A search of the
following scriptures can be most instructive: Psalm 19:14; 24:4;
32:11; 36:10; 51:10, 17; 62:10; 119:11; 139:23, 24; Proverbs 3:1;
Matthew 6:21; 12:35; 15:18, 19; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:45; Romans 10:9, 10;
1 John 3:21.
The “heart” in both Hebrew and Greek came to mean that which is
“central.” It is the very core of one’s inner being—his “inner
being,” incorporating his mentality, his emotions and
his will.
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues
of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
And it is the “heart” of man that must be encased in and protected
with “righteousness”—righteousness based on “truth.” There are
different kinds of righteousness. There is “national righteousness”—Righteousness
exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs
14:34), which sadly is almost, if not completely, lacking
now in America. There is “personal righteousness”—which may be
understood as “personal uprightness” or ethical behavior, which,
again, is sorely lacking in society today. But these are not what Paul
is referring to when he refers to the “breastplate of righteousness.”
Paul is speaking of true righteousness that comes only by
faith alone in Christ alone—both in salvation and sanctification.
Salvation
The righteousness of man is as “filthy rags” in the sight of God (Isaiah
64:6). Man is a religious being. He endeavors to achieve the
approbation (approval) of God through good thoughts, words and deeds.
Adam in the Garden of Eden was the first to attempt this by clothing
himself with fig leaves; instead of doing it God’s way with skins that
required the “shedding of innocent blood” (a prophetic type of the
blood shed by Christ on Calvary). This religiosity was the hallmark of
the scribes and Pharisees, which was of no account in the eyes of
Christ.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like
whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside
are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also
outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of
hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:27, 28)
Christianity is not religion! As stated previously, religion is man
attempting to find favor with God through self-effort—good thoughts,
words and deeds. This is abhorrent to God and will never work.
Religious righteousness can save no one. Self-righteousness can only
lead to a false sense of security and to becoming subservient to
deadly pride.
When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he
trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his
righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that
he has committed, he shall die. (Ezekiel 33:13)
Christianity, on the other hand, is a union or
relationship with a Person—Jesus Christ. It is in fact becoming
the “righteousness of Christ” by a genuine and willful decision to
trust solely in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for one’s personal
salvation. True salvation is non-meritorious on man’s part.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and
that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest
anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9) It is
the receiving of the righteousness of Christ because of what He has
done and nothing of what man has done or can do.
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might
become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Sanctification
Once a person becomes a Christian by faith alone in Christ alone,
he then proceeds in a continuous life of either positive or negative
sanctification. In other words, he either becomes more like His
Savior, or he drifts away from Him on what is often referred to as a
“wayward” or “prodigal” journey. He will never lose his salvation, for
just as he was unable to save himself, he is totally unable to unsave
himself. God’s Spirit is his seal and guarantee of eternal life.
Nevertheless, as a child of God, he is in a position to either please
or disappoint his heavenly Father.
If he drifts back into religiosity (legalism and self-effort in
thoughts, words and deeds), he will drift away from true
righteousness. On the other hand if he learns the secret of
Colossians 2:6 and by faith alone in Christ alone allows
the Holy Spirit to take control of his life—which allows Christ to
live through him—he will exhibit true righteousness, which results in
the approval of God and eventual rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians
3:12-15).
So putting on the breastplate of righteousness is not “putting on”
one’s own good works, integrity, or honesty. It is not “putting on”
Bible reading and prayer. It is not “putting on” church attendance and
ample offerings. It is “putting on” the righteousness of Christ,
first through salvation and then through sanctification (daily living
in Christ) by allowing Christ to live through us—and both are
achieved by faith alone in Christ alone.
That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in
Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and
sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, “He who glories,
let him glory in the LORD.”
(1 Corinthians 1:29-31)
3.
Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
The footwear of the Roman soldier was normally a pair of
nail-studded sandals called “caligae.” They were designed to be rugged
and to provide maximum traction to allow the soldier flexibility in
movement and maneuverability, a necessity in close and heated combat.
In other words they were action oriented. In like manner, God
would have all believers to be action oriented, which implies
the following characteristics:
· Purpose & Direction—the believer’s
objective should be to share the “gospel of peace” with
anyone and everyone all the time. He is to be an ambassador
for Jesus Christ and thereby fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew
28:19, 20). Additionally, the believer is to go and bear
fruit for Jesus Christ.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry
of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ
reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their
trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of
reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on
Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians
5:18-20)
Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new
covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the
letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2
Corinthians 3:6)
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you
that you should go and bear fruit, and that your
fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My
name He may give you. (John 15:16)
· Offence—the foot shod with strong and
rugged footwear can be a potent weapon for offence. Any
martial artist will attest to this fact. And the believer by
proclaiming the “gospel of peace” is to crush Satan and his
grip on the lost with every opportunity.
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen. (Romans 16:20)
· Courage—when engaged in combat and the
evil forces of Satan are arrayed all about, the believer is
to experience no fear for it is God who wages the battle and
will secure the victory.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your
rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who
have set themselves against me all around. (Psalm 3:6)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh,
my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army
may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war should rise against me, in this I will be
confident. (Psalm 27:1-3)
The believer should understand that he is beautiful in God’s sight
he is seen as a soldier of action spreading the “gospel of peace.”
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah
52:7)
4.
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
The Roman shield was approximately four feet high and about two and
a half feet wide. It was typically made as a curved laminate of three
layers of wood strips and covered with leather. The edges were bound
with rawhide stitched through the wood. Sometimes bronze binding was
used. One of the more ingenious and defensively effective uses of the
Roman shield was when they used them in a combination called the
testudo (“tortoise”). Twenty-seven soldiers would combine
together, six in front and seven in each of three rows following. The
ones on the outside edge would interlock their shields vertically; the
insiders would form a roof with their shields. The composite was
virtually impregnable to weapons of the day. In this formation they
were sort of a “walking tank.”
The lesson from Paul is that “above all” the believer must be a
person of faith if he is to have any hope in defeating Satan,
his cohorts and his deceitful trickery. But then, Christianity is
achieved, experienced and administered by faith.
First, it is important to know that faith is more than belief
alone. Even the demons believe in God (James 2:19). Biblical
(efficacious) faith involves trust, also described as genuine
reliance. And it is a function of a person’s will.
Second, it is important to know the object of faith. Satan would
have the world believe that all religions believe in the same god; all
lead to the same destination. The notion that every god-concept is
equally valid, a common view among the ungodly, is completely
irrational, is non-Biblical and is dishonoring to the one true God.
This is the fallacy of the intellectual and moral bankruptcy of
relativism and current “political correctness,” which denies the
existence of absolute truth. Religion, which is “paganism,” builds its
appeal on this vacuum.
If the Christian is to have and express faith, he is to have
and express it relative to specifics that are outlined in God’s Word.
The fact is that all spiritual life is based on faith, which is in
accordance with truth (God’s Word).
The just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4b)
The Apostle Paul presents a trilogy of essays on this verse in
three of his epistles:
· Romans—Paul deals with how a person by
faith alone is justified. He quotes Habakkuk 2:4
in Romans 1:17.
· Galatians—Paul deals with shedding the
grave clothes of religious externalism and walking by faith.
He quotes Habakkuk 2:4 in Galatians 3:11.
· Hebrews—Paul deals with the pillars of
faith. He quotes Habakkuk 2:4 in Hebrews 10:38.
(This trilogy crafted around Habakkuk 2:4 is one
of the many reasons it is believed that Hebrews, too,
was written by Paul)
It is by faith alone that a person is saved. Salvation is a
gift from God (John 3:16; 4:10; Acts 11:17; Romans 5:15-18; 6:23; 2
Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 3:7; 2 Timothy 1:9) and
salvation faith, which is a genuine and willful act to
trust in and rely upon Jesus Christ and His sacrifice alone for one’s
personal salvation, is the only way a person can say yes to
God’s offer, the only way he can receive God’s gift of eternal
life.
Furthermore, it is by faith alone that a believer can
successfully and victoriously engage in spiritual warfare, defeat
Satan and live the truly Christian life (Colossians 2:6).
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who
diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
5.
Take the helmet of salvation.
Helmets were made of differing materials and in various shapes by
the ancient nations. Originally they were more like skullcaps; later
they included flaps to protect the ears, neck and shoulders. But their
primary purpose was to provide a degree of security for the
head.
In this passage the “helmet of salvation,” which covers the mental
capacity (brain) of the believer, is the same as having full
assurance of eternal salvation? There is nothing quite so
destructive to and so disabling to Christian service than doubts as to
one’s salvation. There is nothing Satan loves to use more on the
believer than the instilling of doubts as to his salvation.
Unfortunately, to doubt one’s salvation is extremely common with
many believers. This tendency is derived from the believer’s long and
entrenched religious view prior to salvation, which always seems to
surface when coaxed by Satan in concert with the sin nature. The view,
a product of Satan and all religion, is that one must perform good
thoughts, words and deeds in order to achieve the approbation
(approval) of God. In brief, man must “work his way into heaven.” And
if that is true, then he must maintain his salvation by more of the
same.
This concept is then carried over after a person is saved and will
be one of his chief spiritual assailants should he fail to mature in
Bible doctrine. An immature Christian will resort to legalism, the
belief that he must perform good thoughts, words and deeds in order to
remain saved. The problem follows that he never quite knows for
certain which side of the “salvation fence” he is on. One day he may
feel saved, the next day he’ll feel lost. The Christian, according to
Paul, is to be “anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). If
salvation is not a settled issue, how can he then be “anxious for
nothing?”
The key of course is to keep the “helmet of salvation” firmly in
place. With it the Christian will maintain straight thinking, which
will coincide with God’s Word and not his feelings, prior beliefs and
Satan’s influences. Take your helmet off and you’re vulnerable. Satan
will then place lying thoughts in your head. Remember this: How many
of your sins were yet future at the cross? All of them! With
your helmet in place you’ll be able to walk with your head up, free of
fears and doubts.
The “helmet of salvation” is composed of many scriptures taken from
God’s Word, their correct interpretation and rational thought
processes guided by the Spirit of God. A detailed and comprehensive
expose on the Security of the Believer (or Once Saved Always Saved)
may be found in the topical study section of
www.bibleone.net. But
a few cogent thoughts regarding the matter are appropriate here.
· If the believer’s confidence in his salvation
hinges on anything but the finished work of Christ on
the cross, his effectiveness will always be diminished, his
joy will be minimal (if any) and his ability to please God
will be non-existent. Where there is uncertainty concerning
how salvation is attained—confusion as to what took place on
the Cross—there will be confusion over whether it can be
maintained. The following actions, completed once and for
all on Calvary’s Cross, are permanently made available
to anyone who by faith alone in Christ alone receives
them:
- Redemption. Because man has sinned and the
penalty-price for sin is spiritual death, all
mankind is subject to pay this price. On the cross
of Calvary Jesus Christ, by dying in man’s place,
paid this penalty price in total, for all time,
for all mankind. (Matthew 20:28; Galatians
3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12; 1
Peter 1:18, 19).
- Imputation. This is the act of charging
something that is on one’s account to the account
of another. It explains how Christ was able to pay
(redeem) for man’s sin. God imputed all of man’s
sin to Christ’s account. Therefore, because Christ
once and for all paid the penalty-price for this
sin, God is free to impute His righteousness to
man at the moment he by faith receives Christ and
His completed work on Calvary. (2 Corinthians
5:21; Romans 3:22).
- Reconciliation. This is the removal of the
barrier of separation, which is due to sin,
between God and man. The sin-barrier is
permanently removed upon faith alone in Jesus
Christ and His finished work. (Romans 5:10; 2
Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20,
21).
- Regeneration. Since man is spiritually
dead, in order to have eternal life he must be
reborn or made spiritually alive. This was the
message to the Pharisee Nicodemus by Jesus Christ
in John 3. Whereas “justification” removes
the verdict of guilt from the individual at
salvation, “regeneration” removes the spiritual
atrophy (state of death) from him by means of
spiritual rebirth. (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians
5:17; Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5).
- Propitiation. This means that God’s
offended holiness (His justice and righteousness),
due to man’s sin, is satisfied by the payment
Jesus Christ made on the cross of Calvary. Because
He has been satisfied, He no longer needs to
display His wrath toward man. (Romans 3:25; 1
John 2:2; 4:10).
- Justification. This is a legal term that
indicates that because the payment for sin has
been paid and God is now satisfied, man is
vindicated and/or acquitted. Man’s sentence of
condemnation is forever changed to one of
righteousness because of Christ and His sacrifice.
(Acts 13:39; Romans 3:24; 5:17-19; 2
Corinthians 5:21).
- Sanctification. This refers to the fact
that man is now “set apart” for God because of the
work on Calvary by Jesus Christ. It is a work that
is both finished, on-going and will
be finalized. Anyone who accepts Christ by
faith is in Christ permanently. This is
positional sanctification. The believer
remains on earth until death or the Rapture and
progresses toward holiness. This is
experiential sanctification. Eventually the
believer will pass on to Christ through death or
the Rapture. This will then be final
sanctification, which may also be known as his
glorification. (1 Corinthians 1;2; 5:1;
6:1-8; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:2-10; 8:29, 30; 1
Corinthians 15:35-54; Colossians 2:9-13; 2
Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:17; 9:13; 10:10;
12:14; 1 Peter 1:2, 15; 1 John 3:1-3; Jude 1, 24).
· If the believer’s salvation is not secure, how
could Jesus say about those to whom He gives eternal life,
“they shall never perish?”
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
Me and I give them eternal life, and they shall never
perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My
Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and
no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
(John 10:27- 29)
The eternal life given by Christ is not a “probationary
life.” Those who have it are in good hands, both of them
(the hand of Christ and the hand of the Father)—the “eternal
fist” of the Father and the Son. Note that (1) they are
Christ’s sheep—it is the duty of the shepherd to care for
each of his flock, which is to say that Christ as the
Shepherd keeps the sheep, not the “sheep keeps the sheep;”
(2) already to each one is imparted eternal life; an ending
or forfeiture of this would involve a contradiction in
terms; (3) eternal life is given, not merited: thus,
the believer cannot demerit it; (4) they shall never
perish and God cannot lie; (5) no one, not even Satan or
the believer himself, is able to destroy a single one of
them.
· To believe that a person once saved can lose
salvation is to deny the sovereignty and predestined will of
God. This is a rather involved matter that must be
considered in light of man’s sovereignty (free-will), and
this is not the format in which to discuss it. This debate,
which has always existed, can only be resolved by
recognizing that God is outside our domain of time. A more
complete discussion of this may be found at
www.bibleone.net. But one thing for sure, God
says that He has selected anyone who will be saved before
time began. That selection process was final and
unchangeable. On the other hand, nowhere in the Bible does
it show that God “unselects” anyone.
· The believer is sealed with Holy Spirit (2
Corinthians 1:21, 22; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30; 1 Peter 1:5,
etc.). This explicitly denotes protection and security,
being closed off from outside influences and interferences.
It is the believer’s guarantee that his salvation and
eternal destination is secure—no one, not even God, can
remove this permanent seal. In the book of Revelation
144,000 are sealed, and they all (not one was lost)
appear later in chapter 14.
There are literally hundreds of verses of Scripture that confirm
that a believer in Jesus Christ cannot in any possible way lose his
salvation. As mentioned previously, a much more detailed discussion on
the topic may be found at
www.bibleone.net. It
is critical that a believer resolves any insecurity over this matter.
It is clearly the most important issue in his spiritual life
(effectiveness). If his “helmet of salvation” appears perishable or
lacks durability, his potential victory in spiritual battles will
prove fragile. The believer must know that his ultimate victory is
certain. It is wise to review Romans 8:28-39 and to remember
the One who is continually holding the believer up in prayer. It is
the Lord Jesus Christ, and His prayers are always efficacious.
6.
And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Paul instructs the believer that in addition to all the defensive
armor of God he is to take one piece that may be used for both defense
and offense. It is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word
of God, a well-known idiom in Scripture. Most of the ancient armies
favored a long sword with a single edge. The Romans developed a short
(24 inches long) sword that was sharpened on both edges called the
Machira. With these, in the capable hands of a very capable Roman
army, Rome was able to conquer the world. But there was a secret to
its effectiveness: training and practice. Its uniqueness
was a liability unless it was used with the proper techniques—a factor
of both training and practice. I’m certain the reader
sees the application of these as they relate to God’s Word.
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and
of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
This Sword of the Spirit is indeed sharper than any man-made
two-edged sword. It can not only penetrate the psyche (soul
level) of man, but it is capable of piercing even the pneuma
(spirit) of man. In this regard, psychology or any other “ology” of
man cannot hope to compete. For a rather extensive treatment of the
power of God’s Word, Psalm 119, the longest psalm in the Bible,
should be reviewed.
As stated, God’s Word is not only for defense, as it was in the
case of the Bereans who verified everything Paul preached with the
Word (Acts 17:11), but it is an offensive weapon, as
described by the following verse.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for
pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:4, 5)
God’s Word can (1) pull down spiritual strongholds, (2) cast down
spurious spiritual arguments, (3) cast down every high thing (person
and doctrine) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and (4)
bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. A very
powerful weapon indeed!
The Bible is one integrated message of 66 books
written by about 40 different authors over thousands of
years, which is the product of detailed and skillful
engineering—every detail, every place name, even the mathematical
properties of the text are the result of deliberate and careful
design.
Such detail was alluded to by Jesus Christ when He said, “Do not
think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come
to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven
and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from
the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17, 18) A “jot”
and a “tittle” are the Hebrew equivalents of the dotting an “i” or
crossing a “t” in English.
Additionally, a careful examination of the Bible clearly shows that
its origin is from outside man’s time domain. But then, God is never
subject to the dimensions that confine humanity. For a comprehensive
study of this fact, one should avail himself of the studies by Chuck
Missler of
www.khouse.org. Mr. Missler, a professional of profound
and extensive technical background, through extensive study over many
years has amassed a wealth of commentary on all the books of the
Bible. In addition, he has explored the concept that the Biblical text
has a secret code hidden among the letters, which reveal properties of
the text itself that are impossible to duplicate synthetically. A
study of this “hidden code” is most convincing and strongly confirms
that the Bible is indeed the Word of God—a product that man with all
his “intellect” and “technology” could not then, nor cannot now
produce or duplicate.
For the believer to be successful in spiritual warfare, not only
must he wear all the armor of God, but he must train in the use of and
practice with the Sword of Spirit, the Word of God. This involves the
serious study of Bible doctrine under the Spirit’s tutelage.
A large challenge in this endeavor is to maintain balance, free of
serious error. One should not focus on a few pet areas at the expense
of the whole. Avoid “Bible bytes,” or doctrinal snippets on which to
hang some deviant notion. Embrace the whole counsel of God,
comparing scripture with scripture. Invest time in training and
practice with the Sword of the Spirit.
So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not
return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall
prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to
give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is
in you, with meekness and fear.
(1 Peter 3:15)
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against
You! (Psalm 119:11)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (2 Timothy
2:15)
7.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit
Prayer is the atmosphere in which the spiritual warrior must exist.
It is the battlefield artillery that every believer may employ. Prayer
is mentioned over 500 times in the Scriptures. It is the believer’s
priority and intimate connection with the Commander and Chief, God
Almighty, as He sits in the Throne Room of the Universe.
The elements of the model prayer, which Christ gave to the
disciples in Matthew 6:9-13, should be studied and understood.
See the topical on this prayer in
www.bibleone.net.
Remember that in prayer the believer needs always to be aware of the
coming Kingdom, which is preceded by the Rapture, and all that it
implies.
Prayer should be direct and to the point, not long or
hypocritically “eloquent,” especially when versed in public. It must
be truthful (genuine). It should be combined with forgiveness toward
those who wrong us and embody love for the same. It should contain
praise and thanksgiving for all that God through Christ has done for
us. It should be as constant as breathing throughout the day, i.e., it
may only be a series of thought processes as one conducts business
throughout each day. It is always directed to the Father in the name
of Christ, which is to say that whatever is prayed for should be for
the sake and glorification of Jesus Christ. The overriding principles
for prayer are (1) that the “will of God” be ultimately done and (2)
all prayer must be a function of faith—that is, believe that God will
grant your requests.
And one very important criterion is found in 1 John 1:9,
which refers to any known sin in the Christian’s life. As he becomes
aware of any, he must confess (name and take responsibility
for) it before God. When this is done, God will immediately forgive
the Christian of the known, and even unknown or forgotten, sin in the
believer’s life. This will clear the path (eliminate the static)
between the believer and God, so that his prayers are unimpeded.
Without fail the Christian will always be embroiled in spiritual warfare. If
he is spiritually turned to God through His Word, he’ll be able to detect and
evaluate the enemy’s maneuvers and techniques. But he must be attired with all
of God’s armor, in order to insure victory over all the evil forces and the god
of this world, Satan.
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