"The Christian in Complete Armour" is a classic work of Christian literature written by William Gurnall, a 17th-century Puritan minister. This massive work of devotional literature, which runs to over 1,000 pages, is a meditation on the nature of spiritual warfare and the Christian's role in it. The book draws on a wide range of biblical texts to explore the nature of the Christian's spiritual armor and the various spiritual weapons at his or her disposal. In this summary, I will provide an overview of the main themes and ideas of the book.
The central theme of "The Christian in Complete Armour" is the concept of spiritual warfare. Gurnall draws heavily on the biblical imagery of the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20, which he sees as a metaphor for the various spiritual graces that the Christian must possess in order to withstand the attacks of the devil. The book is divided into three volumes, each of which explores different aspects of spiritual warfare.
Volume 1 is titled "The Doctrine of the Holy War." In this section, Gurnall lays out the biblical foundation for the concept of spiritual warfare. He argues that the Christian life is a battle against the forces of darkness, and that the devil and his minions are constantly seeking to undermine the faith of believers. He notes that spiritual warfare is not a physical battle, but rather a struggle against the powers of sin and temptation. Gurnall emphasizes that the Christian's strength in this battle comes from the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to resist the devil's attacks.
Volume 2 is titled "A Discourse of the Armour Mentioned in Scripture." In this section, Gurnall provides an extensive analysis of the various pieces of spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20. He explores the meaning and significance of each piece, and how it can be applied to the Christian life. Gurnall emphasizes that the armor of God is not a set of physical objects, but rather a set of spiritual graces that are bestowed on the Christian through faith. He argues that the armor is not something that can be put on or taken off at will, but rather a permanent part of the Christian's identity.
Volume 3 is titled "The Application of the Doctrine of Spiritual Armour." In this section, Gurnall provides practical advice on how to apply the principles of spiritual warfare to everyday life. He emphasizes that the Christian life is not a passive one, but rather an active battle against the forces of evil. He provides guidance on how to pray effectively, how to resist temptation, and how to grow in faith and holiness.
One of the key ideas that runs throughout "The Christian in Complete Armour" is the importance of faith in spiritual warfare. Gurnall argues that faith is the foundation of the Christian's spiritual armor, and that without faith, the other pieces of armor are useless. He notes that faith is not merely an intellectual assent to certain doctrinal propositions, but rather a living trust in God that transforms the heart and mind.
Another important theme in the book is the role of prayer in spiritual warfare. Gurnall emphasizes that prayer is not a passive activity, but rather an active weapon in the Christian's arsenal. He notes that prayer is the means by which the Christian can access the power of God, and that it is essential for overcoming the devil's attacks.
Gurnall also emphasizes the importance of perseverance in spiritual warfare. He notes that the Christian life is not an easy one, and that the devil will often seek to discourage and undermine the faith of believers. He argues that it is essential for the Christian to persevere in the face of these challenges, and to trust in God's strength and faithfulness.
Finally, Gurnall emphasizes the importance of holiness in spiritual warfare. He argues that the Christian's spiritual armor is not just for defense, but also for offense. The Christian is called to actively resist the devil and his schemes, and to pursue holiness in every aspect of life. Gurnall notes that holiness is not just a matter of avoiding sinful actions, but also of cultivating a heart that is fully devoted to God.
Throughout the book, Gurnall draws on a wide range of biblical texts to support his arguments. He also draws on the writings of other Christian authors, particularly the Puritans, to provide additional insight and guidance. His style of writing is often dense and verbose, reflecting the intellectual and theological depth of his arguments. However, his language is also filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, making the book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally compelling.
"The Christian in Complete Armour" has been widely read and admired by Christians of all denominations for centuries. Its emphasis on the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of faith, prayer, perseverance, and holiness in the Christian life has resonated with believers throughout the ages. While some may find the book's length and density intimidating, those who persevere in reading it will find themselves equipped with a deeper understanding of the nature of spiritual warfare and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace in the Christian life.
In addition to its theological and devotional insights, "The Christian in Complete Armour" also offers practical advice on how to live a holy and effective Christian life. Gurnall emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible and meditating on its teachings, as well as cultivating a habit of prayer and worship. He also provides guidance on how to resist temptation and overcome sin, stressing the importance of self-examination and confession of sin.
One of the key strengths of the book is its comprehensive treatment of spiritual warfare. Gurnall covers a wide range of topics related to spiritual warfare, including the nature of the devil and his schemes, the importance of spiritual discernment, and the various ways in which the devil seeks to undermine the faith of believers. He also provides detailed analysis of the various pieces of spiritual armor, exploring their biblical origins and practical applications.
Despite its age and dense style, "The Christian in Complete Armour" remains a valuable resource for Christians today. Its insights into spiritual warfare and the nature of faith and holiness are as relevant now as they were in the 17th century. While some may find its style and language challenging, those who persevere in reading it will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the Christian life and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace.
In conclusion, "The Christian in Complete Armour" is a classic work of Christian literature that offers deep insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the Christian's role in it. Drawing on a wide range of biblical texts and theological traditions, Gurnall provides a comprehensive treatment of the various aspects of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, perseverance, and holiness in the Christian life. While its length and density may be intimidating to some, those who persevere in reading it will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the Christian life and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace.
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