THE WAR AT CHRISTIANS

WHAT IS WAR?

War, in its most basic sense, is a conflict between groups or nations. It involves violence, destruction, and the intent to overpower or eliminate the opposing side. War is not just a physical battle; it can also be a spiritual conflict—a battle for the soul, for truth, and for faith. The Bible describes the struggles that Christians face as a form of spiritual warfare. It's a conflict between the forces of good (God’s people) and the forces of evil (Satan and his followers). For Christians, war is not fought with weapons of this world, but with faith, prayer, and the Word of God.

DEFINING THE WORLD

The world, from a biblical perspective, is not merely the physical planet we live on. In Christianity, the world often refers to a system or way of life that is opposed to God. The world can be filled with corruption, evil, temptation, and values that distract or turn people away from the truth of God.

John 15:19 says, "If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you."

This highlights that Christians, though living in the world, are not of the world, and this separation often leads to persecution and spiritual conflict.

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

A Christian is a follower of Christ, someone who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and accepts His teachings. The term 'Christian' itself comes from the Greek word 'Christianos', meaning "follower of Christ." Christians are not merely religious people; they are people who commit their lives to following Jesus, accepting Him as their Lord and Savior, and living by His example. The word 'Christian' first appears in the Bible in Acts 11:26 (GNB): "It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians."

Christians are called to be the light of the world, spreading love, truth, and the message of salvation. However, their commitment to this higher calling often puts them in conflict with the world, leading to persecution, as Jesus warned His followers.

Let's pray;

“Heavenly father, please come take over everything and forgive me of my wrong doings. Amen.”

BIBLICAL REFERENCES TO CHRISTIANS

Here are a few references where the term 'Christian' is mentioned in the Bible (Good News Bible):

• Acts 11:26 – "It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians."
• Acts 26:28 – "In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?"
• 1 Peter 4:16 – "But if you suffer for being a Christian, don't be ashamed of it; instead, thank God that you bear Christ's name."

These verses point out that Christians, from the early days of the faith, have always faced challenges, and persecution has been a recurring theme in their history.

DANIEL 11: A PROPHETIC VISION OF CONFLICT

One of the clearest examples of biblical prophecy describing conflict and spiritual war is found in Daniel 11. In this chapter, Daniel receives a vision that outlines the struggles and wars between earthly kingdoms and the forces that oppose God. These wars are symbolic of the ongoing conflict between righteousness and evil. The entire chapter provides a detailed prophecy of battles between kings and kingdoms, leading up to a final period of great tribulation.

Daniel 11:1-45 (Good News Bible) outlines the detailed account of this spiritual and earthly conflict. It is too long to quote here in full, but it paints a picture of the constant war between God's people and the forces of darkness. As Daniel’s vision reveals, the struggle for righteousness in a fallen world is ongoing, and the faithful will face trials and persecution.

PAUL'S MESSAGES: WARNING ABOUT GIVING UP FAITH

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns Christians about the dangers of abandoning their faith in the face of persecution and temptation. Paul understood that many would face struggles that would challenge their belief. In 1 Timothy 4:1, he writes, “The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons."

Paul also speaks about Christians consuming “red meat” in Romans 14:21: "The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall." Here, Paul speaks metaphorically, warning that anything that causes a fellow believer to stumble in their faith should be avoided.

PAUL'S MESSAGE ON PERSECUTION

Paul did not shy away from speaking about persecution. In 2 Timothy 3:12, he clearly states, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Persecution, Paul knew, would be an inevitable part of the Christian walk, but he encouraged believers to endure, knowing that God would reward their faithfulness.

CHRIST’ MESSAGE ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE BEING ARRESTED AND KILLED 

Jesus Himself foretold that His followers would be persecuted, arrested, and even killed for their faith. In Matthew 24:9 (GNB), Jesus says, “Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me.” This is a stark warning to Christians that they will face trials and hardships because of their belief in Christ.

In Luke 21:12, Jesus says, “But before all these things happen, you will be arrested and persecuted; you will be handed over to be tried in synagogues and be put in prison; you will be brought before kings and rulers for my sake.” This prophecy has been fulfilled countless times throughout history, as Christians around the world have been jailed, tortured, and killed for their faith.

THE SPIRITUAL WAR FOR FAITH 

The war against Christians is not just a physical battle but a spiritual one. Christians are in a constant struggle against spiritual forces of evil. Paul, in Ephesians 6:12, writes: “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.” 

The devil's primary goal is to destroy faith and lead people away from God. Christians must be on guard, standing firm in their faith, armed with the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11). This spiritual armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.

A CALL TO STAND FIRM

The war against Christians is ongoing, both in the spiritual realm and in the physical world. It is a battle for the soul and for the truth. Throughout history, Christians have faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death, yet the message of Jesus Christ remains alive and powerful. In this war, victory is assured for those who remain faithful to God. As Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”

Christians today are called to stand firm in their faith, to fight the good fight, and to endure persecution with the knowledge that God is with them. The ultimate victory belongs to the Lord.

“Father, I give you my soul, I am a sinner, put your hands and accept my soul, take it, change my life and make it good, make my life new, help me Christ Jesus to live for you till death. Father give me the strength and courage to die for your sake, save me from death in your call, and let me to shine. Remember me in paradise, inscribe my name in the book of life; forgive me for disobeying you by worshipping on Sunday set by man government, still keep me besides you in heaven after my death. Amen.”

DIDI-OMAH AUGUSTINE CHINAZAEKPERE | 2024