Spiritual warfare refers to the Christian concept of fighting against the work of preternatural evil forces. It is based on the biblical belief in evil spirits, or demons, that are said to intervene in human affairs in various ways. The New Testament provides several references to spiritual warfare, emphasizing the reality of the spiritual battle that believers face.

The Apostle Paul is a primary source for understanding spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-18 , he writes: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the nature of the battle as spiritual rather than physical and underscores the necessity of divine armor for protection and victory.

The "armor of God" includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as footwear, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece symbolizes a key aspect of spiritual readiness and defense against evil.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 , Paul further elaborates: "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This passage emphasizes the spiritual nature of the weapons used in this warfare, which are divinely empowered to overcome spiritual strongholds and false ideologies.

The Gospels also depict Jesus engaging in spiritual warfare, particularly through His exorcisms and His victory over Satan's temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus' authority over demons and His ability to resist temptation serve as a model for believers in their own spiritual battles.

Purification

Purification in the biblical context refers to the process of becoming clean or holy, often in a spiritual or moral sense. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, symbolizing the removal of sin and the preparation for worship and service to God.

In the Old Testament, purification rituals were an essential part of the Mosaic Law. These rituals often involved washing with water, offering sacrifices, and observing specific periods of separation. Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant purification ritual for the Israelites, where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people.

The concept of purification is also evident in the Psalms. David's plea in Psalm 51:7 reflects a desire for spiritual cleansing: "Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." This verse highlights the need for divine intervention in the purification process, acknowledging that true cleansing comes from God.

In the New Testament, purification takes on a more spiritual dimension with the advent of Christ. The blood of Jesus is seen as the ultimate means of purification. Hebrews 9:13-14 states: "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!"

The Apostle John also speaks of purification in 1 John 1:7 : "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of purification in the believer's life, made possible through the sacrificial death of Christ.

Purification is closely linked to sanctification, the process of being made holy. It involves both an initial cleansing from sin and a continual process of spiritual growth and moral purity. Believers are called to pursue purity in their thoughts, actions, and relationships, reflecting the holiness of God in their lives.