It is an inescapable reality that we are involved in a war – not the type of war that nations wage for wealth, resources, or territory; but a spiritual war for the souls of men (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). While the final outcome of a physical war is always unknown, the result of this spiritual war is certain. Notice what the book of Revelation says about the victory of Christ:
“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
Jesus will lead His army to victory. There is no uncertainty to this. What is uncertain is which side we will join. Will we choose to be on the Lord’s side? Or will we choose to fight against Him?
The choice should be simple. Do we wish to be on the side of victory or defeat? Anyone who understands the conflict and the eternal fate of the those on each side will invariably want to be on the side of Christ. But how are we to be sure we are on the Lord’s side? The verse above tells us the three characteristics of His soldiers: “The called and chosen and faithful.”
- The Called – The Scriptures tell us the way in which God calls men. Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica: “It was for this He called you through our gospel” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). To be part of the Lord’s army, we must first hear the gospel.
- The Chosen – People have different ideas as to what it means to be chosen by God. What do the Scriptures say? Paul wrote: “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4). Rather than God arbitrarily choosing a random group of people, Paul said that He chose a certain type of people (“holy and blameless”) that are found “in Him.” How does one get in Christ? He is “baptized into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). To be part of the Lord’s army, we must obey the gospel – including the command to be baptized.
- The Faithful – Hearing the gospel and being obedient to it at one point in time does not guarantee salvation. We must continue in faithfulness. The church in Smyrna was told, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). To remain a part of the Lord’s army, we must remain faithful in all things.
Hear the gospel. Obey the gospel. Remain faithful to Christ. Doing these things will keep you on the Lord’s side, thus ensuring your part in the victory of the Lamb.
If you have not yet followed the necessary steps to become a part of His army, do it without delay! It is far better to fight for Jesus than against Him.
If you are already a part of His army, then follow the instructions written down by Paul: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
