The Invisible War

After reading the theological mutilation from Michael Heiser's books "Unseen Realm" & "Reversing Hermon" and Derek Gilbert's book "Second Coming of Saturn", The invisible War (same subject matter as their books) was a breath of fresh air! Even though the book was written over 60 years ago, its teachings on the spiritual realm are still insightful and sound. The only complaint I have is the format (font size) and material (Dry old paper) of the book itself, but it's irrelevant to the teachings it possesses.

This book covers the creation of the universe, the Pre-Adimite world, Lucifer's rebellion before Adam, and his (Satan's) and his fallen angel's rebellion throughout history leading up to their final demise. This book seems to be compiled from many lessons taught by Donald throughout his ministry (Book was published 5 years after his death in 1965). I don't agree 100% with everything, but even with the few teaching, I would debate, his argument is still sound and should be taken into consideration. Unlike the new-age teachers nowadays that need outside Biblical sources, many translations they claim are not authentic, and Mesopotamian literature to teach their man-made doctrine, Donald can fully and clearly teach you from the Bible alone. Very spiritually gifted man. The one thing he didn't fully address was the Nephilim from Genesis 6 narrative. He mentioned them but never expounded fully on the detriment caused by the sinful angels that produced giants.

Overall I give this book 5 stars! Seems most of the authors I read from in the late 19th to early 20th century, their commentary is far superior to the average non-sense we read today. They did this with a lot fewer resources than we have today, and that's because they rely wholly on the Holy Spirit to teach them. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the spiritual realm.

(4.9 stars) What if there was an unseen supernatural conflict going on since the beginning of time? What if the working out of that conflict shapes human history and affects the life of every human being on the planet, even if they are grossly unaware of such an “invisible war”? What if there was a book by a renowned preacher and Bible expositor who explained this conflict and subsequently gave Christians not only clarity to better understand reality, but hope and a wealth of answers to some of life’s most perplexing and sorrowful dilemmas?

There is such a book by such an author: The Invisible War by the late Dr. Donald Gray Barnhouse. Here, the author begins before the creation of our world with the original rebellion (Lucifer) against the will of God and with the origin of evil. He then moves through the Garden of Eden and through the Fall of Man, to portray that not only was Satan active in the beginning, he is also very busy in the present. Subsequently, Barnhouse depicts God’s never-to-be-broken plan and Satan’s frustrated and doomed attempts to thwart the Lord’s kingdom. This takes the reader through a detailed analysis of Satan’s motives, his devices and our defenses, his organization, and how the invisible war helps to explain so much of human history. (In fact, this fascinating discussion of history alone is worth the price of the book). Dr. Barnhouse’s discussion ends in eternity future with the final, ultimate triumph of the Exalted Christ.

Overall in this book, Dr. Barnhouse brings his extraordinary insight into Scripture and carefully exegetes the text to deliver a message with power, precision and clarity. He does so with such skill that Bible verses you may have casually glanced over now pop out and you and come alive with profound insight and reinvigorated understanding. With this in mind, The Invisible War not only helps you to appreciate the “panorama of the continuing conflict between good and evil;” it also takes you on a tour through basic theology, Christology, angelology, ecclesiology, eschatology and biblical anthropology. In my personal opinion, every Christian should read this book because your understanding of the past, present and future will be incomplete without it.

This book is an excellent book if you want to understand the battle of good vs evil. This book outlines the origins of the battle from before Genesis to the present day.
Highly recommended

This classic from 1965 is a very good read to enrich one's Biblical scope. Dr Barnhouse was adept at seeing and explaining the big picture by putting together the relevant puzzle pieces of scripture passages, and in this work, his focus was upon the spiritual conflict that undergirds all history using this puzzle-piece method.

He was a Presbyterian, so obviously the theological worldview he held is Trinitarian and supports Immortalism. But unlike many other mainstream believers, he did not also buy into the mendacity of Young Earth Creationism. Because it does not confront the Trinity and does not introduce Annihilationism (which would certainly alienate a broad scope of his potential audience), his work might be a good introduction to the mainstream Young Earth crowd who are typically loyal to the dubious assumption that anyone who promotes the so-called "Gap-Theory" does so in accommodation to the theory of evolution. It is quite obvious that no favorable nod to Darwin existed in the mind of Dr Barnhouse! He taught (to use his own words) the "Great Interval" not in deference to mainstream so-called "science," but because the way the puzzle pieces of scripture actually fit requires it.

Even if your theological stance is not Presbyterian, The Invisible War is recommended reading. While some of the deepest errors, from my perspective, still infect, there is still enough meat present, and there are still enough gems to mine, to enjoy this reading (from somewhat) across the aisle.

First off I have read the Scriptures about this subject for years, as well as lots of authors. Though I highly respect Rev. Barnhouse and most of his works, this was riddled with what I felt was wrong Biblical doctrine. He does not seem to agree with the majority of authors on this subject...he holds to the "Gap" fallacy. Evidently he does not believe in a literal six days of creation and delves into millions of eons of time with regards to Lucifer's existence. And yet we see that the angelic hosts were created just before Man...because we see in the book of Job that the "sons of God"...angels sang during the majestic acts of creation by God Almighty. Shortly after his creation...though Barnhouse says it's millions of years...Lucifer was so enthralled with his own beauty, his station, and his authority given by God that it all gets the better of him and he falls into sin...and God judges him. The best thing to do is compare Scripture with Scripture, and Barnhouse is not correct in how he does this...lots of suppositions and assumptions. That's dangerous. There are other great points and information here, but lots of wrong doctrine.

This is a great book for understanding the Bible. Barnhouse references Bible scripture generously. My husband and I are wondering why The Invisible War didn't come to our attending years ago. It helped solidify the 3 wills at war in our world---God's, Satan's and our own personal will. It also helped explain many other significant things that occurred way before our present world was reconstructed. Excellent reading.

It is rare to find modern authors that think and write as well as Donald Barnhouse. This book offers solid Christian teaching based on the Word of God.

WOW - much can be gleaned between the lines of Holy scripture and Dr. Barnhouse will fill your basket to overflowing. If you are like me and think in terms of 50,000 ft perspective this book is for you. The vast sweeps of time and the major players are easily seen once you grasp the arch of God's plan for mankind. The doctrine of re-creation is not without controversy but knowing this view will improve your overall understanding of the conflict we are all engaged in. To know God is to love Him and Dr. Barnhouse travels with the seeker a long way toward knowing more about our loving Heavenly Father. Can't wait to meet him in Glory.

This book kept me spell bound. Just as one topic ended a more interesting one cameup. I had trouble putting it down. There are some deep Biblical truths in this book. It's not going to be for everyone, but if you desire a deeper understanding of the evil that has followed man since the dawning of time, this book will go a long way in explaining it.

I had this book yrs ago and read it so much it simply fell apart. I ordered several of these. Anyone who is serious about the conflict that goes on all around us between good and evil need this book. I bought several so I could pass them to family and friends. I would suggest you buy more than 1.