Thoughts from the Past – The Whole Armor of God

 


Nov. 16, 2005
Whose armor are we wearing?

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We are supposed to take the armour of God. It crossed my mind in thinking of that how many different man-made armors Christians try to use instead of taking that of God's own making.
Instead of ...having your loins girt about with truth..., they are often girt about with the traditions of man - a useless support that feels good but adds no strength.

Instead of ...having on the breastplate of righteousness..., it is too often the breastplate of self-righteousness and selfish good works designed to "earn" salvation or indulgences from God (which are both impossible). (Hosea 10:1 Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself... )

Instead of ...your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace..., it is the preparation of the gospel of church attendance and "getting more people out" ("nickels and nose and butt every 18 inches" as they used to describe it in pro-wrestling).

Instead of ...taking the shield of faith..., it is the shield of church membership. Where "going to church" keeps you out of trouble and protects you from those who judge "rightness with God" upon church membership and attendance. (It doesn't protect from the fiery darts of the wicked, though.)

Instead of taking ...the helmet of salvation..., the helmet of philosophy and vain deceit is taken (Col. 2:8). Man's reasoning answers the questions of life instead of the sound mind (1 Tim. 1:7) of a sure salvation. God's salvation protects and secures the head which then governs the whole body so that the salvation is lived out in daily obedience. Man's philosophy leaves the mind unprotected and even vulnerable to injury.

Instead of ...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..., the butter knife of human scholarship is taken - a useless weapon that only causes doubt and defeat before the enemies of the Lord.

Can you think of more substitutes people use instead of God's armour?

Is it any wonder that so many Christians are losing the battle? Let us Put on the whole armour of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Post Script - Please notice that it is a command to take the whole armour of God. If we choose not to obey this command, we do not have the armour on. It is not automatically put on us. We must take it. For those struggling with especially hard things, may I suggest that you start each day by reading through this list in Ephesians 6 and "putting on" God's armour in prayer? I did this myself when I was suffering from acute anxiety, and I know others who have done this for other reasons, and it is a great help in the battle! God keeps His word!

[Republished from 2011.]