#1. The Field Surveyed.


In this opening article we must explain the general scope of the series, and the object we have in view.

Behind all the enmity that belongs to the world of human history, lies the greater and deeper enmity that exists in the spiritual world. In these studies we shall attempt to survey this conflict of the ages, and seek to discover the respective goals that the conflicting parties have in view. By examining Israel’s history we shall obtain many sidelights on our subject, and we shall discover in the demands made upon the loyal citizens of an earthly kingdom, something analogous to the demands made by the Captain of our salvation. On the negative side, we shall learn a good deal about the character of the great Enemy by studying the careers of such men as Pharaoh, Abimelech, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar and Sennacherib. We shall also receive help by considering the events associated with the Exodus from Egypt, the Jordan, Jericho, the conquest under Joshua, and the overcoming record of Caleb. Furthermore, we shall perceive the relation which the three great callings bear to this conflict of the ages, and particularly that of the dispensation of the Mystery.

It will also be necessary to examine “the weapons of our warfare”, both defensive and offensive, and we must also learn with whom we should and should not fight. Moreover, the nature of the final victory must be included in our survey, as well as an understanding of the essential nature of scriptural peace. There will also be many pointed lessons to be learnt from the conditions, limitations and demands imposed upon the world by reason of the present conflict, as compared with the corresponding conditions, limitations and demands that concern “the good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

If we can accomplish this purpose, we shall feel that in some degree, however small, we have “redeemed the time” and turned the present distress to our spiritual advantage. We have adopted the words of Rev. xii. 7 as the title of the series, because we feel that this “war in heaven”, in which Michael and his angels fought against the Devil and his angels, was reflected in the conflict that raged upon the earth.

In the Book of Kings, when the servant of the man of God saw the host of chariots and horses that encompassed the city, he cried: “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” (II Kings vi. 15). The young man saw nothing beyond the encompassing host of Syrians, but his master, Elisha, saw the heavenly host as well, and he replies: “Fear not: For they that be with us are more than they that are with them” (II Kings vi. 16). Whether this statement would have been received by the young man, without proof or argument we do not know. We read, however, that Elisha “prayed”, saying, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see”, and as a result: “He saw: and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (II Kings vi. 17).

There is an analogy, we believe, between earthly and heavenly warfare, and if the Lord will open our eyes to see, we too shall be able to perceive this most instructive parallel. Before, however, we can appreciate this analogy and draw useful lessons from the conditions imposed upon us by the present conflict, it will be necessary to become acquainted with the teaching of Scripture regarding the spiritual warfare that is going on continuously, whether the conditions at the time are those of “peace” or “war”. This, then, must be our first concern. After we have surveyed the conflict of the ages, and perceived something of its character, we can then make our comparisons profitably. For the moment, the analogy must wait while we acquaint ourselves with the teaching of Scripture. It is clear from Scripture that man was not the originator of the enmity and strife that have invaded his domain, and our first quest must be to discover who are the chief antagonists in that vast conflict in which he is involved.

Let these opening word, then, suffice as an introduction to this great theme, and as an indication of the line of study we shall hope to pursue. We sincerely trust that, as a result of becoming more intimately acquainted with the nature, conditions, and end of this great spiritual conflict, the reader will be the better fitted “to stand in the evil day”, and will be comforted and helped during the days of darkness that have descended upon the warring nations.

(From The Berean Expositor, Volume 31, page 178).

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