There is a tendency for people to use the Bible as a book of spells, incantations, or magic words. In fact, even believers can often be guilty of doing this very thing. There is the belief by many that simply reciting the right words in the right order will yield results.
In his classic monster of a book on spiritual warfare, The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall warns believers against seeking safety in a carnal understanding of the armor of God.
We must not confide in the armour of God, but in the God of this armour, because all our weapons are only ‘mighty through God.’
Without constant care, we will miss the main point of the Bible. The Bible is God’s word. It has power because of its author–not for any other reason. Christian, do not follow the folly of the Jews who trusted in the ark and in Jerusalem for their protection. The Bible under your pillow or the verse blazoned upon your wall is no defense against the onslaughts of Satan.
No, Christ is your defense. Take courage in Christ. Take not confidence in your ability to perform religious duties or even your dedication to spiritual disciplines. Take confidence, instead, in the fact that you are Christ’s and he is yours. He fights for us. Satan trembles not at our self-disciplines, but at our Savior.
