Soldiers wear protective clothing to keep them safe. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul compares a Christian to a soldier: in our imagination, we symbolically wear special items that protect us from bad influences and keep us on a path to serving God faithfully.
The first item we need is a “Belt of Truth.” In biblical times, the belt held together everything the soldier wore. Jesus said God’s word is truth. So, the “belt of truth” – the Bible – surrounds us as the foundation upon which everything else stands.
Next, we wear the “Breastplate of Righteousness.” A breastplate is metal body armor that protects a soldier's internal organs. Since we are all sinners, this breastplate refers to Jesus’ righteousness. When we symbolically wear it, our hearts are protected from Satan’s attacks because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
In our minds, our shoes will be fitted with “the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.” With good traction and firm footing, wherever our steps take us, we spread the good news of God’s word, which should be spoken with love.
Next, we imagine having a “Shield of Faith” to cover and protect us. We keep our faith in place wherever we go, because we can’t fight this battle without faith in God.
A helmet protects our head and, therefore, our thoughts and actions. To wear the “Helmet of Salvation” means that we accept and understand that salvation depends upon Jesus dying as a ransom for all, and having this knowledge will help us in every decision and aspect of life.
Finally, we have the “Sword of the Spirit,” defined as the “word of God.” Faithful Christians have God’s holy spirit to help them understand and apply God’s principles in the Bible. This sword is like having God’s own power and influence helping us battle an enemy we could never defeat on our own.
The entire armor of God, along with prayer, is described in Ephesians (6:14-18 GNT) “So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. At all times carry faith as a shield;…And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help…and never give up…”
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
