Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of war is often intertwined with the spiritual battle against the devil, who is depicted as the ultimate adversary of God and His people. The devil, also known as Satan, is portrayed as a fallen angel who opposes God's purposes and seeks to lead humanity astray.Origin and Nature of the Devil The devil's origin is alluded to in passages such as Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, which describe the fall of a once-glorious being due to pride and rebellion against God. Although these passages primarily address the kings of Babylon and Tyre, they are traditionally interpreted as symbolic of Satan's fall. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the devil as a "murderer from the beginning" and "the father of lies" (John 8:44), highlighting his deceitful and destructive nature. The Devil's Role in Spiritual Warfare The Bible presents the devil as the instigator of spiritual warfare, seeking to undermine God's kingdom and deceive believers. Ephesians 6:11-12 exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the spiritual dimension of the battle against the devil, emphasizing the need for divine protection and strength. The Devil's Tactics Throughout Scripture, the devil employs various tactics to achieve his ends. In Genesis 3, he appears as a serpent to tempt Eve, casting doubt on God's word and enticing her to sin. In the New Testament, he tempts Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to divert Him from His mission (Matthew 4:1-11). The devil is also described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), illustrating his relentless pursuit of those who follow Christ. Victory Over the Devil Despite the devil's power and influence, the Bible assures believers of ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This victory is further affirmed in Revelation 12:10-11 , where it is proclaimed that "the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down," and believers overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." The Devil's Final Defeat The Bible foretells the devil's final defeat and judgment. Revelation 20:10 describes the ultimate fate of the devil: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This passage assures believers that the devil's reign of terror will come to an end, and God's justice will prevail. In summary, the Bible presents the devil as a formidable adversary in the spiritual war against God's people. However, through faith in Christ and reliance on God's power, believers are equipped to stand firm against his schemes and look forward to his ultimate defeat. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 2:11 Ephesians 1:12 James 4:7 1 Peter 5:8 Revelation 12:17 Library Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ... The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon, Rev. 12 7 The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon. Rev. 12 ... Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest ... Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil. The War in Heaven. That Injuries and Penalties of Persecutions are not to be Feared ... War! War! War! For those who First, when the Persecution Waxed Warm... The Interior Castle, or The Mansions Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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