Introduction
Ephesians 6:12 proclaims, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This passage serves as both the foundation and the heart of the Christian perspective on spiritual warfare. Pastor David Jang has repeatedly underlined the importance and real-life implications of this verse in his sermons and teachings. The unseen realm indeed exists, and within it operates a well-organized force of evil led by the devil. Every believer must engage in battle with these powers. The apostle Paul makes it clear that we cannot reduce the root of our problems to mere human conflicts and visible challenges; rather, we must accurately identify the “invisible enemy” and grasp the depth of their influence. Without recognizing these spiritual realities, we end up dealing with issues only on a human level. Hence, gaining a proper understanding of the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms is crucial. Another pressing matter is how we can put on the full armor of God under the authority of Jesus Christ—who has already declared victory—and attain tangible success in spiritual conflict. Ephesians clarifies the identity and mission of the Church and why believers can stand boldly in this struggle, both doctrinally and practically. As Pastor David Jang often stresses, if we fail to grasp spiritual warfare, we risk losing sight of the Church’s purpose and become easily unsettled by the schemes of the world and the enemy.
In this article, drawing on Pastor David Jang’s teachings, we will examine two primary themes rooted in Ephesians 6:12. First, we will discuss the proper understanding of spiritual warfare and the rulers and authorities. Second, we will delve into how to achieve spiritual victory through the gospel of peace and the full armor of God. By exploring these two themes, the Church and believers can see why this battle is unavoidable and how we can apply Christ’s completed victory in our everyday lives.
Part 1. Proper Understanding of Spiritual Warfare and the Rulers and Authorities
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul makes it unmistakably clear that human conflicts and issues extend beyond the ordinary, physical realm. Our true adversaries are not people themselves but the spiritual authorities that operate behind them. Pastor David Jang describes this verse as a kind of “spiritual lens” provided to the Church, emphasizing that we must pay attention to the distinct categories mentioned: “rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul’s use of four different labels in a single verse reveals how clearly the organized workings of demons were acknowledged in his era.
Regarding “rulers” and “authorities,” the Greek term for “rulers” (archē) means “beginning” or “origin” and also indicates a chief or principal entity. This points to the highest-ranking evil spirits, including Lucifer, who is depicted in Revelation 12:7 onward as the “ancient serpent” and the “great dragon” thrown down from heaven. Before his fall, he is believed to have held an archangelic role, and Revelation portrays him as the one who now deceives the entire world. Meanwhile, “authorities” (exousia) refers to those wielding actual governance or power beneath these rulers—comparable to officers or staff under a commanding general. They operate within human spheres—politics, culture, society—exercising control as “the power of the air,” driving people toward sin and darkness.
The phrase “cosmic powers of this darkness” derives from the Greek word kosmokratōr, which denotes “world-ruling” or “world-governing” entities. Pastor David Jang explains these as “invisible darkness-aligned forces that collude with earthly structures and authorities, exerting a weighty impact.” He notes that large-scale atrocities or crimes against humanity cannot be explained by human cruelty alone. Such horrific acts on a vast scale reflect the potent involvement of these spiritual entities. Although human sinfulness plays a part, it is the systematic manipulation by these dark forces that often magnifies acts of evil. Atrocities like genocide, ethnic cleansing, organized crime, and shocking violence around the globe are not just rooted in human sin but are intensified by the controlling schemes of evil spirits.
The term “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” should not conjure up the idea of “Heaven” as God’s perfect dwelling place. Instead, it aligns with Ephesians 2:2, where we learn that the “prince of the power of the air” conducts his activities. This does not represent the fully realized Kingdom of God, but a mid-level spiritual sphere in which Satan and his subordinate demons actively operate in the present world. Pastor David Jang underscores that these “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” infiltrate cities, nations, and diverse arenas, luring people into ignorance and disobedience. Although believers are saved, we still need to wrestle with these powers. We share in Jesus’ triumph, but since Satan’s forces remain active until the final judgment, the Church must maintain spiritual vigilance.
The devil’s organization is both intelligent and highly structured. If we remain ignorant and fail to stay alert, we can easily fall victim to his strategies. Indeed, demonic powers thrive on spiritual ignorance. When people are oblivious to their tactics, they become entangled in deception and grow spiritually numb. Yet we must be certain that, in Christ—who holds all authority in heaven and on earth—we have the power to overcome. Because Jesus has already conquered, the Church, which shares in His victory, should not fear Satan and his ranks but instead confront them with boldness, subduing them and freeing souls in bondage.
Recognizing the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms is pivotal for prayer, missions, evangelism, and every aspect of church ministry. If we only look at human actions and react with anger or dismay, we ignore the true “invisible enemy” pulling the strings. However, identifying them properly allows us to engage in prayer and deploy the gospel’s power more strategically. Should the Church fail in this regard, it might merely respond defensively to worldly culture or political authority, eventually relinquishing its genuine spiritual power. Consequently, believers must internalize this truth and develop a biblically grounded approach to spiritual warfare.
How, then, do we gain victory in this spiritual battle? Pastor David Jang highlights that “fully understanding and practically applying the full armor of God in Ephesians 6” is the decisive key. Rather than offering a mere theoretical warning about evil spirits, Paul provides a highly concrete plan of action. If Ephesians 6:12 exposes the nature of the rulers and authorities, then verses 10–18 depict how the Church is to be armed against them. In the next section, we will analyze each piece of the full armor and explore how, through the gospel of peace and prayer, we can achieve genuine victory.
Part 2. Spiritual Victory Through the Gospel of Peace and the Full Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10–18 is renowned for describing the “full armor of God.” Here, Paul lays out six pieces of spiritual armor that believers must wear to overcome the devil’s schemes, closing with an exhortation to pray. Pastor David Jang calls this list “the essential arsenal of spiritual warfare,” emphasizing that every generation of the Church, past and present, must don this armor to stand against evil.
First is the belt of truth. Ancient warriors secured loose garments around their waist with a belt to keep from being hindered in movement, and in the same way, believers must firmly anchor themselves in truth. According to Scripture, truth points to Jesus Christ and His Word—ultimately, the gospel. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” underscoring that truth is embodied in Him. Because the devil’s primary weapon is always deceit, believers who are not grounded in truth are vulnerable to his influence. Pastor David Jang teaches that to wear the belt of truth, we must allow the Word and the gospel to serve as our unshakable center in life.
Second is the breastplate of righteousness, an armor piece that covers the chest. The Bible speaks of a righteousness that does not come from us but from the grace of Jesus Christ, granted through His cross. Satan often attacks by accusing us—“You are a sinner; you are unworthy”—but if we stand in the righteousness of Christ, these arrows of condemnation cannot pierce us. Pastor David Jang points out that wearing the breastplate of righteousness does more than simply shield us from guilt; it also ignites a passion for holiness and justice in our lives. Once we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, the devil’s attempts to sow guilt or plot deception will not destabilize us.
Third, the shoes of the gospel of peace symbolize taking the gospel forward. In Romans 10:15, Paul says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” meaning the feet become the vehicle for spreading the gospel throughout the world. Pastor David Jang notes, “The full armor of God is not just defensive. Just as shoes let us advance, the Church should offensively take the gospel into the world.” These are the shoes of the “gospel of peace,” reminding us that our spiritual conflict is unlike earthly warfare, which relies on physical violence. We carry the message of love and peace, transforming hearts and offering true liberty and deliverance.
Fourth is the shield of faith, which is meant to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. These arrows may appear as doubt, fear, anger, greed, or any other assault on the mind, but they dissolve in the presence of steadfast faith. Pastor David Jang explains that this shield symbolizes not just personal faith but also the communal faith of the Church. Like Roman soldiers who interlocked their shields to protect against arrow volleys, a Church that unites in faith and supports each other can withstand even the fiercest spiritual attacks.
Fifth is the helmet of salvation, protecting the head—the center of thought and comprehension. Satan longs to unsettle our minds, often starting with doubts like “Am I truly saved?” Once such questions grip us, our entire outlook weakens. By wearing the helmet of salvation, we firmly believe in the finished work of Christ and remain certain that God has adopted us as His children. No matter what lies Satan may throw at us, we do not lose the assurance of our salvation.
Sixth, and finally, the only offensive weapon among the full armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He resisted the devil’s proposals by declaring, “It is written,” demonstrating the power of Scripture to overcome. Pastor David Jang affirms that only the Word, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, can penetrate hearts and bring about real transformation. A Church equipped with the Word announces truth and life, leading people to repentance and rebirth.
After discussing these six pieces, Paul concludes by urging continual prayer and supplication. Pastor David Jang calls prayer the power source that makes the full armor come alive. Without prayer, the armor remains a concept in our minds but is never deployed in actual battle. Prayer is both the channel through which we draw upon God’s authority and the radar that helps us identify and respond to the enemy accurately on the spiritual battlefield.
Thus, spiritual victory through the gospel of peace and the full armor of God begins by reawakening to who we are as believers and as the Church. The Church, being Christ’s Body, has been lifted above every ruler and authority; hence the powers of darkness cannot ultimately prevail. The real question is how decisively we believe and seize this truth, choosing to wear the armor and engage the fight without hesitation. Pastor David Jang asserts, “When the Church boldly proclaims the gospel in the midst of the world rather than simply retreating, the domain of darkness encounters defeat when confronted by the light.” Our warfare is not waged with earthly weapons but with the peace and love of Jesus Christ. As the Church claims more ground for the Spirit’s rule, we fulfill the core mission of spiritual warfare.
This spiritual battle never aims to harm or despise people; rather, it seeks to liberate them from sin and darkness. Those wearing the “shoes of the gospel” advance not with fear but with courage, convinced that even presumed enemies can be led to repentance and transformation. This vision aligns with why the Church exists on earth and resonates with the entire message of Ephesians regarding the Church’s lofty calling.
Concluding Application
Ephesians 6:12 demands more than merely admitting “Satan exists.” It drives home that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” urging us to act upon this truth. Pastor David Jang consistently highlights that without acknowledging the spiritual realm, we cannot resolve the deepest roots of the world’s problems. Sin, disobedience, and the devil’s meddling undeniably lurk behind every issue, so God’s children must consciously pray and stand on His Word against the invisible enemy.
Since Christ has already declared victory, there is no reason for us to fear the devil or accept defeat. When the Church—Christ’s Body—takes on the full armor of God, the dark forces lurking in every corner of the world begin to collapse. Darkness flees before the light, and when we are equipped with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word in balanced measure, no spiritual attack retains lasting power.
The Church must remain fully armed as a united body, praying for one another. In Ephesians 6:18, believers are commanded to pray “at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request,” staying alert and interceding for all the saints. While the full armor is indeed worn by individual believers, it is most effective when the entire army is likewise equipped. As the Church unites in prayer and the Word, addressing each other’s frailties and building up each other’s strengths, we will not falter even when a massive spiritual assault arises.
Spiritual warfare encompasses every area of our earthly lives. It appears in worship, missions, service, outreach, and even social involvement. We are called, day by day, to lift the shield of faith, walk in the shoes of the gospel, protect our minds with the helmet of salvation, and proclaim the Word as the sword of the Spirit. Whether we are rejecting the devil’s lies, showing Christ’s love to neighbors, or upholding God’s justice in places of injustice, these actions embody real spiritual warfare.
In countless ministry contexts, Pastor David Jang has observed that tangible changes occur—sometimes slowly but certainly—when these principles are faithfully practiced. A church that grasps spiritual warfare and arms itself with the gospel and prayer can see families restored, addictions broken, and communities revived. Even the conflicts and resentment within the church fade away when members remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” and thereby bar the devil from gaining any foothold.
It is therefore essential that we fully embrace Ephesians 6:12 and verses 10–18. By continually meditating on the reality of spiritual warfare and the practicality of the full armor of God, the Church grows stronger, and darkness recedes. When believers remain alert, the cosmic powers of this darkness and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms lose their freedom to operate unopposed. Since Christ has already won, the Church is charged with bringing that victory into tangible effect “by faith” in the world.
Living a life of spiritual warfare in the full armor of God is by no means passive or fearful retreat. On the contrary, it is moving forward boldly with the gospel of peace, defending fellow believers with the shield of faith, and overthrowing the forces of darkness by proclaiming the Word of the Spirit. The believer who stands in the peace of the gospel will never fail. Because Jesus Christ has already given us this authority, we need only accept and apply it to experience genuine triumph in spiritual warfare.
Example of a Closing Prayer
Loving Father, we thank You for opening our eyes through Ephesians 6:12, showing us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Help us to be fully aware of this spiritual realm so that, rather than fearing systematic evil, we may participate in the victory Christ has already won. Lead us to wear the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—so we might stand firm and grow stronger by Your grace. Above all, help us be vigilant in prayer so that, united in the Spirit, we will witness the collapse of the powers of darkness. Teach us to march into the world with the gospel and set free those who are bound. May we remember the Church’s high calling and glory, as presented throughout Ephesians, and continue to fight boldly in faith until our Lord returns. We ask this in the victorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Summary and Exhortation
Spiritual warfare goes beyond human flesh and blood; it is a battle against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has already vanquished the devil and his cohorts, granting the Church the privilege of walking in that victory. Our role is to believe this spiritual reality, take up the full armor of God, remain watchful in prayer, and liberate those who are chained, driving away the darkness with the light. Equipped with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and unceasing prayer, the Church will never be defeated. Pastor David Jang reiterates that living out these truths is both the Church’s calling and the key to the believer’s victory, confirmed by many testimonies of the enemy’s retreat where Christ’s authority is established. Therefore, we too must join this spiritual conflict with the authority He has granted us, extending the gospel of peace into every corner of the earth. Wherever Jesus sends us, we oppose the devil’s deceptions and lead souls to freedom and life. In doing so, the Church’s light grows ever brighter in the world.
May we firmly hold these teachings and the Word, living each day as spiritual soldiers outfitted with the full armor of God. Because Christ has secured this victory through His resurrection, we can boldly advance in His power. As we do, God’s Kingdom will invade our homes, communities, and nations, and the Church will radiate an even greater light to the world.