The Christian in Complete Armour, Vol. 2

by William Gurnall

Written in the 17th century by Pastor William Gurnall and compiled into 365 readings by Bell, this collection supplies Christians with a soul-searching supplement to the Bible. Gurnall gives readers eternal knowledge that can be embraced daily, providing extra strength for victory.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Devotional

396 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurnall continues to challenge me in many ways in this 2nd volume of the Christian in Complete Armour series put out by Banner of Truth.

His breakdown of "sincerity" and its importance in the life of a Christian is something I have never previously considered while studying God's Word.

His short analogies, examples, and Scriptural admonitions brought to bear on the armour in Ephesians 6 throughout the book is worthy of every Christian's meditation. I look forward to reading volume 3.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spurgeon said, “Gurnall’s work is peerless and priceless; every line is full of wisdom; every sentence is suggestive.”

I agree.

Magnificent book!

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished volume two in March 2025.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 2 introduces & teaches (as far as I'm concerned) more than any other Christian book the elements & essence of the believer's armour. The pieces of the armour - Girdle, breastplate & boots (of the Gospel of peace) - explained & thought in details in this Vol brought me to tears & sorrow over my ineptitude ...but that wont deter me from continuing to the next & final Vol. Wished I had read Gurnall's bookset some thirty years before now.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong continuation of V1. In typical Puritan style, at times drifts from actual exegesis of the text, but still edifying.

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juste wow ! Aussi bon que le premier (voir mon review) !

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a book this rich, dripping with Biblical truth on every page, it is difficult to provide any kind of adequate synopsis. In this classic work, Gurnall expounds on the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of gospel peace. The exposition, illustrations and applications are immensely helpful. There are times where liberties of illustration are taken, and may not have been the original intention of the Biblical author. In those cases, the truths are still Biblical, but simply may not be what the specific text is actually meaning.

There are especially some precious gems for those who are suffering or are preparing for suffering with the balm of the gospel.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

As was the case with volume one, Gurnall takes what seems to be simple concepts and explores them to unforeseen depths. In doing so, he applies the two-edged sword of the Word, separating bone and marrow. He approaches these pieces of armor from an offensive position of evangelism and a defensive position of warring against the attack of the world, flesh, and devil.

[Patti Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone interested in the Spiritual Armour of God.

[John Funnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounded in truth, rich in exposition

[Mike Neglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very wordy so I had to skim some bits - but pure gold! I wish I had more time.

[Jeffrey Brannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol. 2, abridged and modernized.
Absolutely fantastic and amazing. Best read in short sessions of 10-15 minutes and reflecting on the ways your heart and life are examined by an eminently qualified physician of the soul.

William Gurnall is using Ephesians 6 as a pattern of the whole Christian life. Many treatments of the Armor of God see this as AN aspect of Christian living, but Gurnall allows it to be a metaphor for the priorities and principles we need in our spiritual walk with the Lord.

This volume deals with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Part 1.) the Christian's Spiritual girdle. Truth in doctrine guards the mind and sincerity guards the will. It is this truthfulness in doctrine and will which will allow us to avoid hypocrisy.

Part 2.) the Christian's Breastplate. Righteousness is both imputed by faith and imparted by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. We are redeemed in order to be holy and we express this holiness as we battle with sin, worship rightly, and serve faithfully. We persevere in righteousness as we ground ourselves in the gospel, meditate on the Law, and follow our Savior. Satan's goal is to remove our righteousness by enticing us to give free reign to our lists.

Part 3.) the Christian's Spiritual Shoe. We begin with the gospel and we rejoice daily in the gospel. We have received peace with God and we live in peace with others. God has given us peace in our conscience as the gospel is poured out into broken, repentant hearts. But, we must nourish and seek this peace, not allowing ourselves to live in our lusts. This peace allows us to undergo trials and tribulations for the sake of our Savior and our peace is built up by our patience under the fatherly hand of God.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quintessential book on spiritual warfare. You cannot rush through this book. There is too much depth. This requires a slow and careful reading with time to digest in between reading sessions. It will take me years to get through it all. And that's a good thing!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, rich and nourishing book by Gurnall. Vol 2 informs and teaches us about the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness and the Gospel Shoe of Peace. A wonderful book filled with much gold. This 3 volume set is definitely money well spent. I highly recommend the set :-).

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic classic of the Christian faith. A bit hard to read, but the time it takes is well worth it.

[Paul Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Convicting. Read and then act on Gurnall's teaching.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Gurnal's walk with Christ is a must read

[Jonathan]

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