In Protestant Christianity, the phrase “Armor of God” is derived from Ephesians 6:10-18: “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Let’s reiterate the six pieces of spiritual equipment: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
In this article, we consider each part of this spiritual armor, examining what each piece symbolizes biblically, and how we can apply them to our lives as Christians on a daily basis. We will examine them to see how each one brings a believer spiritual steadfastness, protection, and ability to engage in offensives against spiritual foes, leading to an appreciation of the completeness of this divine provision. With a helpful structure to guide the way, the conversation is designed to benefit and equip Christians in applying these biblical mandates to spiritual resilience.
What does it mean to put on the full armor of God every day?
Putting on the Full Armor of God each day is a way of showing you know what spiritual provisions would be at your disposal if you were to do so, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, and that you are prepared for “spiritual warfare”. This exercise is the process of discerning and implementing the spiritual truth of each piece of the armor so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. This is not wearing actual objects, but is a spiritual and mental appropriation of biblical authority, righteous living, faith, peace, salvation, and the exercise of divine Word and prayer. The believer has to do this every day in order to remain alert and spiritually strong against his invisible enemies.
What is the Full Armor of God derived from the bible?
The origin of the Full Armor of God is obviously in the New Testament book of Ephesians, in the Bible, Chapter 6, verses 10 through 18. This letter was written to the church in Ephesus by the Apostle Paul, who was probably under house arrest in Rome. In this verse [Ephesians 6:10], Paul tells us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” He then addresses the nature of the Christian struggle, saying, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” [Ephesians 6:12]. Against such spiritual foes, Paul inserts the metaphor of Roman soldier’s equipment — six items in the list which metaphorically represent spiritual virtues and divinely-provided resources. His audience would have been well acquainted with such imagery since it was seen every day in the Roman Empire. Paul uses this arsenal as a graphic picture to depict the spiritual, both defensive and offensive, equipment that God has given to His children. The passage then closes by saying we are to continue in prayer as an essential part of this spiritual preparedness.
How does the Belt of Truth give us spiritual grounding?
This belt of truth is a foundational truth that gives spiritual stability as one is fastened, or anchored in what is established, in God’s Word and God’s character. For centuries, military belts were the anchor that kept all elements of the uniform tight and ready for action. In terms of the Spirit, truth plays the same role, like the cornerstone from which the armor itself depends. Without truth, a believer is not rooted in reality and can be led astray and left spiritually off balance. The Word of God, as revealed through the Bible, is the lens through which we see the nature and promises and will of God.
For instance, when all seems uncertain, one can rely on the faithfulness of God! When a believer can stand in knowledge that God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” [2 Cor. 1:20], doubt can be stifled. The daily application is to be diligent in the continued consideration of the Word of God, the meditation of its principles, and for the ordering of our thoughts and lives according to the revelation of truth. It pushes back the lies and deceptions that are sown by spiritual enemies and enables a saint to walk in integrity and straightforwardness. Someone who knows and is rooted in the biblical truth can find those falsehoods of “God doesn’t care about you, about what you’re going through,” when remembering scriptures like 1 Peter 5:7 (“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”). Such repeated interaction with truth becomes the strengthener of the mind and the spirit that disallows spiritual dissolution, and builds a strong spiritual frame.
Why are the breastplate of righteousness necessary for spiritual defense?
The Breastplate of Righteousness is vital for spiritual protection, as it protects the vital organs of spiritual life: the heart and conscience. As a breastplate protects a soldier’s heart from fatal blows, so does spiritual righteousness protect the believer’s inner life from the accusations and attacks of the enemy. This righteousness is double: the righteousness of imputation and the righteousness of practice.
- Imputed righteousness: As there is a perfect satisfaction from Christ, the believer doth receive it, so there is a perfect righteousness from Jesus Christ, and it is made over to him; whatsoever that righteousness is, it is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, and it is the righteousness, not of faith, but of Christ; and yet it is given to the believer, and made his…a believer is perfectly righteous…by a perfect righteousness not his by imputation of Christ’s righteousness [Romans 4:6]. This fundamental fact guards against condemnation and guilt, two very lethal weapons of the spiritual adversaries.
- Practical righteousness: The manifestation of righteousness is called practical righteousness, which is the expression of the righteousness of God in lives of people through their deeds and actions in accordance to God’s righteousness and especially obedience to His commands and pursuit of holiness. Pragmatic righteousness is exemplified by doing the right thing in business when it is hard to do so. Refusing to badmouth or speak ill also demonstrates this intention.
As the believer lives out a righteous life, certain doors to spiritual assault that have carried out attacks based on sin and high handedness are shut. The enemy will use areas of guilt or unconfessed sin to cripple a Christian with shame. Put on the breastplate of righteousness by recognizing the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice for sin, and laboring to live a life that pleases God on a daily basis. This involves the acknowledging of sin [1 John 1:9], the forgiving others and restitution when feasible. This provides a systematic defense against accusations so that the believer can have a clear conscience and confidence in their spiritual life.
How do we use the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace in our day to day life as a Christian?
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace give the believer stability and purpose in his or her life, knowing the message of peace; the shoes enable people to stand firm and move forward to share the gospel of peace with others. In military footwear, a solid pair of boots provides balance while traversing uneven terrain and quickly moving. Metaphorically, the “readiness given by the gospel of peace” [Ephesians 6:15] is a readiness to declare the message that people can be at peace with God through Christ. That readiness gives a believer spiritual footing, and prevents him from being quickly tripped up by the uncertainties and contentions of the world.
The message of the gospel is a message of peace, it offers reconciliation between God and men and between men. Given the winds of anger and division we now face, for instance, a person in these sandals tries to incarnate and spread peace in the midst of conflict. That includes using words that have healing in them, like giving forgiveness to someone who’s harmed you, or finding common ground in a dispute. It also speaks to that peace which passeth all understanding, keeping the heart and mind in Christ Jesus [Philippians 4:7]. This internal social stability enables a true devotee to learn how to stay calm and focused in its dealing, and is able to spread this calmness in its dealing with the world. Daily practice is making yourself a heart of peace, having a response to share as the gospel, and seeking peace with others. This preparedness gives believers the strength to remain stable in a world faced with problems, and to serve as ambassadors of Christ’s message of peace.
How does this Shield of Faith quench the fiery darts of the wicked?
The Shield of Faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked one because it is an all encompassing defense against every possible spiritual assault. Oval all-body shields in ancient warfare were used for deflecting flaming arrows. All of these are weapons we use to beat such attacks away from minds also. Likewise faith is a spiritual shield which is meant to spiritually intercept and cancel out the attacks of spiritual adversaries. These “fiery darts” consist of temptations, doubts, lies, false accusations, and discouragement that are hurled at the believer, with the intent of undermining their faith in God and their spiritual strength.
So, when the thought comes to the mind, “Is God really good?” we can hold up the shield of faith to remind ourselves of the truth that does not change, just as “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” [1 John 1:5]. In moments of pervasive angst about the future, faith reassures us that the world is in God’s hands and that he provides, drawing to mind verses such as “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” [Philippians 4:19]. The efficiency of that shield is the strength and exercise of faith, which means you’re trusting in the faithfulness, the ability, and the word of God even when things don’t look like it. Daily application involves the actual exercise of believing God’s promises, confessing His truth, and refusing to entertain negative thoughts or suggestions that go against His Word. This continued act of faith repulses the enemy’s overtures to impose (and succeed) in fears, despair or doubting, thus the believer is steadfast and remains standing strong in his spiritual position.
How does the Helmet of Salvation protect you through your thought process?
The Helmet of Salvation protects the mind and is vital for guarding a believer’s thoughts, beliefs, and self-identity in Christ. And as a soldier’s helmet protects the most vital part of his body, so our helmet—salvation—protects us. The head receives the most blows, so the helmet is especially important in battle, just as the mind is especially vulnerable in spiritual warfare. It is the objective of spiritual enemies to assault the mind with lies, confusion, hopelessness, or a false sense of identity – in order to dismantle a believer’s faith and mission. Salvation assurance – that is that one is redeemed and eternally safe in Christ – is a fortress against these mental strikes.
For instance, when one is tempted to feel unworthy or condemned for past sins, the helmet of salvation provides a reminder that can counter those attacks by remembering that as one of God’s own children, they are forgiven of their sins and they have an identity in Christ as a new creation and as a forgiven and justified person [2 Corinthians 5:17]. The helmet is our shield of faith, that when thoughts of eternal security arise, the helmet bears the witness of the truth: “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” [John 10:29]. And this covering applies to the defense of earthly philosophies, misleading ideologies, and all thought contrary to the truth of God. Practical daily application is recognizing the reality of salvation in your life daily: That God loves you, that he forgives you, and that you have eternal life through Christ. It’s about having our mind renewed by the Word of God [Romans 12:2] and taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ [2 Corinthians 10:5]. This continuous soul-discipline will protect the believer against the onslaught of any spiritual attacks which would falsify the knowledge of God, of self, of destiny, and it will preserve his mind clear and his heart in peace.
How is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, employed in spiritual warfare?
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the weapon of aggressive and offensive warfare against spiritual forces of evil that come against them. Unlike other armor, whose function is mostly defensive, the sword is an offensive weapon. God’s Word, the literal spoken Word of God – particularly when it is living and active (rhema, cf. Heb. 4:12) – has vaporous fire power that can pierce, judge and overcome spiritual darkness. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness He kept saying, “It is written…” [Matthew 4:4, 7, 10]. This is an excellent example of using the Sword of the Spirit to oppose and overcome the temptations and the lies of the enemy.
The daily use of the word, however, is something more than the reading and studying of the Scriptures—though this, too, is needful; it is the putting of them to use, not alone in the soul’s life—with the gaining of spiritual information and the nourishment and strengthening of spiritual life—but, in the resistance of the temptations, that come; in the trials that befall us; in all of life’s tests, so using the Truth of God as to subject the world, the flesh, and the devil, to the principles of the Word of God in all things. In time of fear the believer can say, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” [2 Tim.1:7]. When confronted with temptation, they might remember, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” [1 Corinthians 10:13]. This Word of God being proclaimed, depending upon the Holy Spirit, humiliates the enemy, uncovers his plots, gives us spiritual successes. The sword is a weapon for defense (parrying lies) but also for offense (advancing the kingdom of God with truth). It derives its power from its divine origin and its capacity to change the situation and the mind as God wills.
What is the role of prayer and supplication in the Full Armor of God?
Praying and petitioning in the Spirit is so vital in putting on the Full Armor of God in order to activate every piece of spiritual equipment and keep it activated. Paul finishes his teaching on the armor stating, “and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. To this end be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” [Ephesians 6:18]. Prayer is not just an accessory of the armor but is the breath of life that makes it effective and keeps a man in contact with the divine source of strength. Apart from regular prayer, the armor just sits here, it doesn’t work.
Here’s an example: you may intellectually know about the Belt of Truth, but instead what you’re praying for is wisdom to apply the truth in certain circumstances, e.g. how to recognize a deceptive influence. The Breastplate of Righteousness is fitted through righteous living, but prayer supplies the strength and courage to untangle us from temptation and strive after holiness. The Shield of Faith is lifted up through trusting God’s promises, and prayer is how a believer exercises that faith and is empowered by the Lord to withstand unbelief. The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is used most effectively when the believer is in close communion with the Holy Spirit, and receives the revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit as to how to apply the word of God. Prayer also includes praying for our brothers and sisters, and encourages the “Body” of Christ in the spiritual battle. Among other things, this involves maintaining regular prayer patterns, praying “in the Spirit” (i.e., under the Spirit’s guidance), and “all kinds of prayers and requests,” that is all sorts of varied prayers and petitions, including praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. This ongoing conversation with God prevents the believer from becoming dull, enables him or her to be spiritually strengthened in the word and to be able to ward off the spiritual enemies.
What is the biblical theme of Christian spiritual warfare?
The spiritual warfare issue is the cause of continuous conflict between the people of God and the forces of evil, particularly in terms of the believer’s battle with invisible opponents. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The Bible describes this tension as a battle that affects every area of a believer’s life, his mind and emotions, his relationships, his circumstances. It is a fight for the truth, for justice, and for humanity’s souls. Christians need to be aware of these spiritual dimensions, to learn the ways of the enemy and to use God’s gifts, like the Full Armor of God, to resist and further God’s kingdom. This doctrine highlights the fact that we are not alone when we fight but that we fight in the power of God’s Spirit, in the truth which God has given us, and with the authority he has given us, against spiritual darkness welling up from ourselves and the created order.
Are there different occasions when a Full Armor of God seems more pressing?
The Full Armor of God is needed for all times as spiritual war is ongoing in one’s life of faith. While some seasons may have more obvious or intense spiritual battles, like times of great ministry, personal trial, or life transition, the fight never ceases. As a result it is important to daily and consistently wear the armor, not only during apparent times of crisis.
What does the sin of the individual have to do with the power of the spiritual armor?
The soldier of God can have his spiritual armor weakened if he sins, giving opportunity to spiritual enemies. Unacknowledged sin, living unrighteously, not being truthful in his life — all these can undermine the righteousness of the breastplate and the truth of the belt and leave the believer open to guilt, shame, deception. Repentance and confession fix the armor’s ability.
Does the Armor of God protect from the Physical Realm?
The Armor of God is a spiritual protection from spiritual attack; it focuses on protecting the believer’s faith, mind, and spirit. Though God certainly has and can continue to protect His people from physical harm, the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6 is not a literal defense against bullets or stabbing; but rather, to equip believers for the spiritual battle. Its goal was to help believers to remain stable in their faith amidst spiritual hostility.
What are the causes of spiritual attacks?
The three main sources of spiritual attack are the devil (or Satan), the fallen nature of the world (the flesh), and sinister forces (demons – his fallen angels):
| Source | Description | Biblical Reference |
| The Devil | The devil, also known as Satan, is the chief adversary of God and humanity. He actively seeks to deceive, tempt, and destroy believers through various schemes and lies. | 1 Peter 5:8-9 |
| The World | The “world” refers to the system of human values, desires, and cultural norms that are opposed to God’s will. It can influence believers to conform to ungodly patterns of thought and behavior. | Romans 12:2 |
| The Flesh | The “flesh” refers to our fallen human nature, which is inherently inclined towards sin and self-gratification. It represents the internal struggle believers face with their own sinful desires and impulses. | Galatians 5:16-17 |
These sources try to lure, deceive, condemn, and disillusion the believer, attempting to move them from God’s divine will and purpose. The world’s systems, under the sway of such forces, also act as contributors to spiritual challenges.
How can a Christian (believer) evaluate himself to know if he is spiritually prepared?
A Christian should be of a good spiritual condition, evaluating how regularly they are using the Full Armor of God. This would include consideration of their Bible fidelity, practice of godly living, readiness to communicate the gospel of peace, the quality of their faith, certainty of their salvation, use of the Word of God, and the labor of their prayer life. Regular self-checks and dependence on the Holy Spirit are essential to this assessment.
