The war that the church makes with antichrist is rather defensive
than offensive. A Christian also, if he can but defend his soul in
the sincere profession of the true religion, doth what by duty, as
to this, he is bound. Wherefore, though the New Testament admits him
to put on the whole armor of God, yet the whole and every part
thereof is spiritual, and only defensive. True, there is mention
made of the sword, but that sword is the word of God-a weapon that
hurteth none, none at all but the devil and sin, and those that love
it. Indeed, it was made for Christians to defend themselves and
their religion with, against hell and the angels of darkness.
OBJECTION. But he that shall use none other than this, must look to
come off a loser.
ANSWER. In the judgment of the world this is true, but not in the
judgment of them that have skill and a heart to use it. For this
armor is not Saul's which David refused, but God's; by which the
lives of all those have been secured, that put it on and handled it
well. You read of some of David's mighty men of valor, that their
faces were as the faces of lions, and that they were as swift of
foot as the roes upon the mountains. Why, God's armor makes a man's
face look thus; also it makes him that useth it more lively and
active than before. God's armor is no burden to the body, nor clog
to the mind, but rather a natural, instead of an artificial
fortification.
But this armor comes not to any, but out of the King's hand. Christ
distributeth his armor to his church. Hence it is said, "It is given
to us to suffer for him." It is given to us by himself, and on his
behalf.
I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand and led
him into a pleasant place, where was builded a stately palace
beautiful to behold; at the sight of which Christian was greatly
delighted: he saw also upon the top thereof certain persons walking,
who were clothed all in gold.