2nd Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth that we need not buy guns and other types of weaponry in the battle against evil, for as the above passage states, our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual. There are those who have taken the doomsday scenario to another level, and have gone so far as to stock up on ammunition and protective gear in preparation for some cataclysmic event. But according to the above passage, the true Christian will be found stocking up on faith and truth as being essential to penetrating the final frontier in the battle against sin and self, hence the reason why our focus is not on survival, but on surrender to the Lord Jesus. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
One of the very first pieces mentioned in the armor of God is "Truth" and this is no coincidence, for in the spiritual battle that is now being fought over the sacred marriage institution, the word of God must be used as a double-edged sword, in both a defensive and offensive manner. When soldiers are sent into the battlefield to fight, their focus is not merely to defend their country's interest, but also to put their enemies to flight. Similarly, in the warfare between good and evil, between truth and error, our focus as Christians is not merely to stand in defense of truth and duty, but also to put the hosts of darkness to flight, so that those who once sat in darkness can presently be liberated through the atoning blood of Christ.
On one occasion the forces of darkness presumed upon the scribes and pharisees to send officers to arrest Jesus. But when the officers arrived on the scene, complete with handcuffs and warrants in hand, they met Christ delivering some of the most sublime truths ever uttered, and these men became so entranced as they listened to the words of life, that they forgot about their mission and began seriously considering the truths that were being presented. This unforeseen reaction of theirs so infuriated the chief priests and elders that they now found it necessary to administer a verbal chastisement, since they saw that they were in danger of losing some of their very own to Christ. Let's read:
John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
In the current battle between the commandments of God and the laws of men, as Christians, we are only authorized to use the same spiritual weapons that Christ used, which are truth, faith, prayer, the preparation of the gospel, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of The Spirit, which is the word of God. In the wilderness of temptation, as Christ battled satan single-handedly, He again vanquished his arch-enemy with "It is written", and when the devil had run out of bullets, he was forced to retreat into "Neverland", since he sustained serious damage from the sword of The Spirit.
In like manner when we are tempted to resort to the use of arms in the warfare against sin, let us remember to follow in Christ's footsteps, for we are battling an invisible foe, and it's only invisible weapons that can be used in gaining the victory. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that our confidence be in Christ and His word, because we can live victoriously if the Spirit of God rules in our hearts. Let's read:
1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!