Daily devotion – Onward Christian Soldiers
Since the end of WW1, there have been 260 major wars in the world. Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history.
How many people have died in war?
At least 108 million people were killed in wars in the twentieth century. Estimates for the total number killed in wars throughout all of human history range from 150 million to 1 billion.
But there is a war that has been going on since the Garden of Eden and the first man and woman. The war between Satan and God’s creation.
Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus that we are all at war as followers of Christ. No one is immune from this conflict. There is not an age poverty or disability barrier to keep us from this conflict.
Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
The armour that Paul tells us to put on as soldiers of Christ is to never be removed. There is no rest from this conflict against he who is the accuser of the brethren. Remember Satan is a liar and a destroyer. He takes no prisoners!
This conflict is a difficult one but we need to know that God sets the parameters for how far the enemy can go. We can read the book of Job to see this in action.
But the believer is not a frail weak soldier in this ongoing battle. He or she is well armed, with the sword of the Word of God. We are also empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. The armour we wear is heaven made and is built for the purpose of protecting us in all the vital areas.
Lastly, note the position of the soldier of Christ – he or she is standing throughout the heat of the battle.
The outcome of this the longest war in history remember has already been established – Satan is fighting from defeat and we are fighting from victory that our King wrought at Calvary.
There will be an end soon for the fighting in this war for the Church when it is raptured and then God will raise up once again His people Israel to assume the heat of the battle.
Until then, let us be diligent and disciplined soldiers in the army of God under the leadership of the King of kings.
1 Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
2 At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]
3 Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]
4 Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]