The Holy War—Mansoul Falls to Diabolus

In 1682 John Bunyan published his other famous allegory, The Holy War. The book’s full title is The Holy War, made by Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World: or, The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul. Though not as well known as The Pilgrim’s Progress, The Holy War is still in print over 325 years later and is as epic as Bunyan’s earlier work.

This morning the adult Sunday School classes at my church began having lessons based on this great book. We read a portion at home during the week, and in class we ask questions and have discussion and a lesson about that week’s reading. Bunyan leads us to the Scriptures on every page of his book and illustrates timeless truth concerning spiritual warfare.

Like Pilgrim’s Progress, this story also pictures the salvation of mankind, but from a different perspective. Rather than using a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City to picture the Christian life, Bunyan keeps us in one city, Mansoul, which pictures each one of us, the citizens of the city representing the different aspects of man’s character. Bunyan draws from his military experience in the parliamentary army during England’s Civil War to picture the spiritual warfare between God (Shaddai) and Satan (Diabolus) with mankind caught in between. This story shows that Satan, through wicked deception, seeks our ruin to satisfy his hatred for God. God, however, is the One who really loves his creation and is working to restore us. So this is the story of mankind’s redemption by Shaddai’s Son, Emmanuel (Jesus Christ), which brings God glory.

The book starts with a description of Mansoul, its creation, its advantages, its innocence, and its enjoyment by King Shaddai. This represents the creation recorded in the first two chapters of Genesis. As Mansoul is Shaddai’s chief delight, mankind, made in the image of God, is the pinnacle of His creation. The castle in the middle of the town represents the human heart, made for God alone to dwell in. God sees His creation and pronounces everything good.

Then we see Diabolus, who was once known as Lucifer when he was the head of the angelic order but was expelled for leading a rebellion against Shaddai. Diabolus and his followers seek revenge on Shaddai, so they concoct a plan to take Shaddai’s greatest creation, Mansoul. In this description Bunyan is weaving together Scripture teaching to give background to the serpent in Genesis 3. Rather than trying a frontal assault on the town like he had tried against Shaddai, Diabolus devises a more subtle attack. Since the town is impregnable unless the citizens allow someone in, Diabolus uses deceit to convince the townspeople to open the gates and let him in as their new king.

The enemy approaches the town in the form of a common dragon, with which the people were familiar and so did not fear. He stands in front of Ear Gate and addresses the leaders of the city, who are standing on the city’s wall. He claims to have only their best interests at heart and then maligns their king, Shaddai, telling them he is withholding good things from them, being too restrictive with them, and so doesn’t really love them. He promises to give them complete freedom and joy and assures them that Shaddai will not care if they transgress His law and will not punish them. While Diabolus is speaking to them, his accomplice Tisiphone shoots an arrow and hits Captain Resistance in the head, who falls from the wall to his death. As the townspeople are amazed at the sudden death of their only man of war, Diabolus continues his speech, convincing the people to eat of the forbidden tree. Suddenly another city leader dies, Mr. Innocence. The town becomes drunk with the nectar of the fruit from the tree and opens Ear Gate and Eye Gate to allow their new king entrance to the city.

In this part of the story Bunyan illustrates what happened to the original creation and why things are the way they are today. He also displays the subtlety and method of the tempter and the great necessity for God’s people to guard their hearts with all diligence by obeying His holy Word.

Satan spoiled Adam and Eve’s obedience and their innocence, and he continues to wreak havoc among mankind. But God is far from being through with man, and Satan will never get the ultimate victory he desires. He is doomed because God’s Son Jesus Christ paid the full price of our disobedience when He offered Himself to God in our place. Because of the perfect sacrifice of His Son on the cross, God now offers to mankind the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life with Him if we put our trust in Jesus, the risen Redeemer and Lord.

There is much more to say about The Holy War and our great salvation. If the Lord wills, I would like to share more from this great book in the coming weeks. If you’ve read the book, or if you decide to read along with us, please leave a comment and let us know what insights you’ve gained from this book.

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The Holy War (Whitaker House Publishers, paperback, 2001).

The Holy War: A Modern English Version (Evangelical Press, 2nd edition, 1976). This is an updated language edition, divided into chapters with appropriate chapter headings. Very easy to read. Also available from CBD.

It seems to be getting more difficult to find an edition of The Holy War in the author’s original words. You will definitely get it if you invest in the 3-volume Works of John Bunyan. Volume 3 contains his allegorical works, along with copious notes from his editor and quotes from other Puritan writers. A worthy investment for the die-hard Bunyan fan.

If you would like a quick summary of The Holy War, here is a “squashed” version that can be read in 30 minutes or less. It provides a very good introduction and overview. Caution: This version may cause you to want to read the whole thing!

Here is the reading schedule our church is following for the Whitaker edition and a couple of other editions if you’d like to read The Holy War along with us.

The Holy War—Mansoul Falls to Diabolus