Though the gap is slightly closing today, there still exists a pretty big divide in Christianity between cessationists (charismatic gifts ceased with the end of the apostolic era) and continuationists (all spiritual gifts are in full operation in today’s church).  I say the divide is lessening because many churches are now taking what is referred to as an “open but cautious” view.  Also, many in the Reformed tradition, and what has been referred to as the New Calvinism are encouraging the pursuit & operation of charismatic gifts.

But this isn’t about charismatic gifts per se.  It’s about the reality of the spiritual dimension that surrounds us.  The question at hand is: how much emphasis should be placed on the spiritual battle that occurs in our world?  In Christianity, some preach God’s sovereignty teaching that since he is omnipotent we need not worry much about spiritual warfare.  We need to be Christ-centered, focus on the positive proclamation of the Gospel, and put our faith in our God who holds the universe.  On the other hand, there are many who suggest that much of the church’s battle is won or lost based on its participation in spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer.

The charismatic gifts debate served to introduce the issue because most who preach God’s sovereignty fall on the side of cessationism, while those who emphasize spiritual warfare are usually continuationists.  This spectral divide seems to makes sense.

Before further discussing the issue, I’d like to consider a handful of passages that shed light on the issue.  Yes, let’s do some systematic theology.

“And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
2 Kings 6:17

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”
Psalm 103:19

“The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”
Proverbs 16:5

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.”
Daniel 4:17

“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.”
Daniel 10:12-13

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will”
Ephesians 1:11

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
1 Timothy 4:1

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:2

“but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”
James 1:14

Now, I must admit that I have not done proper exegesis on the above passages.  Furthermore, these are only a select few that speak on the subject.  There are countless others that teach of God’s sovereignty and the reality of spiritual warfare.  Finally, all of the above passages are from the NIV; I did not consult the original languages at all.  That being said, my commentary on the issue is hardly worth 2 cents- but I’m going to give it to you anyway.

Based on my understanding of the above passages and the entirety of biblical teaching, I believe that most Christians live in a state of relative unawareness when it comes to spiritual realities.  The devil and his fiends are lurking all around you, enticing you to sin and maybe even harm you.  But there are also God’s angels (whom he often chooses to exercise his will through) who are working for the expansion of his kingdom and the protection of his saints.  Intercessory prayer, therefore, reflects a healthier understanding of the spirits who surround us, and petitioning God honors him in that we are admitting his sovereignty over all beings and forces.

But I sometimes hear Christians who believe there is an evil spirit behind every illness, bad teaching, and sin; they “look for demons under every rock.”  This is the opposite extreme.  The Bible allows for sickness that is a result of our fallen state (John 9:1-3), sin that is a result of our sinful nature (James 1:14), and though all untruth has an evil origin that is demonic, every time it resurfaces or is held as position by someone, it does not mean the person was under demonic influence.  Recently I even heard a pastor argue that worship through song is an act of war for Christians.

When I am involved in intercessory prayer, I sense a greater intimacy with God because I am approaching him as my heavenly father.  But this kind of prayer is draining- and it is difficult to practice consistently.  For the times the church (myself included) has neglected the reality of spiritual forces who are working against us and the kingdom of God, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
Romans 8:26-27