Perhaps the greatest book ever produced on the topic of spiritual warfare is The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall. This book (unabridged version) is published by the Banner of Truth.
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The Christian in Complete Armour
The Christian in Complete Armour (unabridged version) consists of two volumes that total well over 1,000 pages. This book is a compilation of Gurnall’s sermons and lectures on Ephesians 6:10-20.
Have you recently read any books over 1,000 pages that were based upon 11 verses of Scripture? If not, it’s time for you to do so!
The content of this book is simply amazing! It is essentially a work about sanctification in the believer’s life. Gurnall encourages, warns, teaches, admonishes, helps, and instructs the believer in how to mortify (kill) sin and how to flee from the enemy and his attacks. Ephesians chapter 6 is largely about the spiritual armor that we are commanded to “put on”.
Volume one consists of a biographical sketch of Gurnall, written by J.C. Ryle prior to getting into the exposition of Ephesians 6. Gurnall is absolutely masterful in his exegesis and application of Ephesians 6 to the Christian life.
The back cover quotes John Newton as saying, “If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose The Christian in Complete Armour.” This shows how significant Gurnall’s writing is! It is a true encouragement to the Christian’s soul.
If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose The Christian in Complete Armour.
John Newton
Features of The Christian in Complete Armour
- I enjoyed the one volume edition of Gurnall’s work.
- The book is beautiful, and the dust jacket is very nice.
- Though the English is not updated, I found it to be extremely readable.
- As mentioned above, the content is phenomenal! It couldn’t be improved upon.
- The intro by J.C. Ryle adds a very nice touch.
- The font is very nice, and the artwork is beautiful (found in the beginning of a new chapter, and the first letter of the word that begins a new section).
Drawbacks to The Christian in Complete Armour
- I’m not a huge fan of the double column. I think a single column would have provided a nicer reading experience.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this book to every Christian! You will be deeply encouraged, and you will appreciate Gurnall’s work on how the Christian is to approach this life in the armor that the Lord provides to us.
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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