Topical Bible: War: The World
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction
War, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical battles, spiritual warfare, and the ultimate conflict between good and evil. The Bible provides numerous accounts of wars involving nations, individuals, and spiritual entities, reflecting the fallen nature of humanity and the cosmic struggle between God and the forces of darkness.
Old Testament Context
In the Old Testament, war is often portrayed as a means by which God executes judgment, delivers His people, or fulfills His divine purposes. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in battles to conquer the Promised Land. For instance, the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6) illustrates God's direct involvement in warfare, where the walls of the city fell after the Israelites followed God's instructions.
The Old Testament also records wars as a consequence of sin and disobedience. The Israelites faced numerous conflicts due to their failure to fully obey God's commands, leading to oppression by surrounding nations (Judges 2:14-15). The cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the book of Judges.
New Testament Perspective
The New Testament shifts the focus from physical warfare to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of the Christian's battle: "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" (Ephesians 6:12). Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:13-17).
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, taught His followers to love their enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39, 44). His teachings highlight the contrast between the world's approach to conflict and the kingdom principles of peace and reconciliation.
Eschatological War
The Bible also speaks of an ultimate war at the end of the age. The book of Revelation describes a final battle between the forces of good and evil, culminating in the return of Christ. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Jesus as a warrior king, leading the armies of heaven to defeat the beast and the kings of the earth. This eschatological war signifies the final victory of God over Satan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Theological Implications
War in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the pervasive impact of sin and the need for divine intervention. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the believer's call to engage in this battle through prayer, faith, and righteousness. The Bible assures believers of ultimate victory through Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Conclusion
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of war in the world, it ultimately points to a future where peace will reign under the sovereign rule of God. The prophetic vision of swords being beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4) reflects the hope of a restored creation, free from the ravages of war and conflict.
Nave's Topical Index
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Nave's Topical Index
1 John 5:4,5
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The End of the War
... In the family, the city, the nation, the Church, and the world, union with others ...
that we may strike some strokes for God and our fellows in the great war? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm
Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... It is also the only defense against that deadly and destructive war of
classes with which Bolshevism threatens the whole world. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... WORLD. THE MEDIAN WAR"THE LAST NATIVE DYNASTIES OF EGYPT"THE EASTERN WORLD
ON THE EVE OP THE MACEDONIAN CONQUEST. The Persians ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of.htm
The Final Conflict and Heaven a Weary Pilgrim's Song.
... Thine, O World, are war and strife,. Mocking pleasures, dying life; ... For the world
hath strife and war,. All her works and hopes they mar,. ...
/.../the final conflict and heaven 4.htm
The Flag of the World
... deserting the flag of existence. One could be at peace with the universe and
yet be at war with the world. St. George could still fight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/v the flag of the.htm
The Triumph of Humility.
... the time of Cain, up to the present moment, has declared war against God, has outwardly
been great and powerful, making a great stir in the world, and being ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section xii the triumph of humility.htm
What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ...
... the sanctuary, that he was hindered from putting an end to the war that very ... received
any disgrace, he retired from the city, without any reason in the world. ...
/.../chapter 19 what cestius did.htm
Introduction
... to danger which have marked the larger groups that have manned the ambulance units
and the war-victims' relief and reconstruction work of this world war. ...
/.../pringle/the record of a quaker conscience cyrus pringles diary/introduction.htm
Fifth Sunday after Easter. These Things have I Spoken unto You ...
... I have overcome the world. From the Gospel. [Jn.16:33]. 10,10,10,4. Christe, du
Beistand deiner Kreuzgemeine. [91]L??wenstern. During the Thirty Years' War. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/fifth sunday after easter these.htm
Peace in the Soul
... The world has just passed through a ghastly experience of war at its worst. ... A world
at war is the necessary result of human restlessness and enmities. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/i peace in the soul.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.org
Does the Bible say anything about holy war? | GotQuestions.org
War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com
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