The Greatest War by G. B. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1916

The Greatest War

By G. B. T.

WRITERS refer to the present war as the greatest in all the annals of history. Viewed from their standpoint, their conclusion is doubtless correct. But the greatest warfare on earth is that of overcoming evil. Its history is not written in books by any human scribe, but is written in the books which will be opened at the last day. The apostle Paul, speaking of this great contest, says:—

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor 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 armor 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.’ Eph. 6: 10-18.

This is indeed a mighty contest, waged between the forces of good and evil, between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. The servant of God has given us the following striking picture of this great contest:—

‘In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world's insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust, as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe, and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Immanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried out with a loud voice: ‘Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters. Let all who will, come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’

‘The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, ‘as when a standard bearer fainteth.’ Isa. 10: 18. But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ's soldiers planted his banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle, and sending support to his soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as he led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.

‘At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,’ was gloriously triumphant. The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established.’—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VIII, pp. 41, 42.

This is designed to represent primarily the mighty conflict as it closes, and the struggle through which those who cling to the message will need to pass. And it should be observed that the mighty General of the heavenly army calls to his people, ‘Come into line!’ No time for companies to be struggling apart from the organized body. Those who thus lead the people of God directly invite destruction, not only for themselves, but for those who are so blind as to follow them. But regardless of the fierce opposition of the enemy from without and the distracting influence of blind leaders from within, the company bearing aloft the banner with the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,’ triumphed gloriously.

I desire especially to impress the personal conflict through which we must all pass. ‘The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.’ Gal. 5: 17.

This describes the warfare waged in the heart of every Christian. The struggle against sin is a real and mighty contest. None knows it so well as the one who is fighting the depraved and unclean impulses of the flesh. But here we are not left to fight alone. The Holy Spirit comes to our aid. All heaven is on the side of the soul that is struggling against wrong passions, and calling on God for strength to win. Thank God, we are not left to fight alone. We win by surrender, by laying down the weapons of our warfare, and yielding wholly to God.

G. B. T.