biblicalthought.com

A continuation in the study and exploration of the biblical doctrine of the Christian as Soldier.

THE STRATIOTOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE DOCTRINE

Stratiotology is a vital component to systematic theology because it adds a perspective that is often overlooked. We can understand, with additional depth, dimension and dynamic, certain passages in scripture. We can observe that our enlistment as soldiers in the army of God, drafted by grace, depends not on our own ability to fight, but requires only faith in the Commander.

I intend to biblically frame the developing sketch of my current understanding, as a depraved sinner corrupted by the fall, while submitting my faulty reason (Rom 3:11) unto the Lordship of Christ (2 Cor 10:5). It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding (John 14:26) as we attempt to learn about concepts that are revealed to our finite minds by Special Revelation (2Pet 1:21) from the mind of God in all His infiniteness.

We will begin by demonstrating that as soldiers, we depend not on our own ability as we seek victory in battle. We have no reason to fear the enemy because it is God who fights the battle for us. Even when the opposition appears larger than us and the battle seems impossible to win, we are to put our confidence in God who fights, not with us, but for us. We are also guaranteed the victory in battle. Please read the following passage from Deuteronomy 20 to see these truths illustrated in the Old Testament concerning the precept to Israel regarding warfare.

Deut 20:1 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

In v.1 we read the encouragement from Moses to not fear the enemy, even when the army of the enemy appears larger in size and in number. The reason given is that “the LORD your God is with you”. The presence of the Lord makes all the difference. Matthew Henry comments: “for nothing weakens the hands so much as that which makes the heart tremble” in his commentary on Deuteronomy 20. This is one of the more prominent Statiotological implications for the Christian Soldier. It is a unique feature in the army of God, reserved exclusively for those whom he has enlisted by grace, according to his own sovereign choice. No other army in the existence of mankind has ever been assembled by, fought by and won by One Commander. I’m reminded of the acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. Or, “there’s nothing to fear but fear itself”. Obviously the latter will not work because the undergarment of the Christian Soldier’s uniform is the fear of God!

STRATIOTOLOGICAL FUNCTION
(PRACTICAL APPLICATION)

So, as soldiers of Jesus Christ in the battle against the world, the flesh and the devil, we need not fear, for the Lord our God is with us. This means that the strength in which we depend on is not our own, but God’s. Rather than approach the battle with the mindset of just fighting well, long enough to give ourselves a chance at victory, but with the possibility of defeat, we should approach the battles with the mindset of victory already won! We should trust in the faithfulness of God and believe his promises.

Just imagine the animation and enthusiasm that Israel fought with, at least for those who believed, knowing that the Lord was fighting the war for them. Imagine yourself being engaged in battle, in the midst of a bloody battle against the enemy that has an army 4 times larger than yours. And about half way through, you realize that the advantage in army size has shifted and become yours because your enemy has been slaughtered off at a rate faster than yours. And in the middle of the battlefield you are reunited with a fellow soldier whom you last saw on the frontlines, praying together before the battle began. As you lock eyes with your fellow soldier, realizing that what was initially thought impossible is now a reality and that it was the Lord your God who has been fighting for you. Your eyes would widen, your eyebrows would raise, and you would project the biggest joyful smile to your comrade which would rejuvenate both of you. Both of you would forget about fatigue, and you would press on as Christian Soldiers until the battle has been won. That happens sometimes, sort of, when we sing this song at church. If you don’t know it, then you’ve been robbed!

The Battle Belongs To The Lord

In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned
Against us will stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
(chorus)
We sing glory, honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory, honor
Power and strength to the Lord
When the power of darkness
Comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard
The power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
(repeat chorus)
When your enemy presses
In hard, do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage, my friend
Your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
(repeat chorus 2 times)