The Beliefs of John Robert Stevens

Spiritual Warfare & Judgment

Stevens believed that the ultimate defeat and judgment of Satan was accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross (1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15). He also believed that the execution of that judgment and defeat was committed by Christ into the hands of His believers. Romans 16:20 tells us, “And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Therefore, the execution of Satan’s judgment does not occur by God moving sovereignly, but as He moves by the Holy Spirit through a many-membered Body.

It was God’s intention that the victory of Jesus Christ would be manifested through the Church (Ephesians 3:10-11). As Ephesians 6:12 states, we war not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. However, in this war, the only thing we have to do is enforce Christ’s victory (I Corinthians 15:57).

It is a part of the Great Commission that the believer “cast out demons” in Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17). This commissioning to enforce Christ’s victory is the reason that there is satanic battle. For this reason, Stevens believed that spiritual warfare was an integral part of a walk with God.

We know that we are in the conflict of the ages in its final resolution. We know that in our generation we will see the spirit realm cleansed of evil spirits and demons. We know the Lord’s Kingdom will be established in righteousness and Satan himself will be bound in the abyss. This is a happy prospect, but at the moment we do not see that as a reality to us. We see what Revelation 12 calls the raging of Satan because he knows that he has but a short time.1

Satan has been cast out of heaven; but while he is in the earth for a time, he accuses the believers (Revelation 12:10). Satanic efforts toward self-condemnation are probably one of the greatest problems the average person has in their walk with God. This becomes the basis of much of what is known as spiritual warfare (II Corinthians 10:3-5). How do the saints overcome Satan? “ … by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony … ” (Revelation 12:11, KJV). We become the aggressors. To us is given judgment, not toward flesh and blood, but toward every satanic spirit set against the will of God and His Kingdom.

Citations

1. Stevens, John Robert: “Magnify the Lord—Minimize What’s-His-Name”, Authority Over Futility, p. 79: Copyright © 1976 by John Robert Stevens & The Living Word.*

References

Stevens, John Robert: “It’s the Time!”, Authority Over Futility: John Robert Stevens, 1976. 75081805R

Stevens, John Robert: “Don’t Get Trampled to Death”, Elijah & Elisha: John Robert Stevens, 1975. 75081804R

Stevens, John Robert: Spiritual Warfare: John Robert Stevens, 1973. L1SW1973

Stevens, John Robert: War Over the Word: John Robert Stevens, 1976. 76090802R

Stevens, John Robert: A Manual for Soldiers: John Robert Stevens, 1974. 77060602R

The term spiritual warfare appears 185 times in Stevens’ written materials.
Stevens mentioned the judgments of God 3,003 times in his written materials.