Unstoppable Church: The Militancy of the Ekklesia Spiritual Warfare in Advancing God’s Kingdom

The Militancy of the Ekklesia of the Lord Jesus Christ

The militancy of the Ekklesia of the Lord Jesus Christ is a profound and dynamic aspect of the church’s mission and identity. The term Ekklesia refers to the assembly of believers called out by God to govern in spiritual authority, representing His Kingdom on earth (Matthew 16:18–19). This calling implies action, authority, and warfare, not merely in the physical sense but in spiritual realms. The church is not a passive institution but a militant body commissioned to enforce the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness.

Understanding the Ekklesia

In its original Greek usage, ekklesia was a term for a governing assembly or council. Jesus used this term deliberately when He declared, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, ESV). This statement establishes the militant identity of the church. The gates of Hades, symbolizing the dominion of death and evil, are depicted as unable to withstand the offensive force of Christ’s Ekklesia.

The church is more than a place of worship; it is a ruling body authorized to bind and loose on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 18:18). This implies warfare—spiritual engagement against demonic powers, strongholds, and systems opposed to God’s Kingdom (Ephesians 6:10–12).

The Biblical Warfare Worldview

The biblical warfare worldview frames life as a cosmic battle between God and the forces of darkness. Scripture portrays God as a warrior (Exodus 15:3), Jesus as the ultimate victor over the devil (1 John 3:8), and believers as soldiers equipped with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:13–18).

Gregory A. Boyd, in God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict, contrasts this warfare worldview with the “blueprint worldview.” The blueprint worldview assumes that everything happens according to God’s predetermined plan, rendering human participation and spiritual conflict largely unnecessary. This deterministic perspective diminishes the church’s role in advancing God’s Kingdom.

In contrast, the warfare worldview acknowledges that while God’s ultimate sovereignty is unchallenged, the earth is contested territory. Satan, described as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), opposes God’s purposes. Believers are called to resist the devil (James 4:7), wrestle against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12), and destroy the works of the enemy (1 John 3:8).

The Call to Militancy

Militancy in the context of the Ekklesia is not about physical violence but spiritual engagement. It involves:

1. Intercession: The church engages in prayer as a form of warfare, pulling down strongholds and aligning earthly realities with God’s will (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

2. Deliverance: The ministry of casting out demons and setting captives free is a direct manifestation of the church’s militant nature (Mark 16:17).

3. Proclamation of the Gospel: The preaching of the Word is both an act of spiritual warfare and a means of reclaiming territory for God’s Kingdom (Romans 1:16).

4. Binding and Loosing: Through spiritual authority, the Ekklesia exercises dominion by binding demonic activity and loosing God’s purposes (Matthew 18:18).

Spiritual Weapons and Authority

Paul describes the weapons of our warfare as “not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV). These include the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), the blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11), and the authority granted by Christ (Luke 10:19). The militant believer must walk in faith, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to wield these effectively.

Living in Victory

The militancy of the Ekklesia is grounded in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the enemy and secured victory for all who believe (Colossians 2:15). The church’s role is to enforce this victory by occupying until He comes (Luke 19:13), advancing His Kingdom through discipleship, deliverance, and dominion.

View of God’s Sovereignty Absolute control over every event Sovereign but allows human agency

Role of Believers Passive observers of God’s plan Active participants in spiritual warfare

Evil and Suffering Preordained according to the foreknowledge of God for mysterious purposes Results from rebellion and spiritual conflict

Kingdom Advancement through God’s will Requires engagement and warfare

Conclusion

The militancy of the Ekklesia reflects the church’s divine mandate to govern, resist evil, and advance God’s Kingdom. This is not a call to complacency but to action—through prayer, spiritual warfare, and evangelism. Embracing a biblical warfare worldview equips believers to understand their role in the cosmic conflict and to walk in the authority of Christ. The Ekklesia is God’s chosen instrument to manifest His victory, ensuring that the gates of Hades shall not prevail.

Bibliography

1. Boyd, Gregory A. God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

2. Dake, Finis J. Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake Publishing, 1963.

3. Eckhardt, John. Prayers That Rout Demons: Prayers for Defeating Demons and Overthrowing the Powers of Darkness. Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2010.

4. Sumrall, Lester. Demons: The Answer Book. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 1982.

5. Wigglesworth, Smith. Ever Increasing Faith. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1924.

6. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.

This paper seeks to inspire believers to step into their calling as the militant Ekklesia, empowered by Christ to overcome and transform the world.