Warfare

God has a unique perspective on war that goes beyond the physical realm. As humans, we often engage in battles and conflicts, both on a personal and global scale. However, God sees warfare from a spiritual standpoint as well.

In fact, the origins of war can be traced back to the spiritual realm. The Bible tells us that there was a great rebellion in heaven led by an angel named Lucifer who sought to overthrow God and take His place as the ultimate authority (Isaiah 14:12-15).

This spiritual battle between good and evil continues on earth, where Satan, formerly known as Lucifer, is actively working to deceive people and turn them against God. Jesus Himself referred to the devil as “the ruler of this world” ( John 12:31) and warned that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).

As a result, physical wars and conflicts are often fueled by spiritual forces at work behind the scenes. In Ephesians 6:12, we are reminded that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

God also makes it clear that He is ultimately in control of all battles, both physical and spiritual. In Isaiah 54:16-17, He declares, “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” This reminds us that even in the midst of war and conflict, God is still sovereign and His plans will ultimately prevail.

But does this mean that war is always necessary and justified? The answer is not a simple one. While there are certainly times when God commands His people to engage in physical battles, such as in the Old Testament, He also calls for peace and reconciliation whenever possible (Romans 12:18). Jesus Himself preached a message of love and forgiveness, even towards enemies.

Ultimately, it is important for us to seek wisdom and discernment from God in any situation involving war or conflict. We must also remember that our ultimate battle is not against other human beings, but against spiritual forces of darkness. As Christians, our weapon is not physical, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4). With this knowledge and understanding, we can approach the topic of war with a sober and informed perspective, seeking God’s will above all else. So let us stand firm in our faith and pray for peace, both physically and spiritually, in a world filled with war. As Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Let this be our prayer as we navigate the complexities of war and conflict, knowing that God is ultimately in control and His ultimate desire is for peace among all nations. So let us put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) and be prepared to fight not just physical battles, but also spiritual ones, with the power and guidance of our Heavenly Father. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. So let us continue to seek His wisdom, strength, and love as we navigate through a world filled with war, knowing that He is with us always (Isaiah 41:10). This is the unique perspective of God on physical and spiritual warfare, backed by scriptures. Let us hold onto this truth and trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of chaos and conflict. Let us pray for peace, but also be ready to fight the good fight with God on our side. Amen.