Truth or Territory: A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Warfare

by Jim Osman, Justin Peters

This book offers a critique of common spiritual warfare practices including binding Satan, renouncing curses, spiritual mapping and exorcisms. Using Scripture, and Scripture alone, Pastor Jim Osman shows that true spiritual warfare is not a battle over territory, but a battle for the truth. The book is divided into four sections: Establishing Biblical Principles, Exposing Unbiblical Practices, Explaining Biblical Perspectives and Examining a Biblical Passage. A biblical approach to spiritual warfare recognizes the Bible as the sole authority, rejects unbiblical and man-made methods, and rests in Christ and His finished work for victory. Many in the modern spiritual warfare movement teach a methodology of spiritual warfare that is more akin to something you would find in a Harry Potter novel (renouncing curses and using prayer mantras to seize territory) than anything described in Scripture. Many of these practices reflect a theology built on anecdotes, experience, and interviews with demons rather than a sound exegesis of Scripture. Footnoted quotations of authors like Mark Bubeck, Neil T. Anderson, and others are compared against Scripture to show that modern spiritual warfare "experts" have abandoned the authority of Scripture and opted for man-made methods to wage spiritual battle. The chapters include a study of the three enemies that every Christian faces: the world, the flesh, and the devil. Pastor Osman answers from Scripture the questions: Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Is Christ's authority ours? and, What about exorcisms? One chapter includes a helpful discussion of the link between spiritual warfare and a believer's sanctification. The foreword is written by international conference speaker Justin Peters (justinpeters.org). This book is being published as an e-book as a fundraiser to finish the new church building of Kootenai Community Church (www.kootenaichurch.org) of which Jim is one of the pastors. All the proceeds go the building fund for the completion of that project. You can see regular updates at http: //www.truthorterritory.com .

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality

251 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2015

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Osman has one overarching point to make in this book : THE BIBLE IS ALL SUFFICIENT – FOR EVERY DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE IN OUR LIFE!
He uses the first quarter of this book to explain the Biblical doctrine of sufficiency. With a particular focus is on its exclusive sufficiency in spiritual matters as they relate the devil and his war on us.
In the next sections, he exposes the carnal rationality that underlies the ‘new’ methods of spiritual warfare that have crept into the church in the last few decades and contrasts them with the Bibles’ teachings. It covers such practices as binding the devil, generational curses, hedges of thorns, spiritual mapping, demon possession, and Christian authority.
These ideas have become so pervasive and influential throughout popular Christianity, that I recommend this book to everyone. I think you will be surprised just how much they have influenced popular thinking and practicing and greatly encouraged by this staunch presentation of the truth. As someone who at one time believed in and practiced the various spiritual warfare practices, Jim Osman, understands both the allure and the bondage that these teachings hold and is well able to help us understand the truth.
He ends with a study of Ephesians 6, the armor of God. I really appreciated why he held this off till the end. He wanted to shake us loose from all the false ideas before opening the scriptures and helping us build a Biblical understanding of the armor of God. It was a very encouraging way to end a book.

[Henry Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatters Modern deliverance ministry ideologies

Coming from someone who has been in the Pentecostal/Charismatic camp. This reading caused me to confront ,question and wrestle with many of the things that I held as truth. Some to be modified, others to be completely abandoned knowing now that they have no biblical basis. I strongly encourage others like me to read and wrestle through til you find clarity and hold on to what is found in scripture. Thanks Jim for sharing!

[Christopher Scriven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a good read.

I am by no means charismatic and agreed with the overall idea of the book, however, there were parts that the author made points I found to be illogical to me and parts that I disagreed with. Overall, I agree with the idea of the book and support it. And believe that Christians that read this will get a better view of spiritual warfare. It is a good read and really points out the serious issues facing the modern church, although in some areas I believe the heresy detector needs to be turned down.

[Kelsey Hammett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3/5 ✝️✝️✝️ What is and what is not spiritual warfare? Is it truth or is it territory? That is what this book answers. There is a growing movement that we are supposed to rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus, perform exorcisms, and have a bush of hedges or thrones around you for protection from Satan. Is this biblical though? Jim Osman says no and I agree. Spiritual warfare is not about gain territory or defeating a already defeated enemy it is a battle of truth. Not only truth but Gods truth. Which is the ultimate truth, wisdom and knowledge rather then our own understanding.

[Steve Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on spiritual warfare I've seen. No wonder, the cover art looks like it was made in MS Paint 😂.

Jim presents a compelling challenge to so many 'unbiblical' practices in the modern church. First of all, he brings us back to full sufficiency of scripture, if you dont believe that, then you are at risk of believing unbiblical practices and doctrine. Basically, if God wanted us to 'do something' he'd have clearly let us know in scripture...

Then the author takes us through many practices such as, praying against generational curses, taking down principalities, praying against Satan's schemes against us, binding, praying a hedge of thorns, casting out demons etc. and in particular, how they are not biblical practices, and how passages are taken out of context.

So what even is spiritual warfare then? its a truth war.

"We are at war over truth. Spiritual warfare is a truth war. We fight lies by advancing truth. When truth advances, God is glorified and the forces of darkness suffer defeat. How do we fight? we fight a spiritual warfare with spiritual weapons. What are we fighting? we are fighting the thoughts and reasonings, speculations and errors errected in the hearts of men."

"Satan doesnt need to make me sin, my flesh is more than capable of causing my downfall."

[Matt Daq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew a lot on this topic but this author confirmed a lot of my current knowledge/belief system but then extended it with some stuff I didn’t see or didn’t know.

This book flies in the face of most deliverance ministries these days especially the demons slayers such as Isaiah salvidar, vlad savchuck etc where they tend to find demons under every rock, feeling and emotion.

It would be awesome if the author could update adding in the newer voices to this space such as Derek prince, Isaiah and other “demon slayers.”

A heap of people I know should read this——-but they won’t.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biblical, accurate, and clarifying.

I don't really find myself in the mission field that Osmand describes in the book so couldn't relate much

[Roo Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Osman in Truth or Territory provides a great treatment on Spiritual Warfare where he tackles the questions of what spiritual warfare is based upon, and importantly, what it is NOT. I found this book very helpful in addressing specific practices which fall outside the biblical bounds of Scripture's prescriptions. I appreciated that Osman delivers biblical reason with no hesitation or lack of conviction. Some of the practices that are touched on include hedges/hexes, binding/rebuking Satan, and exorcisms.

Finally and crucially, Osman takes the last three chapters to unpack how a Christian ought to engage in spiritual warfare. Osman carefully unpacks the context and content of Ephesians 6:10-17, a most salient passage on the topic at hand and urges believers to stand in Jesus Christ for protection and advancement in the warfare.

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on spiritual warfare that I've ever read. Jim Osman brings a robustly biblical approach to a topic that seems to attract fringe elements of the Christian community. People are either oblivious to the unseen realm or they are absolutely nuts about it; seldom do you find a balanced approach. Osman's handling of biblical texts is deft and accurate. For the most part, he demonstrates a pastoral tone that is restrained (with only a few exceptions, but one can argue - and I would! - that his fiery response at some of the more extreme abuses in the realm of spiritual warfare deserve a book lashing.). I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in this arena. It should be especially interesting to those who grew up in the Satanic Panic of the late 70s through 90s. We nursed on the milk of Frank Peretti and Mike Warnke and Bob Larson. We, more than many others, need this book.

[Matt Rudd · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a cessationist critique of unbiblical spiritual warfare practices today, this is a decent book that does its job. As a biblical explanation of good spiritual warfare practices, it is sorely lacking. Also, if you're not a cessationist, you won't find every argument convincing. I feel Osman is very dismissive of almost anything supernatural happening today, and surprisingly--and sadly--that even includes prayer. Prayer is almost entirely absent from the book, which is quite shocking considering Jesus told us to pray for protection from the evil one and Paul followed his armour of God passage with explicit summons to pray, pray, and pray some more. Funny enough, Osman's exposition of Ephesians 6 stops at v.17. This oversight left a poor taste in my mouth; and I felt disappointed because this book could've been so. much. better.

[April J. Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

Are the practices regarding spiritual warfare that are believed by many Biblical? Where do they come from? Are they imagined in the hearts of man? Have men confessed to speaking with demons in order to gain the theology about spiritual warfare that we see practiced among many today? When holy scripture is cited is it done so with proper handling of the text or reading experiences and one’s own ideas into the text? Is binding satan, praying a hedge of thorns, generational curses, spiritual mapping, rebuking the enemy, claiming spiritual territory, demonic Christian possession, and such like these Biblical? What is spiritual warfare as scripture defines it? Jim Osman answers these questions Biblically!

Truly there is such peace when we go to scripture and let it speak as God intended and not writing man’s theology or otherwise into the text of which exalts some pridefully and lays heavy burdens on many. Whether you finish this in agreement with Mr. Osman or not, I urge you to read or download on audible, Truth or Territory by Jim Osman. This is not something that has made its way only into one sect of Christianity, but much of its practices and beliefs are far more reaching and widespread. Test all things according to sound doctrine. Gods Word is sufficient.

I hope, that you will add this book to your to be read (TBR) list. It’s an easy read. Mr. Osman goes carefully through scriptures that are used by proponents of these teachings and carefully exposits each verse/passage in its right context.

Having come out of a hyper-charismatic background and by Gods grace learning how to rightly handle His Word and let go of things I firmly held as true and were not easy to let go of, it is those like Jim Osman and their ability to expose what is false and point to sound doctrine: not subjective experiences, not feelings, not extra-Biblical revelation and not taking scripture out of context to fit one’s own ideas. I came to realize that those who I had been taught and I thought had a lower view of the Holy Spirit and Gods Word are actually those with a much higher view of Gods Word and greater reverence for the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I now know a peace like I didn’t before. Reading this book came after watching his teaching series on it at AGTV (American Gospel). I highly recommend it also. I am the person now that he describes at the end of his book that has let go of those ideas, beliefs and teachings and now knows a peace I hadn’t truly known before.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly outstanding critique of the modern "spiritual warfare" or "deliverance" movement. I have seen with my own eyes those that live a daily life of fear that results from such teaching. People are led to believe there is a demon under every rock and behind every word spoken. Pastor Osman carefully and Biblically looks at various teachings of this movement including generational curses and rebuking and binding Satan. Every proof text from this movement is carefully examined in context-a thing which is sorely lacking from the movement today.

The final section of the book is, perhaps, the best handling of the armor of God I have ever read. My only complaint is that it was too brief! That said, he looks at the armor of God from the whole context of the book of Ephesians-clearly the way the apostle Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) meant it. The armor God has supplied His elect is what we are to use in spiritual warfare-not the mystical hocus pocus of the modern deliverance movement.

If you are part of the modern spiritual warfare/deliverance movement, I beg you to read this book with an open mind-carefully considering the handling of each proof text that is used by your teachers. If you know nothing about the movement, this book is still greatly beneficial to you as well. Most every Christian in one way or another has been or will be exposed to some of the teachings of this movement. This book will equip you to recognize it, avoid it and correct it.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book. And his main argument that spiritual warfare is a truth battle is really strong and well grounded in Scripture. 5 stars for that. What made me give 3 stars is:
1. He uses poor sources to show the extreme other side (Benny Hinn, TBN, etc) but what about theologically strong theologians (Gurden, Piper, Storms, Chandler) who are theologically solid but a more charismatic outlook into spiritual warfare by still maintain it as a battle for truth?
2. I also think his treatment of the other side was not great (condescending, unfair practical conclusions). This is unfortunate because there is so much good in this book, and I am thankful for that. I am reading Sam Storms book on Spiritual warfare next and I imagine these will be two great companions.

[John Buxbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as the book - it was very good. In many ways eye opening, and enlightening as regards to many of the the things we Christians have just come to accept. Things like praying a hedge and binding Satan...just aren't Biblical. Not only that, they can be downright dangerous and harmful to us as believers and those we interact with who aren't.
Bottom line, the Word of God is sufficient. If it isn't in there, don't do it just because some religious leaders say to. Always use the Bible to check the validity, it's so easy for man to interject things that come from our feelings and take the focus off of Christ, and the Bible.
Definitely recommend reading it, it is an easy read, well laid out and thoughtfully compassionate.

[Mathew Neahring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on spiritual warfare

I love this book so much. There is so much had theology today in the church and in Christian ministry when it comes to Spiritual warfare. Jim Osman gently evaluates what is bad in modern theology and methodology to Spiritual warfare and shows you by scripture why it is wrong. Than he lays out what the bible actually teaches on the subject. One of this books biggest strength is its reliance on the sufficiency of Scripture. This book is a much needed book today for Christians and I will be recommending it and using it in my pastoral and discipleship ministries.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purposely have avoided modern authors because of my love for the Puritan and Puritan-like writings of Ryle and Pink. Their straightforward style and steady reliance on Scripture rather than stories and personal experiences has always appealed to me. Well, surprisingly Jim Osman fits well in this camp. I first watched his series on spiritual warfare with Justin Peters and so already had a summary of the book. But the book greatly expands and explains the points he made. I like his humor though he has a tendency to mildly ridicule (something I am fighting in my own life) but I don't think its over the top. He sets the book up perfectly, starting off with the Scriptural basis for spiritual warfare, covers the excesses of unscriptural practices, and exegetes Ephesians 6 in a way I have never viewed it. I will never teach the Armor of God in any other way than he presented again. I will be recommending this book to my pastor and elders and family. Loved it!

[Evan Climpson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemingly lacks an editor. Consequently, repetition is frequent and an informal tone permeates much of the book. Furthermore, I don't think arguments are often as strong as they could be. At times, the author begs the question in his argumentation.

That being said, the content is true. I think the best chapter of the book is Chapter 2 in which he exegetes 2 Corinthians 10 and demonstrates that spiritual warfare is primarily a battle over truth. Therefore, we win the spiritual battle when truth prevails. As such, the book could be useful in helping believers coming out of the Pentecostal/Charismatic/NAR movements.

[Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believer's in Christ should really read this book. It is a great way to challenge what they believe about spiritual warfare verses what the Bible actually says about it. Are they getting their views from the sufficiency of scripture & interpreting scripture correctly or from extra-biblical sources and is no where mentioned or even commanded as practices for the believer to follow? Are they allowing the word of God to form their opinion or their opinions/other mans' opinions/experiences to form what they think of spiritual warfare.

[Marty Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been considering preparing a series on the many errors swirling around the "deliverance" / charismatic movement. Ran across this title while I was looking for something else and found it quite encouraging...either my own thinking is not as far off as I though or Jim and I are both nuts. Thoughtful analysis of doctrinal and applicational errors that have become so common among "spiritual warriors." Highly recommended book.

[Peggy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblically sound teaching

Very good read on the dangers of false teaching, the church needs more pastors and teachers to speak out on these heresies. I begin my pathway out of the charismatic chaos through sound Bible teachers and authors like John MacArthur and others who exposed these errors. Thank you Jim Osman and Justin Peters for standing for TRUTH.

[Joe Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblically sound warfare

Jim Osman demonstrates that spiritual warfare is a battle for truth! The good news is we already have all we need. He critiques unbiblical practices that are popular today. He then shows us what our posture should be and the armor we use. In the discussion of these concepts, Osman supports his arguments with Scripture. Stand firm!

[Amie Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, doctrinally sound book on spiritual warfare. Clear and easy read. Osman covers many unbiblical spiritual warfare practices, such as: hedges, hexes, binding and rebuking Satan, spiritual mapping, deliverance ministries, pleading the blood of Jesus, authority, generational curses, and much more. Five stars.

[Cailin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book.

If you have questions about spiritual warfare and how we as Christ followers are called to accomplish it, please take a look at this book. Reading scripture in context is important and scripture is sufficient for all life, including spiritual warfare.

[Glenn A. Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth or Territory: that is the question

A careful exegesis of the writings of Anderson , Brubeck, and the scriptures. A good defense and application of the sufficiency of Scripture.

[Josh Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Osman makes one point clear throughout his writing: the spiritual warfare battle is one over Truth, not territory. We must hold fast to the sufficiency of Scripture rather than man-made solutions to fight off satan.

[Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good evaluation of recent (1960s on) extra-biblical or unbiblical spiritual warfare methods and lingo that one will come across in the wide ocean of evangelicalism. Is our warfare for truth or against territorial demons?

[Zach Scheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was the book I expected - much of a critique of modern “Spiritual Warfare”, yet still some time designated to a biblical approach to that. I appreciated their actual defining of spiritual warfare (ala Truth, not territory) as most don’t actually address that topic at all.

[Stephen Jeyapaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book “Truth or Territory”. Some of practices criticized by the author.
Exorcism using prayers as mantas; some even beat the affected people with broom sticks, footwear etc. Tying the affected people with steel chain. These practices are resorted to by Hindu priests doing exorcism. The Christian evangelists also try these same methodology using prayer as an additional tool.

[Jeff Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading

The truth of this book is relevant today and while it is thorough, it is also simple enough to understand. Jim does a great job tying it all together. I highly recommend people pick this up!

[Elizabeth Lafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real blessing!

A biblically sound approach to a very serious and timely subject. Sola scriptura, y'all! I recommend this book highly to all who would stand against evil.