Devotional #19: The Full Armor of God- The Helmet of Salvation
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…Take up the helmet of salvation…
-Ephesians 6: 11,17 (NIV).
In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul instructs us that to “take up the helmet of salvation.” It seems appropriate that I write this devotional the Sunday before Christmas. As we get caught up in the festivity of Christmas, it is easy to forget that the whole point of Christmas (Christ’s birth) was so that we could have Easter (salvation through His death and resurrection). “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). Earlier in John, the Christ’s journey from Christmas to Easter is described as follows:
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
-John 1:9-14 (NIV)
The book of John continues providing an account of Christ’s life, including His many miracles, His promise of eternal life through salvation, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and ultimately His ascension to Heaven. For those of us who accept the gift of salvation, we will also ascend to Heaven and live eternally with Him.
Truly, Christmas was the beginning of God providing a path for our salvation. This truth causes me to remember a verse from one of my favorite Christmas hymns, “O Holy Night:”
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears, and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
I’ve often wondered how people can survive this world without Christ. It is easier to imagine just how awesome it was that finally the weary world received “a thrill of hope” in Christ. Oh, how the shepherds must have rejoiced with the angels upon hearing the news of Christ’s birth that lonely night. More precious than all the Christmas gifts given throughout the world and throughout time, is the gift of salvation in Christ.
And then Paul tells us in Ephesians that this salvation is the helmet in our Spiritual Armor. Helmets protect our heads, brains and minds from severe injury. Similarly, the assurance of our salvation protects our minds from the attacks from the enemy. Whatever the enemy may throw at us, nothing or no one, including the devil, can take away our salvation, which Christ Himself, guards in His Book of Life. “The one who is victorious will, like them (those who have accepted His salvation) be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the Book of Life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5 (NIV).
For people battling cancer or other serious illnesses, the enemy often likes to implant thoughts of death. Those who have accepted Christ’s salvation can respond by remembering that they are unequivocally saved and can never experience death. Not just for the ill, such reminders are necessary for us all. If we experience depression or anxiety, we know God is still on His throne, and nothing will ever change this fact. I’m also reminded of a verse in my favorite Christmas song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during a dark time in life. Longfellow had burns on his body after a tragic fire which would ultimately take the life of his wife. He was in such serve grief that he feared he may be committed to an insane asylum. Following the news of his oldest son, a Union soldier in the Civil War, had been paralyzed due to a battle injury, Longfellow penned a poem that would later be set to music for this power Christmas song:
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail; The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
What could bring a man experiencing such great suffering to turn His mind to Christ that Christmas Day? The helmet of salvation.
If you have not yet accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, I encourage you to make a decision to do so today. You can do this by praying this simple prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
Once you have prayed this prayer, it is important to connect with a local bible-believing church. While you are search, purchase a Bible and begin reading (I suggest starting with the new testament).
For Additional Study & Discussion
1. What is your favorite Christmas song, and why? Does your song provide any insights or wisdom on the impact of the birth of Christ?
2. Read John Chapter 1:1-18, What verse(s) do you find most compelling and why?
3. Thinking about the struggles in the world today, how can wearing the helmet of salvation help us carry on?