Elder Waggoner sets forth the simple reality of accepting the truth of the two covenants as two experiences for all followers of God. The words of Jesus to His disciples are the same principles God desired Israel to understand which led Waggoner to state:
“If they [Israel] had been truly faithful, there would have been no more need of their using the sword to drive out the Canaanites than there was to use it for the overthrow of Pharaoh and his hosts. Indeed, the reason why they did not gain full possession of the land was because of that unbelief which made the sword necessary; for it is absolutely impossible that the heavenly country which God promised Abraham can ever be gained by men with swords or guns in their hands. The first experience of Moses demonstrated this. There was no more need for Israel to fight in the days of old than there is for us; for "when a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Prov 16:7) and we are absolutely forbidden to fight. – Everlasting Covenant p. 420”
What a revelation, Israel’s use of the sword was an act of unbelief in the promises of God! Let us ponder its implications
