The World Conquered by the Faithful Christian

by Richard Alleine

What does it mean to overcome the world? What are the spiritual weapons used to gain victories in the Christian life? Richard Alleine uses 1 John 5:1-4 as his primary text to answer these questions and many more. After explaining the believer's armor and his enemy, Alliene treats at length how Christians obtain the victory over the world in the fight of faith. This book is a reminder that the Christian life is not idle and that every second we are fighting in a spiritual war. If you find yourself a battle-weary saint striving to stay the course, take up this book to learn from this great Puritan pastor on how to suit up in the whole armor of God and be strong in the Lord.

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 1995

Reviews

[Jesse Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The World Conquered, Richard Alleine (1610—1681) argues that “a true Christian is a conqueror, more heroic, more noble, more exalted than the greatest of all earthly conquerors, for he has conquered that which has conquered them—the world” (p. 1). Employing 1 John 5:4 as his foundational text, Alleine illustrates how believers might triumph over the world in the battle of faith. The are several lessons for success in conflict: do not let business cause you to neglect your soul (p. 63); know that Christ is a sufficient reward and safeguard (p. 70); maintain a steadfast frame of mind “in all the changes of our outward condition” (p. 95); and be willing to forsake the treasures of this world for heaven (p. 95). Further, in the spiritual battle of life, the conqueror must also be ready on a handful of fronts: be crucified with Christ (p. 111); be marked out in him by the Spirit (p. 115); be strengthened for battle through Sabbath rest (p. 125); be fixated upon our eternal reward (P. 141); be wise stewards of earthly possessions (p. 142); and be filled with heavenly joy (p. 159). Throughout the book, Alleine becomes a spiritual sergeant, showing the soldier the dangerous battleground of faith and provoking him to remain on course, for “nothing less than victory will do” (p. 163). For these reasons, this classic book has become a concise manual on walking, resting, growing, and gazing with Jesus on the narrow path that leads to life.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As typical of most Puritan devotional works, this work is certainly soul food! Primarily Alleine derives different aspects of victorious Christian living from 1 John 5. This is that victory that is had through Christ Jesus as the Christian continues to walk to New Jerusalem. It does get repetitive at times with some of the themes of victory running together; it's expected when 172 pages are all differing aspects of the same major theme. It's a highly applicable book that is not overly complex nor difficult. Really, this is Puritan devotion at some of its best. It's soul searching, warm, strong regarding warning and chastening, and highly readable. I'd highly recommend it!

[Bryan Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most amazing book!