God’s Word makes it VERY clear that the follower of God is NOT to pick up or use earthly–physical–weapons.
“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
–Matthew 26:51-52
“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
–Revelation 13:10
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
–Genesis 9:6
“He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.”
–Exodus 21:12
(It matters not whether the follower of God relies on an individual weapon OR on multiple weapons.
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
–Isaiah 31:1
Okay.
So, IF one cannot rely on ordinary weapons to defend himself and family, then what is the follower of God to do?
God’s Word is NOT shy on this point.
Like so many other things of God, man is to rely on SPIRITUAL weapons–that is, man will have to learn to depend on that which he CANNOT see or touch.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.”
–2CORINTHIANS 10:3-7
Like FAITH, the follower of God will HAVE to learn to depend on that which he cannot see.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
–Hebrews 11:1
What are the weapons of our warfare?
God’s Word not only tells us the answer, it tells us WHY we should employ them.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
–Ephesians 6:10-18
A number of Americans, having grown up in a gun culture, feel more secure with a loaded gun in their hands. BUT, this is a deception during the end times.
Regardless of what God’s Word warns the reader about the complete uselessness of earthly weapons, what if that which a man may be up against may not be hurt by earthly, physical weapons?
PERHAPS, one’s enemy may only be subdued by spiritual weapons?
SO, IF the reader goes off on his own and grabs a gun (or a sword or a pike or a club or a…), he may regret that those weapons are NOT as effective as he had been led to believe.
Which is one more GOOD reason to follow the directives of God’s Word–though they may seem to be worthless.
God does NOT warn man using His Word in order to entrap man in some scam.
God warns man in order that man will pay attention and escape the worst that might happen.
[Yes, we know all about the advice of Jesus in Luke 22.
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”
–Luke 22:36-38
BUT, Jesus was advising His disciples on a SPECIFIC point–not a general one.]
The moral?
During the end times (and ALL times), use SPIRITUAL weapons–NOT PHYSICAL ones.
WHAT does the reader believe?
It is not YET too late–although time is surely running out: there is still a LITTLE time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
—1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
A Reminder: The Gospel is Simple
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 5, 2023.]
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: worradmu, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-23. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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