How should a king respond to rebellious subjects? In this week’s reading of John Bunyan’s The Holy War Shaddai responds to the people of Mansoul, who had openly defied Him and had allowed a usurper named Diabolus to rule over them. Shaddai’s first response is a gentle, but firm offer of mercy. He could have destroyed Mansoul or taken them by force, but He offers terms of peace if they will forsake Diabolus and return to their rightful king. Four valiant captains with their 40,000-man army approach Mansoul, having been commissioned by the king to deliver the message. Shaddai thought it best to send them before sending His Son, Emmanuel, so that He might discern the disposition of the town toward Him. Perhaps they may be won back without a battle. The four captains are Captain Boanerges (Captain Thunder in the updated edition), Captain Conviction, Captain Judgment, and Captain Execution. These leaders represent different aspects of the same Gospel message. The Gospel is meant to awaken sinners out of their false security. The open Book of the Law exposes sin and works conviction in the heart. The Gospel also warns of the bad news of judgment to come and drives home the imminence of that judgment. The ax could fall at any time.
The townspeople are initially impressed with the orderliness of such a mighty army. They gather on top of the city’s wall to observe the well-ordered ranks with their flying banners. Diabolus, however, knows the threat this poses and chides the people with a deceptive speech lest they open the gates to these commanders. He warns that this army has come to destroy them and they should do everything in their power to resist. Diabolus achieves his purpose and causes a panic among the people. The unbelieving world is sometimes impressed with the orderly living of God’s people. Unbelievers may even seem more receptive to the Gospel. But it won’t be long until the devil raises “concerns” over these Christians. They can be bad news. Watch them! They will turn the world upside down. They’ll ruin everything.
Captain Boanerges’ trumpeter approaches Ear-gate and sounds a summons for Mansoul to gather and give heed to the king’s message. No one responds. The second summons is likewise ignored because of Diabolus’ orders. The third summons, louder and more insistent, was answered by the governor, Lord Willbewill. “He demanded that the trumpeter tell who he was, from where he came, and the reason he was making noise at the gate and speaking such insufferable words against the town of Mansoul” (Whitaker House edition, p. 53). The trumpeter identifies himself and gives the message. Willbewill replies that he will take the message to Diabolus, to which the trumpeter says that the message is not for him but for the town. The king’s forces will not even regard Diabolus, but will ignore him. Willbewill agrees to relay the message to the town.
When the town gathered on the wall to hear the message, the new mayor, Lord Unbelief, addressed Captain Boanerges while the people made Ear-gate as secure as they could. Diabolus tries to interrupt, but he is completely ignored as though he didn’t even matter. Then the four captains address the town.
Captain Boanerges goes first. He reminds the town of
Captain Judgment is next, and he warns them of the sure judgment to come and that nothing will save them if they reject Shaddai’s offer of mercy. While Judgment speaks, some noticed that Diabolus was trembling. Then Captain Execution warns Mansoul that the judgment is imminent and that Shaddai’s patience and offer of mercy won’t last forever.
When the people ask for time to consider their answer, the captains agree to give them time if they will throw Mr. Ill-Pause over the wall to them. Ill-Pause was Diabolus’ orator, and Diabolus was unwilling to lose him. So he commands Lord Unbelief to give them an answer.
Lord Unbelief, followed by Willbewill and Mr. Forget-good, the town’s recorder, refuse the message of Shaddai and threaten to resist the captains and their soldiers with all their might. Everyone went back to his house and Diabolus returned to the castle as though all were well. But they knew all wasn’t well, so they reinforced Ear-gate and put Mr. Prejudice in charge of keeping it secure, along with sixty guards called Deafmen, who could not hear the words coming from the other side of the wall.
This section of The Holy War illustrates the preaching of the Gospel. More specifically, it illustrates the use of the Law in evangelism. Much modern-day preaching devalues the Old Testament Law or ignores it altogether. Some people do it through a fear of teaching works for salvation, thinking that Law has no place in a message of grace. Others seem to dismiss God’s Law from an almost complete disregard for any kind of authority. But Bunyan uses these four captains to illustrate the lawful use of the law—producing conviction in the hearts of sinners (See 1 Timothy 1:5-11). The Scripture passage in 1 Timothy seems to couple the right use of the law with the Gospel ministry.
Bunyan shows that there are obstacles and encouragements to victory in Gospel preaching. The unregenerate human heart is occupied by Satan, the understanding is darkened, and the conscience unreliable at best. The senses are well fortified against any penetration of the Gospel. But on the plus side, we have a proclamation from the King! The message needs no embellishment or watering down to be made palatable. So threatened is Satan by the thoughts of faithful Gospel preaching that he has to work overtime to secure his clueless subjects. But God’s grace is invincible when He is pleased to draw those whom He Himself is calling through our faithful preaching.
God would be justified had He destroyed all mankind for our rebellion and collaboration with Satan. He is very gracious in that He condescends to deal with us and save some. He doesn’t do this because He needs us, but because He is gracious and we need Him. God is not only gracious; He is also longsuffering with us. But His patience won’t last forever. Don’t put off trusting in Christ until old age when you’ve first done all the things you want to do; you might not get that chance to turn. There were two thieves crucified along side our Lord. One turned to Christ and was saved, that none may despair; but only one, that none may presume. Count on His grace, but don’t presume upon it. Eleventh-hour conversions are possible, but the Bible command is, “Seek the Lord while He may be found.”
Two small books for help in giving the Gospel:
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever (
This recent book explains what the Gospel is and what it is not. It gives much encouragement for those of us who aren’t extroverts and think that we can’t persuade people. See Jason’s comments for more information on this good book.
Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? By Walter Chantry (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1970)
This is an older book that expounds Jesus’ dealings with the rich young ruler and clearly shows from Scripture the proper use of the Law in evangelism.
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