"The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Gurnall

It is beyond doubt that this is a Puritan and Christian classic: "The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Gurnall. It is 656 pages long, and I have put off reading it, that is until recently. I have now decided to dip into it and to read a portion of it, rather than attempt the whole book. We must use this strategy more often when tackling writings by Puritans. We must not hold back reading the Works of Puritans, in thinking that we must read everything. Let our appetite be whet and then we can come back for more.

A ministerial friend recommended to me the section in this book, one which expounds Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places". This section by Gurnall is terrific and how we need to be warned of the many stratagems and methods of the enemy of our souls, the devil. It is sheer unbelief to live as a Christian or as a church, as if the devil does not exist or that his work is irrelevant. This attitude is to leave ourselves open for deception. William Gurnall explains here (pages 177-213) on this single proposition given by Paul that:

"As spirits, they are invisible and their approaches also. They come and you see not your enemy" (page 178). Now this is sobering, therefore we must remain alert against the wiles of the devil, because we cannot see our enemy coming!

Ephesians 6:18 "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints".
Here is another sobering gem from the pen of Gurnall, from page 181:

"Seest thou the monstrous pitch and height of wickedness that is in the devil? All this there is in the heart of every man. There is no less wickedness potentially in the tamest sinner on earth, than in the devils themselves, and that one day thou, whoever thou art, wilt show to purpose, if God prevent thee not by his renewing grace."

Why not get hold of this book and read a section? J. C. Ryle and Charles Haddon Spurgeon were both big supporters of this work. In fact, every Christian who has read it has raved to me about it. The church needs to be armed and equipped against Satan's constant attempts to deceive, discourage and wear us down.

Pick up and read! In the section I have mentioned above, Gurnall unmasks the sins of pride; pride of gifts, pride of grace and pride of privileges and how we all need to pursue humility and renounce all forms of hidden pride.

1 Peter 5:5-9 "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith ...".