16. The Church Militant and Triumphant

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
“F. S.” inquires, “Is there any scriptural ground for believing and teaching that Christ has a ‘church militant’ and a ‘church triumphant?’” We are not aware of any such distinction in the New Testament. We know what is meant by the terms; namely, that the “church militant” refers to believers who are still down here in the place of warfare; and the “church triumphant” refers to those who have passed away into their rest. In this way, we do not see any objection to the expressions. No doubt, it is always well to keep close to Scripture, else we may adopt certain formulas which contain in them utterly false ideas. But we must take care of being hypercritical, or of making a man an offender for a word. The Word of God teaches us that believers are “more than conquerors” —that God “giveth (not will give) us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But then we are called to “put on the whole armor of God,” as those who are in the place of conflict. This makes us a militant people. “So fight I,” says the Apostle (1 Cor. 9:2626I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (1 Corinthians 9:26)). “I have fought a good fight” (2 Tim. 4:77I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7)). Clearly, he has no need to fight now. His conflict is over. He is at rest forever. Sweet thought! May we “war a good warfare,” and have “an abundant entrance” into the haven of eternal rest!