Spiritual Warfare

It’s no secret that Christians have been in warfare since the founding of Christianity by Christ Jesus and His selected apostles. Through the centuries, there have been enemies of the cross — domestic and abroad. It would be easy to assume that the most significant battles have been against those outside the faith such as pagans, atheists, and members of other religions. But many attacks come from those supposedly in the faith as well; one of Satan’s greatest devices against the Church has been sowing tares among the wheat. It is needful for us to earnestly defend the faith from those who would seek to corrupt the doctrines of Christ from within the camp just as vigorously as we seek to contend for them against those outside the walls.

But are we not called to seek unity with the brethren? Absolutely, we are. Nevertheless, the basis on which we unite can never be lies, falsehoods, or (as Paul calls it) “another gospel(s).” Unity at the cost of truth is hardly commendable. Christ tells us in Matthew’s gospel that there would be some who call Him Lord, who do many mighty works in His name, but at the last day His response to them would be, “I never knew you!” This means there will be many who have appeared to be great Christians who were never truly Christian to begin with.

Christians for 2,000 years have fought to preserve the faith from the Judiazers (who sought to place the new gentile converts under the Law of Moses), the Arians and Modalists (who denied the doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ), the Libertarians (who promoted the idea that you can live ever how sinful you want because of God’s grace), the anti-Christian dogmas developed by Rome (who swerved from the doctrines of justification by faith alone, the sufficiency of Scripture alone, and many others).

A majority of the false doctrines we wrestle against today are not new, but rather just rehashed arguments springing back up. And akin to the way the writer of Hebrews says, “time would fail me to mention” all the other doctrinal controversies that have arose over the years. Folks have often supported doctrines of devils sown by the evil one in order that they may lead the flock of God astray, only to have them eventually and repeatedly uprooted by the Word of God and faithful members of the body of Christ.

What is the faith to be contended for? Who’s got it right? Everyone believes their views are correct. Most Christians are quick to acknowledge the possibility of being wrong on some things, yet when confronted with biblical arguments against any of their particular views, watch how speedily they will retreat to their own proof texts. Very seldom is one convinced that they are in fact holding to a wrong interpretation. And there is oftentimes a direct correlation between how long someone has held a belief and how willing or unwilling they are to be convinced otherwise.

Many would rather avoid confrontation altogether perfectly content with a superficial unity. Thanks be to God faithful men throughout history have been zealous of the truth willing to endure persecution, hardships, and even death for the sake of God’s elect and His Word. Had Martin Luther sought unity at the expense of truth, many cowardly Christians (who take for granted the benefits of the Reformation) would be singing Kumbaya with the Pope today!

So, apparently we have quite the dilemma on our hands, do we not? We must contend for and defend the biblical truths of the Christian faith against enemies foreign and within, in a day when everyone believes they are correct though there are thousands of Christian denominations with various beliefs. We must do so in ways which demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit that dwells in our hearts, hearts set on winning the lost and protecting the flock from drifting into error. We also must be humble and diligent, willing to listen, debate (respectfully), and acknowledge when we are wrong — all of which are monumental tasks. So how do we deal with these problems??

The answer: Ultimately, we can take great comfort in the fact that Christ is building His Church. It’s the Spirit’s job to lead and guide us into all truth, which Christ has promised He WILL do. These precious promises take much pressure off of us knowing that “the battle is the Lord’s.”

So what are we to do? What’s our job? Be diligent, vigilant, and faithful. Be in prayer continually for these matters. Put on the whole armor of God and be not ignorant of Satan’s schemes. Trust in the Lord and do not lean to your own understanding. And fully immerse yourself in Scripture, for by His Word we are sanctified, and His Word is truth.