What Is the Armor of God?

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What is the armor of God? What does it symbolize or mean?

Several scriptures make reference to the armor of God, including 2Corinthians 10:4 - 5, Romans 13:12 and 1Thessalonians 5:5. This study, however, will focus on the primary scriptures regarding the topic of armor which are found in Ephesians 6.

Finally, my brethren, be strong (strengthen yourselves) in the Lord and in the power of His might (the true armor of God, the strength for those who take it to themselves, Ephesians 6:10).

Paul first encourages us to take on our armor which is the entire Bible. We are to live by His every word and replace our way of living by His way "so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

When we wrap our minds and our thinking in his word, His Spirit leads us and protects like armor from the trickery of the devil. Satan never gives up trying to attack and deceive the saints. He is a "spiritual power of wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Variations of Roman Armor
Variations of Roman Armor
Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1482 - 84

Who do we fight?

Our warring is with those wicked spirits, demons and Satan, whose sole purpose is to find weaknesses in us, exploit them, and have us not gain salvation. It is they, through influencing the governments of this world and humans that are not converted, who are the true rulers of our age (Ephesians 6:12).

We are to study the Bible and make it a part of our daily living, for from it we derive the strength of our armor. The Scriptures within us gives us the ability to "stand" or overcome what comes our way (Ephesians 6:14).

Protecting the body

The loins in a human are the region of the hips, groin, and lower abdomen. As such, a very delicate part of the human anatomy and one if left unprotected and injured, can lead to serious consequences. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:14 to gird (fasten with a belt or band) this part of our armor with truth. What, however, what is truth? Jesus, when praying for the disciples, said that Scripture was truth (John 17:17).

The Bible represents the ultimate truth. If one is not living by it, then his or her life is incomplete and worldly. Living by the truth of the word of God, on a daily basis, will protect us from great spiritual injury which could lead to spiritual death (Ephesians 6:15).

Protecting the feet

As with the loins, if the feet or ankles of a soldier do not have armor and injured, he is at a great disadvantage because he cannot keep up with the rest of the army. The same is true with the way that a Christian walks. Is one constantly stepping on other's toes, thus creating strife? On the other hand, does that person create peace by what they say and how they walk?

Besides all these, take up the shield of the faith, with which you will have the power to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).


Defending ourselves

As with a breastplate, the shield of a soldier is part of his armor used to ward off swords, spears, and arrows. Without the faith of Jesus Christ, a Christian will not have a shield to ward off the attacks of Satan and his demons. When we shield ourselves with righteousness, there is no evil spirit, not even Satan himself, which can touch us. There is no greater protection!

Protecting the head

We finish with, "And put on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . ." (Ephesians 6:17). As with the loins, the head is also an area that can suffer from a serious injury unless protected by armor. Being that the skull protects the brain, it is quite vulnerable to injury in certain situations. A helmet will protect the skull and brain from injury. In like manner, once God calls someone to salvation, that person must put on this spiritual helmet of faith in order to maintain his or her calling.

The sword of the Spirit, the only offensive part of the armor of God, is His word. It is man's instruction book designed to teach him how to live his life on earth. Without the Bible in our daily life we have no weapons which to fight lies, deceptions and the devil.

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