Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Spiritual Warfare in John, Ephesians, and Revelation

Joshua Lamb

241: NT Biblical Theology

April 17, 2015

Introduction

The Christian life can at so many times feel like a battle. Progress feels slow and hard, only to be lost in moments of pride, anger, lust, or fear. The reason the Christian life feels like a battle, is because it is a battle. Throughout the New Testament, the life of a believer is described in terms of warfare. With this understanding, we begin to ask the right questions. What is the mission? What are my resources? Who are the allies and who are the enemies? What are the conditions for victory? These are questions with definite answers. This paper examines the descriptions of spiritual warfare found in the Gospel of John, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the Revelation of John in order to provide an orientation to this often under-utilized doctrine.

Gospel of John

In a list of classic passages on spiritual warfare, the Gospel of John is unlikely to be listed. From the perspective of modern culture, the reason is understandable: there are no “offensive” miracles such as demon exorcisms in the entire book. Herein is the first misunderstanding that must be corrected. It is easy to think of spiritual warfare as a showy or miraculous display of visible divine power to repel dark forces. While this does occur several times in the New Testament, it is a narrow-sighted understanding of all that is contained in spiritual warfare. It would be similar to stating that an Army is only the individual fights involved, without mentioning the doctrine, training, mission, supplies, or intelligence. Understanding that spiritual warfare involves much more than exorcisms allows us to approach the Gospel of John with more eagerness. Using the lens of spiritual warfare, it is clear that the book offers more in this area than would appear at first glance. The book discusses three main themes related to spiritual warfare, authority, abiding and healing.

The first major theme of authority is evident throughout the book. The “I AM” statements of Jesus are a major thread woven through chapter after chapter. Jesus identifies Himself as the True Light, Living Water, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth, The Life, and many other titles. It can be inferred that if Jesus is one way, one leader, one kingdom – that there must be another also. The Gospel makes this inference explicit in both chapter 8 and chapter 15. Jesus states “… If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” (John 8:31) before moving on to show in later verses that those who reject Him are those that belong to the devil. There is a clear division that is stated here. There are two kingdoms, and two heads of these kingdoms. You either belong to the Father or you belong to the devil. The Gospel of John answers a most fundamental question relating to spiritual warfare, “What are the sides?”.

The second major theme is that of abiding. While it is important to know the sides of the battle, it is also important to know how to stay on that side. History is scattered with examples of traitors, deserters, spies, and mercenaries. There are also the forgotten, the missing-in-action, and the prisoners of war. How can a soldier in the spiritual battle be kept from many deadly fates? John’s book records the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Because of this prayer it is evident that the child of God is kept, has been given the Word, will continue to be kept, will be commissioned, and is joined in fellowship with God. The believer is bound up with God in Christ and so abides with Him in an unbreakable bond. This abiding identity securely anchors the spiritual warrior to the kingdom of heaven, removing the possibility of the ugly examples listed above. What prevents someone from becoming a Judas and fighting for the wrong side? Abiding in Christ. What prevents someone from getting lost and left behind on the battle field? Abiding in Christ. What stops someone from turning into a mercenary and fighting for their own interests above those of the kingdom of heaven? Abiding in Christ.

The third major theme is that of healing. In many ways, healing accomplishes things similar to exorcism. Whereas exorcism removes the influences of the curse in evil spirits, healing removes the effects of sin’s curse upon mankind. Healing shows forth the power of God to bring about restoration. John records healings of the sick, invalid, lame, and dead. It is here in the Gospel that we see most clearly the qualitative difference between exorcism and healings. Exorcisms show God’s power, and healings show God’s heart. We see through healings not only that Jesus has power over the kingdom of darkness, but that His kingdom truly is the kingdom of light. In this way, the book addresses a core issue of spiritual warfare, morale. To see clearly the nobility, justice, goodness, and mercy of heaven’s kingdom is to be invigorated to press on in the spiritual battle. To know that the King is honorable and the cause is merciful causes renewed vigor in the midst of the darkness of the front lines.

In conclusion, while the Gospel of John is not the foremost text of Scripture on spiritual warfare, it establishes a base of understanding. It clearly delineates the battle lines, establishes the authority of Christ, teaches how to abide in Christ, and shows His power and prerogative to heal. John presents a compelling description of the King and the kingdom that we are fighting for.

Ephesians

The classic text of spiritual warfare is undoubtedly Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It is commonly known that chapter six of the letter describes the “Armor of God”. What is easily skipped over is that the letter as a whole functions in many ways as a battle plan. The US military has a framework for battle plans that it refers to as the Operational Order (OPORD). This document breaks down all aspects of military operation including a thorough description of the mission, the authority, and the specific objectives. The document then further takes input from members of each “staff section” including personnel, intelligence, operations, supply, and communications. This one document contains every piece of information necessary for understanding the specifics of any particular mission. It is the basis for what will be utilized in all training and drills leading up to a trial run of the mission before it is performed in real life. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians contains many of the same components. Paul particularly emphasizes the mission, the battlefield preparation, and the fight.

The Mission

The opening section of Paul’s letter serves as an orientation to the battle and covers several elements that are contained in a warfare battle plan. Paul’s opening chapters contain the mission statement, the authority, a definition of forces, and an objective statement.

Firstly, the mission statement contained in the opening chapter is “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” (Ephesians 1:10). The clear call that God has purposed to unite all things in Christ under a universal kingship is recorded. Additionally, the Holy Spirit is given as a seal and a promise. Those who engage in earthly battle may be aware their side has a clear advantage in the fight, but victory is rarely a complete certainty. However, in spiritual battle there is a certain victory, and it is assured by the promise and the seal of the Holy Spirit. This means those who fight spiritual battles can have more morale, for the hope of victory is more certain for them than it is for the earthly warrior.

Secondly, the authority of Christ is set forth in the final four verses of the opening chapter. Christ occupies a place “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” (Ephesians 1:21). The commander-in-chief and the captain of our salvation is clearly seen as the one who bears all authority to command the armies of the kingdom of heaven.

Thirdly, we see a definition of forces. Any battle plan will outline the forces that are ordered to participate in the conflict. Paul sets forth a sketch of who the kingdom of heaven consists of. He states that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens (Ephesians 2:19). Why does citizenship matter? Because it is the citizenship of a soldier that drives his fighting. Whether or not a soldier is drafted or a volunteer, his day-by-day compulsion to serve is based on his citizenship to his country. It is for his country and the people in it that he fights. It is from there he left, and to there he longs again to return.

Lastly, the opening chapters contain a statement of the objective. There is a difference in Ephesians between the mission statement “to unite all things in Christ” and the objective statement. The objective statement answers the question “what are we seeking in the accomplishment of the mission?”. Another way to distinguish between the two is that the mission statement states the end goal, but the objective statement is the reason behind the goal. So what is the objective statement of Ephesians? Paul states that the objective is peace. It is the common objective behind all noble wars, that aggression would cease and the land have peace once more. It seems paradoxical, and is yet true, that a fighter is attempting to work himself out of his profession. He fights, with the objective that fighting would cease. However, Paul makes a statement that is more expansive than a military battle plan ever could. He says not only that Christ is the bringer of peace, but that Christ is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). This gives the spiritual warrior a huge advantage over the earthly warrior. The spiritual soldier realizes and experiences the objective of war in the present conflict. The earthly warrior can only taste peace once the hard task of fighting has been accomplished, and only if victory has been secured. The spiritual warrior has the assurance of victory in the present, and also the peace of that victory. This peace is not simply because the battle has been won, but that the commander who won the battle is in His person the source of peace. Jesus is the well of peace who offers Himself to the continual refreshment and encouragement of the war-weary and tired soldier. He provides in substance what an earthly commander could not even dare promise on paper. The experience of Christ as our peace provides both the objective and the spiritual encouragement to fight until the mission of putting all things in subjection under His feet is realized.

The Battlefield Preparation

The middle section of Ephesians breaks down all of the components of battlefield preparation. Who are the allies? Who trains the soldiers to fight? What armor is available? All of these questions are systematically addressed in Paul’s letter upon close inspection.

Initially, we see the distinguishing between the allies and the enemy. Paul states that both Jews and Gentiles are on the same side and belong to the same kingdom (Ephesians 3:6). A classification of people into the kingdom of God might presuppose that the enemy would also be a certain people group or nation. However, this is not the case. The enemies of our warfare are not flesh and blood, but powers and principalities.

Furthermore, we see that our trainers are the prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. In the military this group would be referred to as “cadre”. The cadre are people who have gone before and have the experience and expertise to pass on to young and inexperienced soldiers. This is typically denoted by a special modification to the uniform such as unique headgear. An example of this would be airborne school, in which the cadre wear a black baseball cap and are referred to accordingly as “black hats”. There is a ready parallel between cadre and prophets, both possessing a special teaching role and unique authority to steward and herald teaching to the next generation.

Lastly, we see the crowning step in battlefield preparation – the armor. Just as an earthly warrior dons the armor and weapons of war, so must the spiritual warrior¹. The description of the armor appropriately begins with the belt of truth. Two characteristics are unique to the belt of truth: it is always worn, and it binds everything else. The lesson here is that we must always have a firm apprehension and grasp of the truth of God as it is in many ways the foundational piece of armor on which all else attaches. Anyone whose belt has come loose knows well the experience of being “out of the fight” and unable to perform anything else until it is fixed. So it is spiritually, that a loosening on the hold of truth ceases spiritual progress.

The second piece listed is the breastplate of righteousness. Gurnall notes in his classic work that the key of the breastplate is that it protects vital organs, such as the heart. He states further that this piece should be considered the righteousness of Christ which is imputed to the believer through Christ’s sacrifice². This means that the believer is protected and assured that no weapon of the enemy can cause him fatal harm. He may be wounded many times in the battle, but the breastplate protects him from complete destruction, because of God’s righteousness given to him.

The third piece of armor consists of the shoes of gospel readiness. The Scriptures refer elsewhere to feet in relation to the gospel. Isaiah declares “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7). This concept is also reinforced in the New Testament by Paul in Romans 10:15, where the same forward-leaning and eager spirit permeates the passage. Whereas the other pieces of armor are listed from a “static” posture, the footwear is listed in an “active” manner. This connotes the anticipation we should have to run and bring the good news. The illustration of a regiment of soldiers running onto the battlefield demonstrates the meaning of this piece of armor. The footwear carries the soldier into battle, and likewise it is the cause of the gospel that brings us into spiritual battle. This readiness with which we fight communicates something of the kingdom of heaven. We don’t trudge and drag feet into battle, we are ready and eager. Only soldiers with high morale who are invigorated and refreshed move forward with readiness into the fight, and so it should be with soldiers whose feet are covered by the readiness of the gospel of peace.

The fourth piece of armor is the shield of faith. Paralleling the shields of Roman soldiers, faith protects the whole Christian from frontal assault. Crouching behind the shield would provide full coverage for a Roman soldier, and stacking shields together would yield a cumulative effect to protect from arrows. Ephesians states that the shield can extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one. Charles Simeon notes how the description of the flaming dart symbolizes how the lies of the enemy cause a fire of destruction in the soul³. Where a physical shield might burn, the shield of faith remains strong. Two things become evident here: the arrows do come, and mutual faith truly strengthens. While the passage lists that faith can extinguish the fiery darts (lies and attacks) of the evil one, it nowhere mentions that the attacks don’t come. This is crucial to understand not only for this piece of armor, but also for the whole set. Wearing the armor does not prevent attacks from coming. The arrows of the devils lies and accusations will come against the child of God, the question is will the Christian wear the armor or not. Finally, we learn that mutual faith is strengthening. The stacking of shields serves to greatly strengthen the body of Christ from the attacks of the enemy. It is the bond of mutual faith between brothers and sisters that can serve to protect from volleys of the enemy’s fiery darts.

The fifth piece listed is the helmet of salvation. Just as the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness protects the heart, so the salvation of God protects the brain. Both vital parts are secured by Christ’s work and merit alone. When the devil attempts to confuse the mind of the believer that he does not truly belong to Christ because of his unworthiness, the helmet of salvation protects his mind. The protection of salvation gives the believer confidence to hold his head high in the midst of battle and shun discouragement.

The sixth and final piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit. Gurnall notes that the sword represents both the Son as the incarnate Word, and the declarative Word. Additionally, it is the only piece of the armor designed strictly for offensive use. The Scriptures elsewhere describe the Word in both of these senses of meaning. The declarative Word as a sword is enlarged in Hebrews “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). The second sense of meaning is listed in the book of Revelation where it describes Christ as having a sword to strike down the nations, and a piercing gaze.

All of the armor pieces together are provided by God, but need to be worn and used by the believer. The armory of heaven is provided to the believer for this spiritual war. Knowing the mission and the preparing for the battlefield leaves only one thing remaining – the fight!

The Fight

Soldiers in the fight need supplies and weapons, but they also need to be urged and exhorted. The closing chapters of Ephesians contain directives, urgings, and exhortations to prayer.

The directives listed by Paul are to redeem the time and to not associate with the enemy. It is well known that soldiers often have long stretches of free time in between missions. Many fill it up with watching movies, reading, playing music, or games. This is true of the spiritual warrior as well. While there is a sense in which attacks can take place at any moment, there is also an overall tenor of waiting on the Lord. How must this time be used? Paul answers that the time must be redeemed and taken up with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:16-19). He also warns against associating with the enemy. The worst thing that a soldier could be is a traitor and a double-agent. His admonishment is clear not to associate with the kingdom of darkness when we belong to the kingdom of light.

The closing chapters also make two exhortations that are particularly invigorating for soldiers in the spiritual battle. The first is to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, the second is to “Stand!” We are reminded that our conduct in all matters reflects what the kingdom of God is like, and that our failings put a stain on the reputation of the Gospel and of Christ. We must then walk in a way that shows forth the purity and excellence of the kingdom. In the military this is referred to as “military bearing”, an attitude and a demeanor of excellence. We are also exhorted to stand. This is the opening exhortation before the listing of the armor of God. It is the instruction for what we must do with the armor on – stand. It is both an instruction and a battle cry.

In the final verses, Paul then admonishes believers to prayer. The statement is emphatic – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:18). From the perspective of spiritual warfare, prayer functions as a communications link to God. A soldier without a means of communication to his higher command is almost useless on the battlefield. The result of no contact is chaos. Prayer is an essential element in conducting spiritual warfare and not allowing the enemy to gain a foothold.

In summary, the letter to the Ephesians sets forth a complete description of the mission, the steps to battlefield preparation, and key exhortations for the fight. We know that the mission is to unite all things in Christ. We have been given cadre, training, and armor. Therefore, it is imperative that we make use of the training, don the armor, stand, and pray.

Revelation

In the last book of the Bible we see the finality of spiritual warfare. Revelation gives us a clear vision of the war that is taking place, as well as how it will spectacularly end. It is this vision which serves to give the spiritual warrior strength to fight to the end, knowing that victory is assured. Revelation sets forth God’s decrees, describes the war, and reveals the heavenly city.

God’s decrees

Throughout the book, we see the centrality of God’s immovable decree in the future events of the world. Jesus is the one who has been given authority over all things, an authority which He exercises against God’s enemies without hesitation. Jesus is clearly shown to be the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8, 5:9, 22:13)⁴. There is not even a hint in Revelation that the future plan of God is at risk or somehow outside of His control⁵. Not only do these events come to pass, but God is repeatedly praised for His true judgment in the events of the world (Revelation 17:14).

The War

The main conflict in Revelation is between God and His enemies. There is a league between Satan and Babylon, the beast and the prostitute. We see that the enemy is the one who has declared and initiated war against God. Stunningly, God allows the beast to make war on the saints and to kill them (Revelation 13:7)⁶. The history of the world is in God’s grasp, and he allows the enemy to “succeed” for awhile according to His good purposes. This provides much encouragement to saints in our own day, who in places like Nigeria experience this warfare almost daily. The saints are not perishing because God is weak, but rather because He is strong and wise to bring events perfectly in line with His will.

One of the biggest surprises in Revelation is the great treason committed by the beast (17:16-17). The league of darkness is broken up when the beast attacks Babylon. Satan’s true colors are revealed. Throughout human history, Satan presented himself as an ally to the powers of the world and against God. However, in the act of destroying Babylon he reveals his hatred and desire to destroy man as well. Satan is on his own side, hating God and seeking mankind’s annihilation. Jesus defeats both Satan and Babylon thoroughly and finally. He rides forth, leading the armies of heaven, to destroy the kingdom of darkness.

Returning home

As the kingdom of darkness turns on itself and crumbles, we see the kingdom of light rise in the foreground. As Babylon collapses into dust, the New Jerusalem descends out of heaven. The vision of the holy city is painted in Revelation 21-22. There will be no wickedness in this city, no diseases, no crying, no hunger, no thirst, no lack, no darkness. This city will be bright and bountiful, not because the sun will shine and cause fertility but because God Himself will be the light. The saints will have their most desired moment. They will look upon the face of God – forever!

Revelation then closes with three important elements which pertain to spiritual warfare: the revealing, the announcement, and the invitation. Jesus reveals that He has sent His angels for the purpose of showing the saints what the future holds. This vision gives them strength and encouragement to press on in the midst of the war, knowing that each step they take in the battle brings them closer to the great city of God. They can press on and remove hindrances in their way to this great city which they are destined to reside in.

The announcement is proclaimed once more that Jesus is coming soon. This is not only a future, it is an imminent future (Revelation 22:7, 22:12, 22:20). He has ascended to prepare the place where He will reside with His saints. Surely He will return, the history of the world is all propelling faster and faster towards this spectacular moment.

Finally, the invitation goes forth. Who will come to this great city? It’s gates are open for the one that seeks after Christ. Babylon’s readers have a chance to move before this takes place. Will they forsake all their wickedness and desire righteousness? It is both an invitation to those who desire to come, and a warning to those that do not⁷. Will they spurn this call? The invitation is clear and sincere, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17).

In summary, the book of Revelation shows that end result of spiritual warfare – Christ’s return, Christ’s victory over the kingdom of darkness, and Christ’s eternal union with His people in the New Jerusalem. This is the future and the vision of home. This is the country and the King that believers fight for on the battlefield⁸.

Conclusion

The combination of all three books produce a thorough understanding of spiritual warfare. In John, we see Christ as the great I AM who has all authority. We see the need to abide in Him and to take His yoke upon us. In Ephesians, we are given the battle plan. The mission, the steps of preparation, and the equipment are imparted to the warrior of Christ. We hear the exhortation to “Stand!” echo in our ears. In Revelation, we see the vision of the war and its glorious end. We see our King and our beloved homeland. Put together, we have everything we need to encourage us to stand firm in the faith, resist the wiles of the devil, stay connected to Christ, and look forward with eager anticipation to His imminent return!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bradley, Charles. Sermons on some of the trials, duties, and encouragements,of the Christian life. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. and T. Hatchard, 1853.

Edwards, Jonathan, Sereno Edwards Dwight, and Edward Hickman. The works of Jonathan Edwards. Edinburgh ; Carlisle, Pa: Banner of Truth Trust, 1974.

Gurnall, William. The Christian in complete armour: a treatise of the saints’ war against the devil: wherein a discovery is madeof that grand enemy of God and his people, in his policies,power, seat of his empire, wickedness, and chief design hehath against the saints: a magazine opened, from whence the Christian is furnished with spiritual arms for the battle, helped on with his armour, and taught the use of his weapon: together with the happy issue of the whole war. Edinburgh ; Carlisle, Pa: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.

Large, James. Two hundred and eighty titles and symbols of Christ. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1959.

Longman, Tremper, and David E. Garland, eds. The expositor’s Bible commentary. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2005.

Metzger, Bruce M., David Allan Hubbard, and Glenn W. Barker, eds. Word biblical commentary. Waco, Tex: Word Books, 1982.

Moreau, A. Scott. Spiritual warfare: 12 studies for individuals or groups. Fisherman Bible Studyguide. Wheaton, Ill: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1995.

Simeon, Charles. The Christian, his conflicts, and his armour : an exposition of Ephesians 6. 10-18 / Charles Simeon with a brief account of his life and times by D. A. Thompson. Weybridge, Surrey: Bible Christian Unity Fellowship, 1950.

¹. A. Scott Moreau, *Spiritual warfare: 12 studies for individuals or ↩

groups*, Fisherman Bible Studyguide (Wheaton, Ill: Harold Shaw
Publishers, 1995), 54.

². William Gurnall, *The Christian in complete armour: a treatise of ↩

the saints’ war against the devil: wherein a discovery is madeof
that grand enemy of God and his people, in his policies,power, seat
of his empire, wickedness, and chief design hehath against the
saints: a magazine opened, from whence the Christian is furnished
with spiritual arms for the battle, helped on with his armour, and
taught the use of his weapon: together with the happy issue of the
whole war* (Edinburgh ; Carlisle, Pa: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002).

³. Charles Simeon, *The Christian, his conflicts, and his armour : an ↩

exposition of Ephesians 6. 10-18 / Charles Simeon with a brief
account of his life and times by D. A. Thompson.* (Weybridge,
Surrey: Bible Christian Unity Fellowship, 1950), 82.

⁴. Tremper Longman and David E. Garland, eds., *The expositor’s Bible ↩

commentary*, Rev. ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2005), 13:601.

⁵. Charles Bradley, *Sermons on some of the trials, duties, and ↩

encouragements,of the Christian life* (London: Hamilton, Adams, and
Co. and T. Hatchard, 1853), 357.

⁶. James Large, Two hundred and eighty titles and symbols of Christ ↩

(Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1959), 263.

⁷. Jonathan Edwards, Sereno Edwards Dwight, and Edward Hickman, *The ↩

works of Jonathan Edwards* (Edinburgh ; Carlisle, Pa: Banner of
Truth Trust, 1974), 2:210.

⁸. Bruce M. Metzger, David Allan Hubbard, and Glenn W. Barker, eds., ↩

*Word biblical commentary* (Waco, Tex: Word Books, 1982), 52c:1153.