The Invisible War

by Donald Grey Barnhouse

An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm, Dr. Barnhouse carefully traces this vast spiritual conflict back to the period before the beginning of recorded time. Step by step, he then follows its unfolding to the final battle at the end of time. Here are answers to questions that have long troubled thinking people--concerning the trials, sufferings, and difficulties of life--with added helpful suggestions for facing life's obstacles. Dr. Herbert Henry Ehrenstein says, "I am certain that this book will take its place as one of the greatest Dr. Barnhouse wrote during his lifetime, unfolding as it does an entirely new area of biblical truth for many readers who have never before contemplated this invisible battle involving God, Satan, angels, demons, and mankind. Indeed, I know of no other available book of so complex a subject."

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1967

About the author

Donald Grey Barnhouse Th.D was an American Christian preacher, pastor, theologian, radio pioneer, and writer. He was pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1927 to his death in 1960. As a pioneer in radio broadcasting, his program, The Bible Study Hour, continues today and is now known as Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Donald Grey Barnhouse is the father of Donald Grey Barnhouse Jr.

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not quite finished reading this book, but oh my goodnes! what an eye opener. This is a 5 star must read. ncredible!!! in a good way.

[Anthony A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably one of the best commentary type books I have ever read. There is SO much great information in this book - especially about Satan/Lucifer and his rebellion towards God - about the angelic conflict and about Satan's role on this earth. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I recently also purchased Dr. Barnhouse's commentary book on Revelation because I am doing an in-depth study in Revelation. I have some 6 different commentaries that I am reading chapter by chapter, as I go through 5 different study Bibles (NLT, NASB, etc) - also - chapter by chapter. I have been through Revelation twice before this, but never to this degree. Based on what I have read about Dr. Barnhouse, I would bet that he did his doctor's dissertation on Revelation or on some aspect of Revelation. I would recommend this book, The Invisible War, to anyone who in interested in the overall big picture of what God is doing with regards to humanity.

[Shaun Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So... what can I say about this book, kind of changed a lot of my perceptions when it comes to how to live my life. I am always interested in how this eternal struggle is going to play out, which comes first, will I be around, when o when does it get started... Reading this, none of that really matters. What I should be concerning myself with is living in his footsteps, which is harder to do than simply hoping and praying for the day of reckoning. Today is Today, tomorrow we can't take for granted, stay in the moment, and do everything with good intentions... I'm broken, and I can't fix myself, no matter how self reliant I am. I think admitting that to myself daily helps me realize how liberating it is to have him looking over us all. I believe.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most important book I've ever read. It reads like a coversation with someone very knowledgable and very accurate. Barnhouse was clearly a great spiritual leader; drawing on the truthfulness of the Bible.

[Cela Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly readable interpretation of Scriptural passages that refer to Lucifer and related topics, and it has the scope and historical sweep you'd expect of the story that serves as the template, so to speak, for all other stories.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of thee best books on God and Theology ever written.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good teachings on Lucifer, man's fallen state and God's grace. I will seek out more of Donald Barnhouse's works.

[C.A. Gray]

This is a fascinating concept, but my mom read it before me and took such good notes that I didn't feel like I needed to actually read it myself.

The premise: before God created earth as we know it, earth had a previous iteration as the home of the spirit beings, all angels at that point. That was what Ezekiel and Isaiah referred to as "The Garden of the Gods," which doesn't really match the description of Eden. Lucifer was the highest of the angels, and (as we're told in Ezekiel and Isaiah), he decided he wanted the praise God got for himself. So he rebelled, and took the angels with him. (It's assumed that it's a third of them because of the reference to a third of the stars falling with him in Revelation 12, though I believe that's the only scripture from which this idea arises.) The ensuing war literally destroyed the earth to the point where it was "formless and void," as mentioned in Genesis 1... but interestingly, it's not nothing. There is an earth, it's just formless and void. There are waters already that need to be separated from one another. Where did that come from, I've always wondered? Barnhouse argues that Lucifer was cast to earth when it was in this state--he wanted to be God, so here's his chance to see what he can make of what's left. When he could do nothing at all, that was when God took over, recreating as all of the heavenly host looked on.

It's a fanciful idea, but there are a surprising number of scriptures to back up the idea. I'd always heard that the "gap" theory between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 referred to the millions of years that evolutionists believe elapsed... but this is an entirely new and intriguing take on it.

[Dan Pan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and understandable book for any Bible student about the spiritual war between God and Satan. Barnhouse takes a systematic approach to all the scriptures that deal with the invisible (Satan’s rebellion in Isaiah, the angels appearing to Daniel, Moses and the plagues, Revelation, etc.) to presents a comprehensive view of what the Bible says of the unseen.

I was surprised to find out that Barnhouse was Premillennial. I did not expect a Presbyterian to hold such views.

[John Gault · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am attempting to read books published in 1965, my year of birth, and this is on that list. It's a theology book on the origins and history of evil. The author has some very strange ideas and claims to base his teachings on the Bible. But when I read many of the passages he uses, they don't even imply what he touts, much less declare plainly. Pure speculation, sad to say, but does get back on track in last half of book.

[Elliot Brent · Rating 1 out of 5]

I straight up did not like this book. It was a loathsome experience completing this book, although I did take a nugget from here to there and there throughout my read. One of my favorable Christian authors recommended this book at the end of his, so I figured it was a go, giving his stamp of approval and the title: but I was wrong.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was quite a bit I did not like in this book - the gap theory, a tripartite view of human nature, speculative theology (at times), and dispensational eschatology ... nevertheless, there was insightful and helpful discussion about Satan and the nature of the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

[Mark Drinnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am trying to think of what to write about this book and am at a loss because of the thoroughness of its content. I would hardly know where to start, for it is thick with information. Read this book, and you will begin to see the strategies and effects of Satan in this world.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good at explaining things you have always wanted and needed to know regarding the war that is going on for our souls to this very day.

[Gabriel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying book by a great spiritual leader

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

worth the read, but extremely dense, and not intellectually, near the end

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too wordy and too much unnecessary details for me. I felt like a lot of it was redundant. Not my favorite book on spiritual warfare.

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great book on this topic. I listen to Chuck Missler's Bible study, and he mentioned this book, so I decided to read it. Prior to reading this book, I've already heard much of the content in Bible studies, so when I actually read the book, there wasn't anything new I came across. But for someone who's not familiar with the topic and content (invisible war, spiritual warfare, etc.), the book is a great resource on this topic.

[Nannette Serra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the subject intimidate you. This is a GREAT book. Donald Grey Barnhouse has a method of Bible Study that makes this book one of the most thorough books I've read on the subject of the conflcit between good and evil in the world.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Douglas Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of spiritual warfare, focusing on the world, the flesh and the devil.

[Ben Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Can't agree with his view of biblical interpretation, but his chapters on the source and cure of personal sin are excellent. I also gained a lot from his expositions on the story of Job.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting and thought-provoking book!!