Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 5: Spiritual vs. Physical Realities
1. Introduction
Christian theology affirms that believers are engaged in a spiritual battle, described vividly in Ephesians 6:12: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities… against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Yet, in everyday life, this warfare manifests through tangible struggles—in relationships, institutions, suffering, and even physical persecution. This paradox affirms that while our enemies are not human in essence, spiritual forces act through earthly vessels, requiring believers to fight with spiritual armour amidst very human realities.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 The Battle is Not Against Flesh and Blood
- Ephesians 6:12 – “We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 – “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God…”
- Daniel 10:13 – Spiritual conflict between angelic and demonic forces.
2.2 Yet Flesh and Blood Are Involved
- Acts 7:54–60 – Stephen is stoned by men, though he is filled with the Spirit.
- John 15:18–20 – “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
- 2 Timothy 3:12 – “All that will live godly… shall suffer persecution.”
3. Theological Significance
This paradox clarifies:
- The true enemy is spiritual—Satan and his forces.
- Yet, these forces often work through human systems, behaviours, and opposition.
- The Christian must discern the spiritual source behind the visible hostility.
4. Paradox Explained
| Spiritual Battle | Flesh and Blood Involvement |
|---|---|
| Invisible powers influence events | Visible humans carry out hostility |
| Armour of God needed (Ephesians 6:13–17) | Yet real people oppose, insult, or persecute |
| Battle is won spiritually | But lived out in daily, earthly encounters |
5. The Armour of God
- Ephesians 6:13–17 – Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit, etc.
- The armour prepares believers to stand firm in spiritual reality, not retaliate in fleshly ways.
- Prayer is the ongoing weapon that engages spiritual conflict.
6. Christ’s Model of Engagement
- Jesus discerned Satan’s influence in Peter’s protest (Matthew 16:23), though He loved Peter.
- Christ battled temptation spiritually (Luke 4:1–13), and overcame evil through obedience, not violence.
- On the cross, He defeated principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15) while suffering bodily.
7. Pastoral and Devotional Application
- Christians must not demonise people, but recognise spiritual dimensions in opposition.
- We are called to love enemies, even while resisting the spiritual forces at work.
- Suffering in this battle should be met with perseverance, not retaliation (Romans 12:21).
8. Ecclesial and Missional Implications
- The Church must be equipped for spiritual discernment, not just social activism.
- Mission involves entering contested spaces where darkness opposes the light.
- Disciple-making requires helping believers recognise and engage in spiritual warfare.
9. Summary Table
| Conflict Dimension | Theological Meaning |
|---|---|
| Not against people | Enemies are spiritual, not fleshly in nature |
| Yet people are involved | Evil often works through human systems or actions |
| Fight spiritually, not carnally | Believers use divine armour, not worldly weapons |
10. Conclusion
The Christian life is a paradoxical war: it is not against humans, yet it unfolds in human circumstances. The spiritual realm intersects with the physical, making our obedience, prayer, and perseverance vital weapons in a battle that is invisible in source but visible in experience. Understanding this paradox equips believers to fight rightly—with truth, righteousness, faith, and love, not hatred or fear.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. The City of God
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters
- Piper, J. Desiring God
- Lloyd-Jones, M. The Christian Soldier: An Exposition of Ephesians 6