The Whole Armor (Part 3)

The helmet of salvation is not something you put on when you get saved. Remember, we are dealing with spiritual armor here, and it is assumed that you are a believer and a member of God's army before you start putting on the armor.

The helmet of salvation represents a regenerated mind. It represents a transformed and renewed thought life. You will learn that Satan desperately fights for control of the mind. An undisciplined mind makes the Christian warrior easy prey to sinful deceptions of the enemy.

Paul speaks of the helmet as the "hope of salvation" in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. Salvation, when properly experienced and understood, protects your mind. Salvation embraces the past, present, and future. You have been saved from the guilt and penalty of past sin. You are being saved
from the power of sin in the present. The "hope of salvation" refers to salvation in the future tense. It is final salvation from the presence of sin when Jesus returns. The hope of this future salvation strengthens your mind against the attacks of Satan. You have a confident hope in the future because God is working out His purpose:

Ephesians 1:9, 10 "...according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him."

The "sword of the Spirit" is the Word of God. It is both a defensive and offensive weapon. You have surely learned how Jesus used the Word in defense against the attacks of Satan. As you grow in Christ you will learn how this weapon is used offensively.

After describing the Christian soldier's armor, Paul comments:

Verse 18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Prayer and its associated practice of fasting are also powerful spiritual weapons. These two weapons can be used both offensively and defensively.

So remember:

-The girdle or belt of truth protects from the deception of Satan which can lead to unrighteousness (sin).
-The breastplate of righteousness protects from unrighteousness (sin) which leads to confusion.
-Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace protects from spiritual confusion which results in unbelief.
-The shield of faith protects against unbelief which results in bondage. The helmet of salvation protects from bondage.
-The sword of the spirit, the Word of God, is used as both an offensive and defensive weapon.

Note the downward progression of one not protected by the armor of God: Deception leads to unrighteousness (sin) which always results in confusion. Confusion results in unbelief, and unbelief always results in spiritual bondage.

So put on the whole armor of God. You won't regret it!