According to the author, he aimed to do three things with this book: "to relieve and comfort those who are poor in spirit and humbled in the sight of sin, to lead the Christian in an even course, unto the haven of eternal happiness, and to give solid and substantial consolations, which are firmly grounded upon God's undoubted truth." J.I. Packer wrote, "Downame stands with Perkins, Greenham, and Richard Rogers as one of the architects of the Puritan theology of godliness." Joel Beeke wrote, "With the possible exception of Gurnall's 'Christian Armour,' this book is the finest Puritan work on the theme of the Christian warfare. It is also Downame's best work." As noted by the printer in the 1634 edition, the intent of 'The Christian's Warfare' was to "instruct in military discipline for the better enabling to stand in the day of battle as a valiant soldier."