Illustrated Message Overview with Marjorie

We’ll begin today by reading from the 2nd paragraph of page 7 (Chapter 1), and will finish on page 9 at the end of the 4th paragraph (Chapter 1). Click on this link to open and download a copy of The Holy War.

Holy War: “Now, with two notables dead, what did the rest of the citizens do, but discover that they were in a fool’s paradise unless, as I hinted earlier, they proved the truth of the giant’s words. First, they did as Ill-Pause had advised them; they looked, they considered, and were charmed with the forbidden fruit. They took it, and ate; and having eaten, they acted like drunk men. Then they opened the gates, both Ear-gate and Eye-gate, and let Diabolus in with all his fellow-conspirators, immediately forgetting their good Shaddai, his law, and the severe punishment that came with its breach.”

These two ‘notables’ were Captain Resistance, who had to be taken out of the way first – the one who caused man to resist Diablolus, and in doing so, Lord Innocence – the innocence of man, was killed. The citizens of Mansoul made their first mistake to listen to what Diabolus had to say, but we also see that they opened up both the Ear gate and the Eye gate of Mansoul and let Diabolus in with all his fellow conspirators. The Eye-gate was to be a place of inspection, but there was no inspection made, and after eating the forbidden fruit they acted like drunk men casting off all restraint.

Genesis 2:15 Amplified Bible says; “So the Lord God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely (unconditionally) eat [the fruit] from every tree of the garden; 17 but [only] from the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the day that you eat from it, you shall most certainly [h]die [because of your disobedience].”  

Note that God spoke this to Adam before Eve was even created, Adam was more responsible than Eve for disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit because he was created first, and was head over her.

Genesis 3:6 Amplified Bible says; “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise and insightful, she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband [c]with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of the two of them were opened [that is, their awareness increased], and they knew that they were naked; and they fastened fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.”  

Prior to the fall of man, they were living in a perfect world, beyond what we as Christians are living in now, so if this is the case, how much more do we need to realize that if this is what happened in a perfect world, how much more can it happen to Christians in this fallen world? This is why it’s important for Christians not listen to what the devil has to say, but also not put anything evil before their eyes. Examine your lives Christians, and see where you are openly allowing access for the devil to tempt you to sin against God. You may not have control of what you see and hear in secular settings such as work, sports, school etc, but you do have control when you’re not in secular arenas to monitor what you allow into your ear-gates and eye-gates which give entrance into your body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Just do an honest evaluation as to what you allow yourselves to see and hear thru your media devices, (cell phones, TV's, radios etc,) in the course of the day, and are you selective in what you allow into your temple, (your body), where the Holy Spirit dwells?

Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible  says; “12 [a]Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

As Christians, do you play the grace card on a regular basis to cover willful sin that enters ears and eyes, or do you purpose to live holy and separate in a fallen world, putting a guard over your ears and eyes, and even in secular settings, do you set the standard or does the devil? Do you see living holy in secular settings to be legalistic, and are you the same person at home and church as you are in secular settings?

If Adam and Eve fell in a perfect world, what’s gonna stop you from falling? It’s important to keep in perspective that your life as a Christian is a spiritual battle with Satan and his fallen angels, and it must be fought in the spirit first, not the flesh.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Amplified Bible says; “3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.”

Holy War: “Diabolus, having now obtained entrance through the gates of the city, marched up to the centre to make his conquest as sure as he could. And finding, by this time, that the affections of the people were warm towards him, he, thinking it best to strike while the iron was hot, made this further beguiling speech to them, saying:  

‘Alas! my poor Mansoul! I have done you this great service to bring you honour, and to ensure your liberty. But, alas! alas! poor Mansoul, you need someone to defend you; for you can be sure that when Shaddai hears of this, he will come. Sore indeed will be the one from whom you have broken free of his bonds, and cast his cords away from you. (Psalm 2:3) What will you do? After all your trouble, will you allow your privileges to be attacked and taken away from you? What will you do?’”

The devil is not settling for you to live a lukewarm life sitting on the fence, with one foot in the world and one foot in the church, but rather, his goal is to be Lord of your life, and no matter how much you try to convince yourself that it could never happen to you, relying on the grace card of your soul being eternally secure, is it really worth the risk of spending an eternity in hell separated from God?

1 Peter 5:8-9 Amplified Bible says; “8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]”

How many Christians that once were on fire for Jesus are no longer serving the Lord, it’s going on all the time, and it’s only getting worse as the day of Christ’s return draws near? The great falling away of Christians will be a clear indicator of His return to rapture His Church and this, by the way, this can happen at any time now.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Amplified Bible talks about the lawless man, (anti-Christ) coming; “2 Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our [a]gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, [b]brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the [c]apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], 4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above [d]every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God.”

This is the devil’s ultimate desire for the Christian, for them to renounce their allegiance to Christ and declare the anti-Christ to be their Lord. This is all the more reason for Christians to take up the whole armour of God outlined in Ephesians 6, and fight the good fight of faith, submitting unto God’s word, and resist the devil’s offer to backslide from the Lordship of Christ in their lives. The day of Christ’s return is so near, it’s right at the door, and now is not the time sit on that uncomfortable fence with one foot in the world and one foot in the church, but how many Christians are on that fence today?

James 4:7-10 Amplified Bible says; “7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

Holy War: “Then, in complete unity, they said to this bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’ (Judges 9:14) So he accepted their invitation, and became king over the city of Mansoul. This done, the next thing was to give him possession of the castle, and thus the whole strength of the city. So into the castle he went, that castle which Shaddai built in Mansoul for his own delight and pleasure. This was to become a den and stronghold for the giant Diabolus.”  

Jesus wants Lordship of your life today, Christian. You say, that could never happen to me, (to allow satan to reign over my soul),  Jesus has been my Lord for years, I was raised in the church. Well, this may be so, but what are you allowing to enter your temple, where the Holy Spirit lives, whom you proclaim to be Lord? Are you protecting your ears and eyes or are you just pulling the grace card of eternal security that allows you to sit on the fence with no conviction of sin, righteousness and the judgment to come?

Holy War: “Now, having taken possession of this stately palace or castle, what does he do but make it a stronghold for his own use, which he strengthened and fortified with all manner of provisions against King Shaddai or those who would attempt to return it to him and his dominion.  

This done, but not thinking that he was secure enough, the next thing he did was to reconstitute the city authorities by setting up one, and putting down another, according to his own pleasure. The Lord Mayor, whose name was Lord Understanding, and Mr. Recorder, whose name was Mr. Conscience, he put out of office and power.”

The devil’s goal is to darken and remove all understanding of God’s word in a Christian’s life, so that what they once understood to be true, becomes no longer truth, and what they once proclaimed to be the way the truth and the life, is no longer Jesus.

Ephesians 4:17-19 Amplified Bible says; “17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], 18 for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. 19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].”

It would be good to read all of Ephesians 4:17-32 on what the life of a Christian is to be and what it’s not to be.  

The Holy War: “As for the Mayor, though he was an understanding man, and had agreed with the rest of the city of Mansoul to admit the giant into the city, Diabolus thought it best not to let him remain in his former fame and glory because he was a clever man. So he banished him into obscurity, not only by removing him from office and power, but by building a high and strong tower between the sun’s rays and the windows of the former Lord Mayor’s palace. By this means, his house and all his property were made as dark as dark can be. (Romans 1:21) And so, being away from the light (Ephesians 4:18-19), he became like one who was born blind.  

In addition, the Lord Mayor was put under house-arrest; nor could he, on parole, go further than the walls of his house.”

How many Christians has the devil placed on house-arrest, they no longer go to church, and not only have they lost understanding of God’s word by forsaking the assembly of church gathering, they become spiritually blind, and grieve the Holy Spirit’s gifts and calling on their lives? All it took was for Lord Mayor (Lord Understanding), to agree with the rest of the city of Mansoul to admit Diabolus into the city; so who have you come into agreement with Christian, to give the devil access thru the your ears and eyes, that now have you on house-arrest with your understanding of the Bible darkened to the point of spiritual blindness that you can’t even see how backslidden you are from God?

Holy War: “As for Mr. Recorder: before the city was taken, he was a man well-read in the laws of his King, and was also a man of courage and faithfulness, speaking the truth on every occasion. He had a brave tongue and a head full of sound judgement. Now, this man Diabolus could not stand, because, although he had agreed with his coming into the city, he could not, with all his wiles, trials, stratagems, and devices, make him his own man. True, he had greatly fallen away from service to his former King, and was also pleased with many aspects of the giant’s laws and service. But all this was not enough for Diabolus, for he was not wholly his.”

Mr. Recorder and Lord Understanding backslid as they didn’t inspect Diabolus before he came in. I see Mr. Recorder as the prophet. Still speaking in spite of persecutions, still delivering the word of the Lord, making mistakes along the way, but still delivering the word, relentless to preach. The Recorder is also known as Mr. Conscience, and he was a preacher of Shaddai’s laws that helped the town of Mansoul to serve their King Shaddai. He along with the rest of Mansoul was in agreement to let Diabolus and fellow conspirators in thru the Ear-gate and Eye-gate. It’s always needed to examine your heart as to where you’re allowing the devil to gain access to your temple through those two gates.

The Holy War: “Diabolus, therefore, feared the Recorder more than any man left alive in the city of Mansoul, because, as I said, his words used to shake the whole city; like thunder-claps

they were. Since the giant could not make him wholly his, what did he do but considered

every way to corrupt the old gentleman, and by corruption to deaden his mind and harden

his heart in the ways of pride. And as he went on, he accomplished his design, corrupting

the man, and, little by little, drawing him into sin and wickedness so that, at last, he was

not only corrupted from the first, but, in consequence, was defiled, and became almost (sad to say) past all conscience of sin.”

You get the feeling that God’s hand of compassion was still on Mr. Recorder as we see Shaddai’s protection on him, but regardless of how much he spoke – or as Diabolus said that he thundered – the people could not hear him any longer. Diabolus made him out to be a mad-man because he could not convince the people otherwise, so he pushed the narrative that he was crazy, mad, insane and feeble, even enticing him to retract what he said when he was ‘drunk’ and in ‘fits of rage’. How many preachers today, without being drunk, have renounced their own sermons. I’m sure there are preachers today who have been accused of being, ‘loco’, I’m sure there are preachers today that have come under the same accusations and temptations that Diabolus threw at Mr. Recorder. You have to remember that this is all dealing with the conscience of man. He was a voice, he was the voice of God that spoke thru him as it says in the following paragraph.

Holy War: “‘Mansoul, consider that despite the old gentleman’s raging, and the rattle of his strange and thunderous words, you have heard nothing from Shaddai himself.’ What a liar and deceiver he was, when every outburst from Mr. Recorder against the sin of Mansoul was the voice of God through him to them!”

So long as the devil can remove consciousness of sin out of a Preacher of the Gospel, be it an Evangelist, Pastor, Prophet, or Teacher, it will also effect the people who follow them, and often cause many to backslide. It’s called striking the Shepherd to get to the sheep. It seems like that was the goal of Diabolus to strike Mr. Recorder (Conscience), to cause the sheep to turn from King Shaddai. How many preachers of the Gospel are in this place right now, they continue to preach with the gifts and callings on their lives still in operation regardless of no repentance of sins committed?  

God’s word does not return void regardless of a preacher’s consciousness of personal sin, the word of God is the same, it does not change. It’s the people that the devil is planning to cause to backslide, as for the preacher, they’re just a vessel that eventually gets exposed for their sin and if repented of are restored to ministry. We should always keep in perspective, that it’s not God’s will that anyone should perish, but that all would come to repentance, and that He holds the backslider in His bosom and this includes the preachers of the gospel.

So from what we’ve read today in pages 7-9, Mansoul, (Adam and Eve), were in perfection, yet were tempted and fell. We weren’t born in a perfect world, they were. If we realistically compare them to New Testament preachers who fell and made mistakes along the way, allowing pride to get in the way, ie.; Peter – a denier of Jesus, James and John – sons of thunder, they like us, were born into a fallen world. Mr. Conscience and Lord Understanding made some huge mistakes, but it’s like they had a hook in their jaw from God that didn’t allow them to give themselves totally over to Diabolus, and that drove him crazy. Look how far Diabolus went out of his way to destroy Mr. Conscience and in doing so, destroy the people. If he locked up Mr. Understanding on house-arrest in darkness, you can’t help but see how he’s doing the same to ministers today by darkening their understanding of God’s word.  

Have the ear-gate and eye-gate been open to Diabolus today in your life, and has he darkened your understanding of God’s word? Where has he placed you under house-arrest by not allowing you to get out on parole and go beyond your home, simply because he doesn’t want you to go out into the neighborhood, the church, to be able to operate in the gifts and calling on your life? Does he want you locked up in the church of me, myself and I? He wants to see all understanding of Shaddai and Jesus Christ gone in your life. He wants to see you so backslidden that you’re confessing him as lord over your life.  

We shouldn’t be surprised what we see in the church today, it’s all signs of end-times, but we have to keep in mind that Jesus is returning for a spotless church, not for a lukewarm, fence-sitting Christian with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. You’ll be left behind when He raptures the church and you’ll have seven years to repent and if you survive, probably be be-headed by the anti-Christ for refusing to worship him. But as I’ve said before, let the head role and don’t deny Jesus.  

In the mean time, we can prepare our lives to live holy, submitting ourselves unto God when he tempts us. Like I said earlier, it’s a spiritual warfare, and Ephesians 6:10-17 shows us how to engage in this warfare to win. Fight the good fight of faith. Jesus has given you all authority to bind the devil, cast him out, lay hands on the sick, speak with new tongues, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has called you to spiritual warfare, to die to yourself, to be the bride of Christ that needs to be spotless. Don’t pull the ‘grace card’ or ‘eternally security card’. The one’s that aren’t spotless and are half-stepping it, are being left behind. The persecution will be like mankind has never seen before and what is happening in third world countries now will be the norm...and worse.

Today, you can make the choice to be ready and prepared, to fight and resist the devil’s temptations with the Word of God and overcome. Meditate in God’s word day and night so when the fiery darts fly at you from Diabolus, you can resist him with the word of God. “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). Ask the Holy Spirit and he’ll show you how to fight the good fight of faith. He’ll give you understanding how to speak the word when it’s needed.

Before getting into today’s message, we suggest you read pages 2 & 3 of Chapter One to be able to understand the full context of the message. You can download the PDF file which is available on our website or go to Preachers’ Help. We did a corporate reading of these pages at the beginning of the message.

To start this series, here is a quick overview of the book;

“Plot Summary and Analysis

The Holy War is a religious allegory written by John Bunyan, first published in 1682. The story begins with the town of Mansoul being besieged by the devil’s army. The devil’s army represents sin and temptation, and they are determined to capture Mansoul and make it their own. The town is ill-prepared to defend itself, and the devil’s army easily takes control. The devil’s army is led by Diabolus, who represents Satan.

The story then follows the fall and redemption of Mansoul. The town is eventually liberated by the army of Emanuel, who represents Jesus Christ. Emanuel leads a successful campaign against Diabolus and his army, and Mansoul is freed from their control. However, the town is later undermined by further diabolic attacks and plots against Emanuel’s rule.

The Holy War is a metaphor for spiritual warfare. The town of Mansoul represents the human soul, and the devil’s army represents sin and temptation. The story emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and remaining faithful to God. The story also emphasizes the importance of repentance and redemption. The Holy War is a powerful allegory that continues to resonate with readers today.” (by Allegory Explained)

A good place to begin The Holy War message series, would be at taking a look at a break down of this allegory. I found a good site online at AllegoryExplained.com, that’s going help us understand a general overview of The Holy War, so let’s start with the definition of what an allegory is.

“An allegory is a literary device or artistic expression in which characters, events, symbols, or themes are used to convey a deeper, often moral or philosophical meaning. Unlike a straightforward narrative, an allegory operates on multiple levels, presenting both a surface-level story and a symbolic or metaphorical layer beneath it.” (AllegoryExplained.com)

Today we’ll be going back and forth from this ‘Allegory Explained’, to a copy of the original Holy War that has been rewritten in modern English by a ministry site called Preachers’ Help. Also we will read the scriptures outlined in the script that parallel with what Bunyan wrote.  

Allegory Explained says the following;

"The Holy War has been compared to Bunyan’s other famous work, The Pilgrim’s Progress, and is considered one of the early modern English novels written in the form of an allegory. The novel is divided into seven parts, each of which tells a different part of the story. The story begins with an introductory account of the origin of Mansoul and the fallen angels, and then follows the town’s struggles against the devil’s forces.  

The story is set in the town of Mansoul, which is ruled by King Shaddai. The town is perfect, built for the glory of its benevolent creator and leader. However, the town falls into the mires of sin and despair after being deceived by the wicked ruler Diabolus. As battles rage against good and evil, the redemption of Mansoul is only possible through the intervention of the army of Emanuel.”  

The Holy War - Chapter 1 from the book says the following;

“As for the location of this city, it lies between two worlds. The first founder and builder of it, according to the best and most authentic records I could gather, was Shaddai; and he built it for his own delight. (Genesis 1:26) He made it the mirror and glory of all that he had made, even as the top-piece of all else that he made in that country. Indeed, so great was the city of Mansoul when it was first built that it is said by some that the gods, when they first saw it, came down to see it and sang for joy. And as he made it so delightful to look at, so he also gave it power to have dominion over all the country round about. Indeed, all were commanded to acknowledge Mansoul as their capital city, and all were commanded to pay homage to it. Yes; the city herself had a definite commission and power from her King to demand service from all, and also the right to arrest those who refused.”  

The city of Mansoul reflects Adam and Eve’s creation in the Garden of Eden. Bunyan drops Bible scripture references throughout The Holy War, to help tell the story more accurately from a biblical perspective.

Genesis 1:26 Amplified Bible says; “26 Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.”

Shaddai is God, the city of Mansoul is a type and shadow of the soul of man that is created and ruled by God as was Adam and Eve in the story of creation found in the Bible verse mentioned. Diablous is none other than the devil, who is the fallen angel Lucifer, found in Isaiah 14:12-15.

Continuing to read in The Holy War it says;

“At the centre of this city, there reared up a most famous and stately palace. For strength, it might be called a castle; for pleasantness, a paradise; for largeness, a place so great that it could take in the whole world. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) This place, King Shaddai intended for his own use and for no other; partly for his own delight, and partly because he would have no strangers coming in to terrorise the city. This place also Shaddai turned into a garrison; but he committed the keeping of it to its citizens.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 Amplified Bible says; “11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.”

God has placed in all mankind this sense of divine purpose that can only be found in Jesus, Immanuel, God’s Son, who alone can only redeem mans soul from the Devil, Diablous.  

John 3:16 Amplified Bible says; “16 For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

The people of Mansoul, are not Christians, they seem to be Old Testament saints because Jesus had not yet come to save them, and they were under the law. These are Godly saints who loved Shaddai.

Allegory Explained says; “Bunyan’s writing was influenced by the political and religious turmoil of his time. He was a Puritan, a member of a group of English Protestants who sought to “purify” the Church of England. The Puritans believed in a strict interpretation of the Bible and rejected many of the rituals and practices of the Anglican Church.

The Holy War was written during a period of political and religious upheaval in England. The country was divided between supporters of the king and supporters of parliament, and there was widespread persecution of religious dissenters. The allegory reflects Bunyan’s concern for the spiritual welfare of his fellow Puritans and his belief in the importance of resisting temptation and staying true to one’s faith.”

The Holy War continues; “This famous city of Mansoul had five gates for entry and exit; and these were, like the walls, resistant, and could never be opened nor forced except with the permission of those within. The names of the gates were: Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate.  

I could tell you other things about the city of Mansoul, which, if added to the ones I have already mentioned, provide further proof of all her glory and strength. She always had plenty of provisions within her walls. She possessed the best, most just, and excellent law that then existed in the world. There was not a rascal, rogue, or traitor within her walls. Her citizens were all faithful men, and truly united; and this, you know, matters a great deal. And to all these things, she always had (so long as she kept true to Shaddai the King) his favour, and protection. She was ever his delight.”

This is a great depiction of how God’s original plan was to bless the lives of His creation as it was with  Adam and Eve who lived in perfect communion with God, until they were deceived by the devil, Diablous, and sin entered the picture, in what we have today, a fallen creation that is in need of a Saviour.   

The Holy War continues; “Well, once upon a time, a powerful giant called Diabolus came by, who ordered an assault on this famous city of Mansoul in order to take it and make it his own capital city. This giant was king of all villains, and a most greedy prince. We will, if it pleases you, talk first about the origin of this Diabolus, and then his assault on the famous city of Mansoul. Diabolus was a great and mighty prince; yet he was both poor and wretched. As to his origin, he was at first one of the servants of King Shaddai, elevated by him to a position that was both high and powerful. Indeed, he was put over some principalities that belonged to the best of the King’s territories and dominions. This Diabolus was made ‘a son of the morning,’ (Isaiah 14:12-15) and a great personage. It brought him much glory, and caused him to shine with honour, with an income that might have satisfied the heart of Lucifer, had it not been ravenous, and as deep as hell itself.”  

Isaiah 14:12-15 Amplified Bible says; “12 How you have fallen from heaven, O [a]star of the morning [light-bringer], son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, You who have weakened the nations [king of Babylon]! 13  “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly In the remote parts of the north. 14  ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15
“But [in fact] you will be brought down to Sheol, To the remote recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).”

The city of Mansoul, as is today in our present world, men and women created in the image of God who are being deceived by the fallen angel Lucifer and his host of rebel angels that fell with him to earth.

Holy War continues; “Well, seeing himself lifted up to fame and honour, and craving in his mind for yet higher status and degree, what did he do but plot to become Lord over all, and receive sole power under Shaddai. (Now, this position the King reserved for his Son; indeed, he had already conferred it on him.) So he first considered in himself what was the best thing to do. Then he opened his mind to some of his companions who were like-minded. They came to the conclusion that they should make an attempt on the life of the King’s Son to destroy him, that the inheritance might be theirs. (Mark 12:7)”

This is the reference to Lucifer’s attempt to ascend above God and take over heaven. Remember, Jesus was there in the beginning together with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Mark 12:7 Amplified Bible says; “7 But those tenants said to each other, ‘This man is the heir! Come on, let us kill him [and destroy the evidence], and his inheritance will be ours!’”

The devil is always trying to rob, kill and destroy all evidence of God’s redemptive plan of salvation in order to take over the souls of men and women and nothing has changed, for he has one plan in mind and that is to be Lord over man’s soul and see to it that they spend an eternity with him and the host of angels that fell with him, in hell.  

Holy War continues;  “Well, to be brief, the treason, as I said, was determined, the time appointed, the word given, the rebels gathered together, and the assault attempted. Now, the King and his Son, knowing all things, could not but discern what was happening in all his dominions; and he, always having a great love for his Son, was greatly provoked and offended at what he saw. What did he do but discovered them in the very nick of time at their first attempt, convicted them of their treason, their horrid rebellion and conspiracy, and cast them out from all places of trust, benefit, honour, and preferment. This done, he banished them from his court, and turned them out into horrible pits, fast bound in chains, never more to expect the least favour from his hands, and there to wait for a judgement he had determined would last for ever. (2 Peter 2:4; Jude verse 6)”  

2 Peter 2:4 Amplified Bible says; “4 [a]For if God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but threw them into [b]hell and sent them to pits of gloom to be kept [there] for judgment;”

Jude 6 Amplified Bible says; “6 And angels who did not keep their own designated place of power, but abandoned their proper dwelling place, [these] He has kept in eternal chains under [the thick gloom of utter] darkness for the judgment of the great day,”

On a side note which we noticed, there would seem to be a discrepancy having these two verses as a reference here, because we know satan and his fallen angels still roam the earth seeking whom they may devour, they are not yet chained and locked up. These angels who are referred to in these verses are the ‘sons of God’ mentioned in Genesis 6:2 which took the daughters of men as wives and created a hybrid – that being the Nephilum (the giants). These ‘sons of God’, which were also known as the ‘watchers’, who committed this defiant and mutinous sin, God threw into the bottomless pit, bound until the judgment of the great day, but satan still actively roams the earth. We also know that at the final judgment after the millennial reign of Jesus on the earth, satan withhis fallen demons will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity, which has been prepared for him. All that said, we’re not sure why Bunyan used these two scriptures as a reference to satan and the fallen angels in this context, however, it may be revealed as we read more into the story.

The devil and his host of fallen angels, know that their time of robbing, killing and destroying men and women’s souls is almost up, and this is why today, it appears that this ramping up of the devils work, is escalating like never before through the various media platforms and global satanic agendas. Satan’s goal is to destroy everything that has God’s image on it.

The Holy War continues; “Now, when they were cut off from any place of trust, profit, and honour, and knowing that they had lost their Prince’s favour for ever (being banished from his court, and cast down into the horrible pits), you can be sure that they would now add to their former pride whatever malice and rage against Shaddai and his Son they could muster. So they roved and ranged furiously from one place to another (1 Peter 5:8), seeing if, perhaps, they might find something that was the King’s, and spoil it, to avenge themselves on him.”  

1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible; “8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”

The Holy War continues; “At last, they came to this expansive country of Universe, and steered their course towards the city of Mansoul. Knowing that the city was one of the chief works and delights of King Shaddai, what did they do but, after taking counsel together, they launched an assault on it. I say that they knew that Mansoul belonged to Shaddai, for they were there when he built and beautified it for himself. So, when they found the place, they shouted horribly for joy, and roared against it like a lion for its prey, saying, ‘Now that we have the prize, we know how to be avenged on King Shaddai for what he has done to us.’ So they sat down and called a council of war, and considered the best way to win over for themselves this famous city of Mansoul. They put forward these four questions...”

We’ll continue on next week with the strategy and takeover of the town of Mansoul, but one thing I can say about the takeover of the city of Mansoul, is that it all takes place at the Ear-gate of the town, and just like today it’s so important for Christians to put a guard over what they hear. You’ve heard the saying garbage in, garbage out, nothing has changed, as long as the devil can have access to your hearing, he will eventually have access to you heart, and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak what the devil plants thru your ears.  

Romans 10:17 NKJV says; “17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Fear, doubt and unbelief is the end result of listening to what the devil has to say, and this is why it’s so important to meditate in God’s word, the Holy Bible day and night, setting your mind on things above, not on things below to what the devil is speaking.

Philippians 4:8 Amplified Bible; “8 Finally, [a]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

Even now as you have heard the word, the devil wants to rob the seed that was planted in your heart, and just like he deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden, he will have you doubting what God says in His word, and believing a lie if you let him. This is why it’s important when the devil lies to you about what God says in His word, you’re to submit yourself unto God’s word and resist the devil and he will flee from you.  

James 4:7-10 Amplified Bible; “7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

As I said at the beginning, we have to keep in perspective that the citizens of Mansoul are not Christians, they would be compared to God fearing Old Testament saints that are in need of Salvation found in Immanuel, the Son of King Shaddai. So as Christians today, the spiritual warfare to rob us of our soul is even more so, and this is why it’s so important to put on the full armour of God that is found in Ephesians 6:10-18. Why is it more so? The devil wants to mar the image of Christ in you, he wants to rob, kill and destroy your life, his goal is for you to spend an eternity separated from God with him, where the fire doesn’t go out and the worm doesn’t die. You’re a threat to his kingdom, Christian, he’s going after your soul.  

The Holy War is not an ‘eternal security’ message. You do have a will, that can will you all the way to hell, separated from God for eternity. You can put the full armour of God on today and fight the devil, or you can leave it packed away, with your Bibles, teaching materials, Christian image and walk in stealth, all of which have only one plan behind it that is to rob you, kill you and destroy you for eternity. Now is not the time to put your armour away, to hide your Bible, or to walk in stealth Christian.

Ephesians 6:10-18 Amplified Bible reveals the armour of God; “10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. 14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having [a]tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having [b]strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] [c]shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [d]God’s people.”

The Holy War was written in 1682 by John Bunyan, an English preacher and author, who is also known for writing Pilgrim's Progress, Christiana’s Progress and the Life and Death of Mr. Badman.

The Holy War is an allegory that depicts the spiritual warfare between the soul of man and satan. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Amplified Bible; “3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),”

The story of The Holy War, is set in the town known as “Mansoul” which comes under attack and conquered by satan, “Diabolous”, but is saved by Jesus Christ, “King Shaddai.”

The Bible also says in Ephesians 6:11-17 Amplified Bible; “11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.”

This will be an illuminating Message Series revealing the love of God towards us that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to deliver us from the power of sin as Colossians 1:13-20 Amplified Bible says; “13 [The Father] has delivered and [a]drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son [b]of His love,

14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.

15 [Now] He is the [c]exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.

17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).

18 He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

19 For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [d]permanently.

20 And God purposed that through ([e]by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled [f]back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.”

Pastor Richard, Bondslave of Jesus Christ