It used to be a distant call
Thought to be for some but never all
Now our wounded lay on every side
Now this call to arms can't be denied
The enemy will tremble
As young and old assemble
A mighty army up in arms
Chorus
Armed and dangerous
God's enemies will scatter
Armed and dangerous
We'll see the darkness shatter
His armor is worth its weight
No weapon can penetrate
Armed and dangerous
We're ready to storm the gate
We're not so tough on our own
Not one can even stand all alone
Just a rag tag army at its best
We sometimes even fail the smallest test
But through this tribulation
There comes a transformation
We don the armor of our King
Chorus
Stand!
Up against the flood
Stand!
Covered by his blood
We are the standard he has raised
Stand!
Earnestly contend
Stand!
To the very end
We've only just begun to fight
Chorus
Armed and Dangerous Video
Armed and Dangerous Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Armed and Dangerous: A Powerful Anthem by Petra
Introduction:
"Armed and Dangerous" is a powerful rock anthem by the Christian rock band Petra. Released in 1990 as part of their album "Beyond Belief," this song quickly became one of their most popular and impactful tracks. With its energetic sound and inspiring lyrics, "Armed and Dangerous" captures the essence of spiritual warfare and the strength believers possess in Christ.
I. The Call to Arms:
The song begins with a call to arms, emphasizing the urgency of the battle believers face in a fallen world. The opening lines express that this call was once distant and only for a select few. However, the situation has changed, and now believers find themselves surrounded by wounded souls, necessitating a response. This call to arms cannot be ignored or denied.
II. The Trembling Enemy:
The chorus proclaims that the enemy will tremble as the young and old assemble, forming a mighty army. This imagery highlights the power and unity found in the body of Christ. Despite our individual weaknesses and failures, when we come together under the banner of Jesus, we become a force to be reckoned with. The enemy, symbolizing the forces of darkness and evil, cannot stand against the united front of believers.
III. The Armor:
The song emphasizes the importance of donning the armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18. Believers are called to be armed and dangerous, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual one. The armor of God is described as impenetrable, providing protection against the enemy's attacks. This imagery reminds us that we are not alone in the battle, and we have the divine equipment necessary to stand firm.
IV. Victory through Jesus' Blood:
The chorus reinforces the idea that believers are armed and dangerous because of the victory won through Jesus' blood. It highlights the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and the power of His sacrifice. This victory enables believers to overcome the darkness and shatter its hold on their lives. The song encourages believers to stand firm, knowing that no weapon formed against them will prevail.
V. Inspiration and Song Story:
The band, known for their powerful and impactful songs, aimed to inspire believers and ignite a passion for God's kingdom. "Armed and Dangerous" serves as a rallying cry, urging believers to embrace their identity in Christ and engage in the battle for souls.
VI. Biblical Analysis:
When critically analyzing the lyrics of "Armed and Dangerous," it is essential to compare them with biblical principles. The song's main themes align with the teachings of Scripture, particularly regarding spiritual warfare and the victory found in Christ.
1. Ephesians 6:10-18: The song's reference to believers donning the armor of God corresponds to the Apostle Paul's instructions in Ephesians. These verses emphasize the importance of spiritual armor to withstand the enemy's attacks.
2. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: The concept of believers being armed and dangerous aligns with Paul's teaching in this passage about the spiritual weapons at our disposal. It emphasizes the need to take every thought captive to Christ and demolish strongholds.
3. 1 John 4:4: The song's assertion that God's enemies will scatter aligns with the biblical truth that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. As believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to overcome the forces of darkness.
Conclusion:
"Armed and Dangerous" by Petra is a powerful anthem that encapsulates the essence of spiritual warfare and the strength believers possess in Christ. Its inspiring lyrics encourage believers to don the armor of God, stand firm in the victory won through Jesus' blood, and unite as a mighty army. The song's biblical alignment with teachings on spiritual warfare further reinforces its message. As believers, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ, engage in the battle for souls, and confidently declare that we are armed and dangerous in the name of Jesus.
