No More War

by Pastor William C. Mack |  August 17, 2021

It was announced this week that an official “drawdown” of military troops from Afghanistan has begun. After 20 years of war with terrorists in that country, the United States militarily has begun its withdraw. After both, Republican and Democrat presidents had their input, and over 2,300 troops and over 3,000 civilian contractors lost their lives, the controversial question now is “What did we accomplice?” It’s been pointed out, on the positive side, that no major terrorist attack took place while we had troops in Afghanistan. True. It has also been pointed out that the terrorists are, already, taking over the major cities and will overrun our former military sites within days. So, what can we expect? Only God knows….

In the Christian Church we, too, know about “fighting the good fight”. (2 Timothy 4:7) Paul debated his fellow Jews and eventually gave his life for the cause of Christ. “War”, in the Bible, is mentioned over 230 times! It refers to both physical and spiritual conflict. Our battles, as Christians, are especially difficult because our enemies are the unbelieving world, our own sinful nature, and the Devil himself! Enemies of the Christian Church are not given specific uniforms or flags to wave. They are just hell-bent on destroying the “holy, Christian Church” on earth! Saint Paul told the Corinthians, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Church discipline is part of spiritual “warfare”; as is pointing out the sins of those who will not repent of manifest transgression. “Correction” is one of the several uses of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3: 16). But pointing out the error and ex-communication do not bring us any appreciation or favor by our enemies. The “war” continues until our Lord’s return.

And when our Savior from sin comes to take us to Heaven, via our death or with His mighty angels on the Last Day, we shall finally lay down our “armor” and never again see hate, lies or death again. There in Paradise, we shall see all those who belonged, by God’s grace through faith, to His Body, the Church Militant.

But how do we know this is true? Because His Word promises that “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16) Besides that, I “peeked” at the end of God’s Book (the Bible) and….WE WIN! (Revelation 21: 3- 8) Is our “war” with dark forces worth it? Yes! For in it our Redeemer is glorified, the saints are edified and we know through His Word that we are headed for a Place that is indescribably beautiful….with no more war. Praise God.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.