By Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: The Bible portrays believers in different ways: members of God’s family, disciples of the Master Teacher, laborers in His vineyard, etc. One of the most powerful images is militaristic: Christ, the Captain of our salvation, leads His army into battle against the forces of darkness and error.
In the hymn, “O Church, Arise” (PHSS, no. 524), the writer refers to Christians who collectively compose the church as soldiers of the cross. Good soldiers should be active in their service, willing to suffer hardship, and seeking first the kingdom in their daily life to be pleasing to the Lord who enlisted them (2 Tim. 2:3-4). Paul speaks of Epaphroditus, his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier in the Lord’s army (Phil. 2:25). He was also a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. These attributes made him a good soldier—one who could both promote and defend the cause of Christ. We all are called in service to be soldiers of Jesus Christ. This call to be saved in service is through the message preached. This message of Christ crucified, the gospel, is full of power and wisdom and is stronger than men (1 Cor. 1:21-25; Rom. 1:16).
As soldiers of the cross, we must put on the whole armor of God in order to wage war against the devil. We look to the captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, to lead us to glory (Heb. 2:10). In Ephesians 6:10-17, we learn of the weapons of our warfare and who we wage war against. Relying upon the power of God’s might, we can be strong (v. 10). The armor that God provides gives us the ability to stand against Satan’s crafty devices (v. 11). Our battle is against the spiritual world forces of darkness and wickedness that are led by the devil (v. 12). With full armor, we can stand firm and be strong (v. 13). We stand with our waist girded with truth and wearing the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14). This is defensive armor to protect our heart. Our feet are shod with the gospel of peace, so we can go forward in spreading the word (v. 15). We take up the shield of faith to defend against the fiery darts of Satan (v. 16). We are preparing to battle!
Good soldiers, obedient believers, show sincere, fervent love for brethren (1 Pet. 1:22-23). This battle cry of love for one another covers a multitude of sins, as we reach out to those in darkness and they turn to God (1 Pet. 4:8; Jas. 5:20). Donning our helmet, the hope of salvation, we advance into battle, and are destined to victory through Jesus if we stand and fight, and don’t give place to the devil (1 Thess. 5:8-9; Eph. 4:27). Wielding the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, we wage war against the enemy (Eph. 6:17) and seek to turn wounded hearts to the Lord. This word of God judges our thoughts and intentions (Heb. 4:12). Will we be obedient to its commandments and win the victory? Will we be disobedient and suffer defeat?
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 prevailed through trials—conquered kingdoms, quenched the power of fire, became mighty in war, put armies to flight, and from weakness were made strong—all by the strength given by God. Having a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, the chosen of God are protected by Him through their faith. Though distressed by trials, they are tested, resulting in praise, honor, and glory (1 Pet. 1:3-7). Condemnation brought on by sin is swallowed up in victory through Christ’s death (1 Cor. 15:54-57). Through belief in the Savior born of God, we can overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). Tribulation, persecution, peril, or sword cannot separate us from the love of Him who died for us. We will overwhelmingly conquer with Christ as our Captain and King (Rom. 8:35-39). He will receive the conquering nations as His inheritance (Ps. 2:8).
Love and mercy meet at the cross where God’s Son was stricken. God loved the world so much that He willingly gave His Only Begotten Son to die on the cruel tree for our sins. We deserve to perish and yet, God mercifully offers a means of salvation through belief in His Son (John 3:16). Grace and truth are realized through Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:17, 29). The grace of God appears, bringing salvation to all. As we live godly lives, we have a blessed hope of one day seeing Jesus, who gave Himself for us (Titus 2:11-14).
Through His resurrection, Christ was victorious over Satan. Genesis 3:15 provides the first prophecy of this triumph. As the seed of woman, Jesus Christ would bruise the serpent on the head—a triumphant death blow. Satan had bruised Jesus on the heel by His death on the cross. Yet, even this seeming success was short-lived: Christ the Conqueror arose! Ultimately, Satan will be crushed for eternity by the God of peace (Rom. 16:20). Through Christ, we can have confidence in victory. Christ rides victoriously for the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness and His foes are vanquished (Ps. 45:3-5). The victors look forward to the day when every eye will see Him coming in the clouds (Rev. 1:7). The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then, the faithful who remain will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air and forever be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
We should run life’s race with strength that the Lord provides through His word and in prayer. In every circumstance, we must learn to be content in trial through the grace God that provides (Phil. 4:11-13). Run to win the prize. Exercise self-control in all things and discipline your words and deeds, attitudes and actions. Run the race with endurance (1 Cor. 9:24-27). “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14 KJV). Surrounded by a cloud of faithful witnesses gone before, we hear of previous victories. So, do not let the hurdles of life burden you and entangle you again in sin. Fix your eyes on Jesus and do not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:1-3). Have a hope of standing in His glorious presence for eternity, having won the victory through Him.
