Christian Soldiers

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (II Timothy 2: 3, 4)

Christians are identified as being they whom God has "chosen to be soldiers." This is not to deny that these Christian soldiers have volunteered, but it does indicate that becoming a soldier of Christ is the result of both the choice of the enlistee and the choice of the commanding officer or head of the army.

Becoming a Christian, being saved and forgiven of sins, is the result of choice. God chose the soldier and the soldier chooses the military service of the Lord Jesus Christ, his commander in chief.

Christians are styled frequently as the "elect." They are called such because God, said Paul to the early Christians, "has chosen you from the beginning to salvation" (II Thessalonians 2: 13), and "has chosen us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him." (Ephesians 1: 4)

Who's choice is paramount? Does God first chose the sinner, or does the sinner first choose God? What do the scriptures say? "We love him, because he first loved us." (I John 4: 19) It is just as appropriate to say - "We choose him because he first chose us." Said Jesus to his chosen ones: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you." (John 15: 16) He is telling them that his choice of them was not based upon their choice of him, but vice versa.

Christians then are chosen soldiers. As such they fight and war. Yet, they do not "war after the flesh," with "carnal weapons," as do the radical Muslims in our day, who say to non-Muslims - "convert or die."

"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." (II Corinthians 1: 3-6)

The Christian soldier is a dedicated one, with his heart fully into his military service. He is trained by Christ, the greatest of all warriors. He has never lost a battle. His military prowess is amazing and his weapons surpass anything in the physical or spiritual worlds. Paul lists some of the weapons of the Christian in his epistles, calling the collection of spiritual armaments the "armor of light" (Romans 13: 12) and "armor of God."

"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..." (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

With such weapons and with such a commander in chief, the Christian knows that victory is assured. Yet, he also knows, that he must always be diligent, and never lazy, or careless, for though victory is assured, yet the battle is not over. The true Christian seeks to please his General, to war a good warfare." (I Timothy 1: 18).

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Revelation 19: 11)

Oh what a great commander of the host is the Lord Jesus Christ! What a privilege to be on his side! What a glorious army he possesses and leads! What a great military trainer he is to his chosen soldiers!

"Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me." (Psalm 144: 1, 2)

No wonder the Psalmist exclaimed - "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 60: 12)

Christ leads the charge! He is brave of heart and leads those who are also brave of heart. Did they create their own brave hearts? No, but their commander inspired them with courage and gave them strength of heart and faith to persevere in the battle. When the Christian nears the end of his time of service, he is able to say with Paul -

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (II Timothy 4: 6-8)

Friend, are you an enemy or friend of God? Are you alligned with Satan and evil, or with Christ and righteousness?