What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christian in Complete Armour, Vol. 1
The Christian In Complete Armor Volume 1 of 2 by William Gurnall
350 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 1986
148 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 15, 2021
Exceptional book! Every single Christian, new or mature, would benefit from reading/meditating on the truths contained in this first volume of William Gurnall.
It would be impossible for me to share favorite parts of the book as I underlined/highlighted some 253 different paragraphs/sentences.
I don't believe I have ever read a book that was as simple to read and yet as profound as this book. Suffice it to say, I will acquire volume two in the near future and continue learning from this tremendous storehouse of Christian truth.
It would be impossible for me to share favorite parts of the book as I underlined/highlighted some 253 different paragraphs/sentences.
I don't believe I have ever read a book that was as simple to read and yet as profound as this book. Suffice it to say, I will acquire volume two in the near future and continue learning from this tremendous storehouse of Christian truth.
September 4, 2024
This book is so practical and helpful. I read the modernized abridgement of the classic and was constantly amazed at how practical the thoughts of Gurnall were.
I certainly hope to read the unabridged version some day. But for now, I look forward to reading Volumes 2 and 3 of this series.
Highly recommended!
I certainly hope to read the unabridged version some day. But for now, I look forward to reading Volumes 2 and 3 of this series.
Highly recommended!
April 4, 2023
Stirring, practical, heart-searching devotional reading. A Puritan classic.
August 19, 2021
I found this book extremely edifying, encouraging and full of wisdom. Almost every sentence in my copy is underlined. It pricked my conscience; it pushes me to be more faithful, to be more awake and to be more dedicated to living a life that will bring glory to God.
“If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose ‘The Christian in Complete Armour.” ~John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace.”
“Gurnall’s work is peerless and priceless; every line is full of wisdom; every sentence is suggestive. The whole book has been preached over scores of times, and is, in our judgement, the best thought-breeder in all our library.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon.
“If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose ‘The Christian in Complete Armour.” ~John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace.”
“Gurnall’s work is peerless and priceless; every line is full of wisdom; every sentence is suggestive. The whole book has been preached over scores of times, and is, in our judgement, the best thought-breeder in all our library.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon.
January 15, 2012
Similar to other Christians who have reviewed this book, I am happy to add my own enthusiastic endorsement to the long list of those who have been inspired, challenged, and motivated by Mr. Gurnall. The insights,parallels,and metaphors employed through out each section cannot but help lead readers towards spiritual growth.
January 16, 2025
The opening endorsements of this book are from John Newton, J.C. Ryle, and Charles Spurgeon. Need I say more?
March 26, 2025
Listened on YouTube. Finished volume one in January.
June 10, 2017
If there ever was a book I should recommend to a Christian besides the very Word of God, this is the one. This classic book by one of the mighty English puritans is filled with real practical wisdom for every area of the Christian life. Years of life experience are summarized with clarity and mastery in few words. And all of this I speak after reading nothing but the first volume of the abriged version! Seriously, it is as good as Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress"(if not even better)! Take it up and read, but take it now!
January 13, 2021
My husband and I worked through this in family worship. We both gleaned quite a bit from Gurnall, though I did find at times slightly too much emphasis on our own fighting, power, and labors, with less reference to the work, power, grace, and mercy of Christ than I would have liked.
June 13, 2020
« Religion which has no practical impact on our daily lives quickly become a vague, abstract notion that amounts to nothing. » (p.292-293)
Cela décrit exactement le sentiment que j’ai lorsque je lis plusieurs ouvrages et études récentes sur le sujet du combat spirituel du croyant. Une notion abstraite et vague du combat du chrétien contre sa chair et Satan ; bien satisfaisante en salle de classe, mais qui demeure purement théorique, ne créant pas l’urgence de la guerre en nous. Cela n’est cependant pas surprenant en Occident, car depuis l’ère des Lumières, la notion du spirituel qui nous entoure est rangé dans la section des mythes anciens. Même une lecture du sujet dans l’histoire de l’Église démontre facilement que les chrétiens d’autrefois avaient une vision du monde incluant beaucoup plus le spirituel (anges, démons, sorcières, etc.) que nous le faisons à notre époque.
C’est pourquoi le livre de William Gurnall est si apprécié. Il est comme une cure qui vient du passé pour nous éclairer sur le présent. Ce livre est le premier de 3 tomes qui est en fait une exposition du combat spirituel et de l’armure du chrétien d’Éphésiens 6. Le tome 1 couvrant les versets 10 à 13.
Mais le classique de Gurnall est beaucoup plus qu’une simple exposition technique : Pastorale, pratique, regorgeant d’images et de situations de la vie, écrit d’une manière qui rejoint directement le cœur et les pensées profondes ; ce livre est du puritanisme à son meilleur ! C’est à se demander comment chaque phrases peut contenir autant de vérités qui nous obligent à nous arrêter pour sonder nos actions et à méditer la Parole.
Plusieurs fois ce livre m’a apporter à la repentance alors qu’il illuminait mes négligences. À plusieurs reprises les larmes sont apparus dans mes yeux tellement l’amour et la beauté du Christ y était dépeint.
Si vous savez qu’en tant que chrétien vous êtes en guerre spirituelle mais que vous ne trouvez pas comment cette notion devrait être appliquée dans votre vie, ce livre s’avérera certainement un outil indispensable. Les sujets qui y sont traités ouvrira vos yeux sur la réalité du combat et de la nécessité d’y être engagé jour et nuit, jusqu’au dernier jour.
En résumé, ce livre est un puissant appel aux armes afin de se tenir debout dans la guerre du Seigneur, fortifiés par Lui et pour Lui.
L’un des meilleurs livre que j’ai lu dans ma vie. Je recommande chaleureusement. Toutes les pages sont du temps très sagement investi.
Cela décrit exactement le sentiment que j’ai lorsque je lis plusieurs ouvrages et études récentes sur le sujet du combat spirituel du croyant. Une notion abstraite et vague du combat du chrétien contre sa chair et Satan ; bien satisfaisante en salle de classe, mais qui demeure purement théorique, ne créant pas l’urgence de la guerre en nous. Cela n’est cependant pas surprenant en Occident, car depuis l’ère des Lumières, la notion du spirituel qui nous entoure est rangé dans la section des mythes anciens. Même une lecture du sujet dans l’histoire de l’Église démontre facilement que les chrétiens d’autrefois avaient une vision du monde incluant beaucoup plus le spirituel (anges, démons, sorcières, etc.) que nous le faisons à notre époque.
C’est pourquoi le livre de William Gurnall est si apprécié. Il est comme une cure qui vient du passé pour nous éclairer sur le présent. Ce livre est le premier de 3 tomes qui est en fait une exposition du combat spirituel et de l’armure du chrétien d’Éphésiens 6. Le tome 1 couvrant les versets 10 à 13.
Mais le classique de Gurnall est beaucoup plus qu’une simple exposition technique : Pastorale, pratique, regorgeant d’images et de situations de la vie, écrit d’une manière qui rejoint directement le cœur et les pensées profondes ; ce livre est du puritanisme à son meilleur ! C’est à se demander comment chaque phrases peut contenir autant de vérités qui nous obligent à nous arrêter pour sonder nos actions et à méditer la Parole.
Plusieurs fois ce livre m’a apporter à la repentance alors qu’il illuminait mes négligences. À plusieurs reprises les larmes sont apparus dans mes yeux tellement l’amour et la beauté du Christ y était dépeint.
Si vous savez qu’en tant que chrétien vous êtes en guerre spirituelle mais que vous ne trouvez pas comment cette notion devrait être appliquée dans votre vie, ce livre s’avérera certainement un outil indispensable. Les sujets qui y sont traités ouvrira vos yeux sur la réalité du combat et de la nécessité d’y être engagé jour et nuit, jusqu’au dernier jour.
En résumé, ce livre est un puissant appel aux armes afin de se tenir debout dans la guerre du Seigneur, fortifiés par Lui et pour Lui.
L’un des meilleurs livre que j’ai lu dans ma vie. Je recommande chaleureusement. Toutes les pages sont du temps très sagement investi.
May 11, 2023
William Gurnall was an English clergyman who lived in the 1600's. He preached heavily from the book of Ephesians and completed this masterpiece of which there are three volumes. This abridged version is apt to grab your attention and hold you to the precious truths on every page with a force that can only be rendered spiritual.
Volume 1 sets the stage for the other volumes which dive deep into each piece of the armor of God. Topics covered in this volume are mainly centered on the Christian's call to courage and service, the Christian must be armed and why, the nature of the enemy, and the position the saint must take of standing and being on guard at all times.
The author makes a case for "Once Saved Always Saved" and uses many scriptures and arguments to back this up. I have never been fully persuaded of this stance, but he has come the closest to convincing me.
Some of my favorite quotes from this volume are:
"Do you wonder that Satan works so hard to dispossess the gospel which dispossesses him?" (p. 65)
"Just as simple food is healthier for our physical bodies than an elaborate feast, so a steady diet of plain truths and God's ordinances is better for our souls than dipping in the lordly dishes of theological supposition." (p. 207)
"It is far easier, when in the ship, to keep from falling overboard than, when in the sea, to get safely into the ship again." (p. 291)
Many famous Christian ministers have stated that if they had to keep any book in their libraries aside from the Bible, 'The Christian in Complete Armour' would be their first choice. I can firmly agree after reading Volume 1. It's as if the Holy Spirit knelt beside William Gurnall and whispered inner secrets and revelations in his ear, breathing power behind every word.
Volume 1 sets the stage for the other volumes which dive deep into each piece of the armor of God. Topics covered in this volume are mainly centered on the Christian's call to courage and service, the Christian must be armed and why, the nature of the enemy, and the position the saint must take of standing and being on guard at all times.
The author makes a case for "Once Saved Always Saved" and uses many scriptures and arguments to back this up. I have never been fully persuaded of this stance, but he has come the closest to convincing me.
Some of my favorite quotes from this volume are:
"Do you wonder that Satan works so hard to dispossess the gospel which dispossesses him?" (p. 65)
"Just as simple food is healthier for our physical bodies than an elaborate feast, so a steady diet of plain truths and God's ordinances is better for our souls than dipping in the lordly dishes of theological supposition." (p. 207)
"It is far easier, when in the ship, to keep from falling overboard than, when in the sea, to get safely into the ship again." (p. 291)
Many famous Christian ministers have stated that if they had to keep any book in their libraries aside from the Bible, 'The Christian in Complete Armour' would be their first choice. I can firmly agree after reading Volume 1. It's as if the Holy Spirit knelt beside William Gurnall and whispered inner secrets and revelations in his ear, breathing power behind every word.
August 24, 2022
Este es el libro que más me ha costado leer en lo que va de año y no especialmente porque no me haya gustado, si no porque simplemente se me ha hecho pesado.
Tengo que admitir que es un muy buen libro, está lleno de aprendizajes para la vida cristiana pero, la única pega que le pongo y que ha hecho que se me hiciera tan pesado, es que recoge muchas ideas, demasiadas (es como si fueran muchos sermones dentro de uno muy grande), y eso a veces me ha hecho perder el hilo de lo que estaba leyendo. Lo mejor para leer este libro es hacerlo poco a poco, con un cuaderno al lado para ir cogiendo notas y no perderse en la lectura. Además, creo que es uno de esos libros que hay que leerse al menos dos veces.
El libro consta de 7 capítulos basados en lo que pone en Efesios 6:10-17 (donde se habla sobre la lucha contra el pecado y como hacerlo): los cinco primeros capítulos son como “introductorios” en los que básicamente el autor va hablando de los problemas que puede llegar a encontrarse un cristiano a lo largo de su vida, la importancia de nuestra relación con Dios y de oponerse al pecado y la naturaleza del pecado (esta parte es una de las que más me ha gustado porque personalmente he leído bastante poco sobre el tema). En los dos últimos capítulos habla sobre como hacer frente en la lucha contra el pecado, especialmente habla de los dos primeros componentes que forman la “armadura” del cristiano que se menciona en Efesios 6:14: “…ceñida con la verdad vuestra cintura, protegido vuestro pecho con la coraza de la rectitud”.
Tengo que admitir que es un muy buen libro, está lleno de aprendizajes para la vida cristiana pero, la única pega que le pongo y que ha hecho que se me hiciera tan pesado, es que recoge muchas ideas, demasiadas (es como si fueran muchos sermones dentro de uno muy grande), y eso a veces me ha hecho perder el hilo de lo que estaba leyendo. Lo mejor para leer este libro es hacerlo poco a poco, con un cuaderno al lado para ir cogiendo notas y no perderse en la lectura. Además, creo que es uno de esos libros que hay que leerse al menos dos veces.
El libro consta de 7 capítulos basados en lo que pone en Efesios 6:10-17 (donde se habla sobre la lucha contra el pecado y como hacerlo): los cinco primeros capítulos son como “introductorios” en los que básicamente el autor va hablando de los problemas que puede llegar a encontrarse un cristiano a lo largo de su vida, la importancia de nuestra relación con Dios y de oponerse al pecado y la naturaleza del pecado (esta parte es una de las que más me ha gustado porque personalmente he leído bastante poco sobre el tema). En los dos últimos capítulos habla sobre como hacer frente en la lucha contra el pecado, especialmente habla de los dos primeros componentes que forman la “armadura” del cristiano que se menciona en Efesios 6:14: “…ceñida con la verdad vuestra cintura, protegido vuestro pecho con la coraza de la rectitud”.
January 26, 2021
Excellent book, a must read!!!
A more complete commentary will follow after the reading of the three volumes.
A more complete commentary will follow after the reading of the three volumes.
May 20, 2024
Looking forward to the other two volumes!
October 9, 2023
Excellent, excellent, excellent work on the Christian life. Extremely practical and helpful. One of the best Puritan works I’ve read. And there’s still 2 more volumes to go - cannot recommend enough
July 11, 2024
It is prince among princes in the kingdom of books. I wish I could give it 6 stars.
January 20, 2023
You can’t go wrong with William Gurnall’s The Christian in Complete Armour. I have the original version as well as the three abridged versions from Banner of Truth.
Volume 1 is full of sound biblical wisdom. I took a while to read through it, due to my laziness but also because every other page made me stop to write down a quote from it. I’m excited to move onto volume 2.
Volume 1 is full of sound biblical wisdom. I took a while to read through it, due to my laziness but also because every other page made me stop to write down a quote from it. I’m excited to move onto volume 2.
June 21, 2017
Two years ago Dr. Paul Harrison kindly enlightened me about the Puritan pastor William Gurnall and his book, "The Christian in Complete Armour." I purchased the modernized abridgement version (3 small volumes) and recently finished the first volume. In the past I have given few books a 5 star rating. But, I've been rather gracious giving some 2, 3 or 4 star ratings. I think I'll start rating lower while adding .5 to the rating. But I regress. This volume, though, really and truly rates a five star. I highly recommend this volume (as well as the other 2 that I've yet to read, but I'm going out on a limb). This volume is deep and rich for one's soul. Though this modern version is easy to read and you may find your quickly traveling through Gurnall's thoughts, I'd advise you to camp out at places and let your thirsty and tired soul drink and rest in the goodness of God.
Recently, I began reading the unabridged version of Gurnall's "The Christian In Complete Armour' for a reading club here in Savannah, so you may notice me inching along in said volume. Hopefully, I'll enjoy Gurnall's mammoth volume, with his wordy and 1700's writing style, for my heart has already been exposed to his mind and love for the Lord and Savior.
Recently, I began reading the unabridged version of Gurnall's "The Christian In Complete Armour' for a reading club here in Savannah, so you may notice me inching along in said volume. Hopefully, I'll enjoy Gurnall's mammoth volume, with his wordy and 1700's writing style, for my heart has already been exposed to his mind and love for the Lord and Savior.
November 14, 2021
John Newton's favorite book outside of the Bible... Charles Spurgeon's go-to for spiritual depression. What more accolades can I add than these incredible men for Christ.
Every word on these pages drips Bible. Precious truths are illustrated, argued, and poured out in heart-felt desire for Christ to be known and the Christian to take up arms and stand firm in Him. There are too many topics even in this first volume to note, but particularly poignant to me were the meditations on resisting sin through armament, the helplessness of the devil, and encouragement to endure in the face of opposition.
This truly is a Christian classic that should be on every "must read" list in a lifetime. Amazingly encouraging.
Every word on these pages drips Bible. Precious truths are illustrated, argued, and poured out in heart-felt desire for Christ to be known and the Christian to take up arms and stand firm in Him. There are too many topics even in this first volume to note, but particularly poignant to me were the meditations on resisting sin through armament, the helplessness of the devil, and encouragement to endure in the face of opposition.
This truly is a Christian classic that should be on every "must read" list in a lifetime. Amazingly encouraging.
April 22, 2012
Essential Reading!
David Wilkerson said, "These books should be in the library of every man and woman of God. No christian leader, Pastor, teacher,evangelist or christian worker should be without it. It breeds of holiness and purity and provokes one to prayer and fuller dedication to Jesus Christ."
We totally agree. This is the first of a three book series.
http://breakthrubooks.wordpress.com/
David Wilkerson said, "These books should be in the library of every man and woman of God. No christian leader, Pastor, teacher,evangelist or christian worker should be without it. It breeds of holiness and purity and provokes one to prayer and fuller dedication to Jesus Christ."
We totally agree. This is the first of a three book series.
http://breakthrubooks.wordpress.com/
January 2, 2014
Best book outside of the Bible I have read in 2013, I will read Vol. 2 as a devotional in 2014.
This book is likely in my top 10 books of all time. Among topics discussed in this book is the Armour of God and Spiritual Warfare. BUT don't skip over this book if your not interested in those two subjects as it is rich in many, many Bible truths.
This book is likely in my top 10 books of all time. Among topics discussed in this book is the Armour of God and Spiritual Warfare. BUT don't skip over this book if your not interested in those two subjects as it is rich in many, many Bible truths.
March 29, 2025
Doing what only Puritans can do, William Gurnall spent three books dissecting one text of Scripture. The thing is, it's all gold. Every page is full of truth. It encourages, convicts, and spurs the believer on to a life of fighting sin and holiness. It may have taken me years to complete, but it was all worth it. I'd highly recommend this book to believers, young and old.
Read
April 18, 2008Amazing how somethig written in the 1600s is still relevant today!
May 17, 2011
Excellent reminder of why Christians should never ever forget to put on God's armour. Now on to volume 2.
November 9, 2011
Great book - highly recommend it~
August 14, 2016
Chock full of all sorts of great ideas and thoughts that all Christians need to hear.
November 14, 2020
He draws amazing word pictures!
February 11, 2023
“When Christ campaigns for a soul, He proposes sweeping changes. And the selfish soul, which generally likes things as they are, answers Him with the same scorn as the rebellious citizens in the parable: ‘we will not have this man to reign over us.’ The vote is unanimous: All the lusts cast their ballots against Christ… If God’s grace did not step in and override the veto, he whole world would be held in Satan’s sway… doubt your own strength, but never Christ’s.
It is horrible pride for a beggar to starve rather than take alms from a rich man, or for a condemned prisoner to choose death rather than accept pardon from the hand of a compassionate ruler. Get here is something worse- for a soul pining and perishing in sin to reject the mercy of God ans the helping hand of Christ to save him. God says there is not a soul he cannot save. If you continue in your self-effacing way you call him a liar. You have been tricked into believing your years are a stronger purgative than Christ’s blood.
It is horrible pride for a beggar to starve rather than take alms from a rich man, or for a condemned prisoner to choose death rather than accept pardon from the hand of a compassionate ruler. Get here is something worse- for a soul pining and perishing in sin to reject the mercy of God ans the helping hand of Christ to save him. God says there is not a soul he cannot save. If you continue in your self-effacing way you call him a liar. You have been tricked into believing your years are a stronger purgative than Christ’s blood.
May 31, 2017
The first of three volumes on Eph 6:10ff, in typical Puritan fashion, Gurnall milks every ounce of exegesis from the passage. In this first volume, the focus is on our place in Christ, the nature of the battle with Satan, and exposition on what it means to stand in the fight. Also in typical Puritan fashion, this volume offers encouragement and sounds the warning bell. It can be read devotionally, as there are many parts that demand contemplation.
December 24, 2022
Outstanding work. Highly engaging and applicable to the faith. Every Christian should read this. There are three volumes. This first volume is modernized (the work was originally published in 1655), and organized in clear outline form. The analogies used are very beneficial for comprehension and aiding in application in our walk. The writer explains the "why's" in the call to courage, service, strength, and taking up armor. This work challenges and edifies richly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews