Putting On the Whole Armor of Todd

The title of this short commentary is laughable to say the least. But how true is it? Can we say for certain that we employ the whole armor of God? As I read through Ephesians 6, from which this subject is found, I observe that instead of putting on the biblical elements of the armor of God, we often take a syncretistic approach and muddle God’s elements with characteristics of our own (autonomy). Thus, we often feel unprepared to stand against the wiles of the devil or actively wrestle against the principalities that operate in our world. Paul exhorts us that we are in a spiritual battle.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Indeed, I often make my stand before these powerful forces with the whole armor of Todd and not the whole armor of God! In light of this observation, is it any wonder why I lack courage? Should I be surprised at my lack of confidence? Should I be shocked at my feelings of defenselessness? By replacing the tools that God has provided for spiritual warfare with that of our own, we will not be able to withstand in the evil day, do all that can be done, and be able to stand.

In Ephesians 6:14-18, Paul gives us the elements of the whole armor of God.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

According to scripture, the first element in the armor of God is truth. So what is truth? Is it subjective? Is it absolute? How is truth defined? The answer to this question has been asked and answered in many different ways since the creation of man. Adam and Eve tried to answer this question on their own and ate of the forbidden fruit. The result was the fall of mankind. Since then, mankind has been trying to resolve this philosophical question and the answers they have come up with are too numerous and contradictory to mention. As Christians, we have an answer to this question… the Word of God is truth. The whole council of God, as recorded in His Word, is the absolute truth in all matters of life. There is no alternative. As soon as we begin to define some element of truth without the use of scripture, we fall into relativism, empiricism, or modernism. Doubtlessly, our world and life view will suffer and our knowledge of absolute truth will slowly recede into a convoluted mixture of philosophical ideas and concepts that are not rooted in the Word of God. As a result, our waist will not be girded with the truth necessary to stand against the wiles of the devil. During the trial of our Lord as recorded in the Gospel of John, Jesus was asked by Pilate “Are you a King then?” Jesus’ response to this question must be our own response when asked about the matter of truth.

“Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.” (John 18:37-38)

Christ is truth! The reason for the birth of Christ and for which He was brought into this world, is that He should bear witness to the truth. And everyone that is “of the truth” hears His voice. Pilate was not of the truth. His response (“What is truth?”) to Christ’s statement is the same response made by those who have not been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and therefore do not hear His voice. As believers, we must not respond as Pilate did. We must guard our knowledge of the truth found in the Word of God from concepts and ideas commonly found in philosophical circles. If we do not, than we have replaced God’s first provision for spiritual warfare (truth) for a lie.

The second element of God’s armor is the breastplate of righteousness. It is not a coincidence that righteousness is typified as a breastplate. It is the closest to our heart. It provides immediate defense for the most vital part of our physical and spiritual body. It should withstand the strongest blows from our enemy. It should also provide us the commitment and courage to stand against the wiles of the devil. The strength of the breastplate relies upon the amount of righteousness that is inherent in it. Regretfully, a majority of Christians have been taught that they have some inherent righteousness within themselves to assist Christ in bestowing salvation upon them (Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism), or that God allows them the ability to resist His grace and that their salvation is conditional upon continued faith (Arminianism). However, when the Christian considers his true condition (Romans 3:10-18) and fully comprehends that his righteousness is but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), only than can he turn to Christ and be assured that his breastplate is strengthened by the righteousness found in Him alone. And what a breastplate it is! Christ’s righteousness is impenetrable. He conquered death and secured salvation for those whom God will give Him. Our breastplate of righteousness is engraved with the words Solus Christus. Indeed, if we make our stand before our enemy with a righteousness that is party our own, we will falter. We will look to ourselves to make the determination whether or not we can make a stand. We will loose confidence in ourselves and we will potentially loose the battle. But, if we rely upon Christ’s righteousness alone, we can have full assurance that He will protect our heart and soul from the enemy.

The third element of God’s armor is the shodding of our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. As Christians, we are called to labor against the actions and effects of a sinful and perverse generation. We are to be actively involved in mercy ministry, missionary work, and educational programs in an effort to stem the tide of sinful behavior and create change in our society. We are essentially battling for peace. Peace is what we find at the end of conflict. Spiritually, the conflict is between the wiles of the devil (sin) and the holiness of God. The conflict has been raging since the fall of Adam. As we wage war against sin and its effect on society, it is often observed that we labor with the hope that we can effect change by merely providing a service to the community. Are we shodding our feet with our own works? Can we truly change our society by the amount of effort or money that we invest in these programs? According to Paul, the answer is no. As part of God’s armor, we are to use the gospel to bring about peace. The gospel is the only method by which peace can be obtained. Our ministry to society must be accompanied by the gospel. If we rely solely upon our own work to bring about peace and end the suffering due to our sins we will not succeed. Surely we may stem the tide, but we will not end the fight. As Romans 10:15 tells us, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

The fourth element of God’s armor is the shield of faith. At this point in the list of the elements of God’s armor, we see a shift in emphasis. Paul uses the term “above all” when describing the shield of faith to distinguish this item as more significant then the others just mentioned. It is here also that we notice a definitive purpose in one of the components that make up the armor of God. The purpose of the shield of faith is to defend against the fiery darts of the wicked one. I will not speak specifically on what the fiery darts symbolically represent, but suffice it to say that the reference is to a direct assault on the Christian. Truly, Satan is campaigning and assaulting those whom God has chosen in Christ. Our faith is intended to protect us from these attacks in a way that renders the assault ineffective. But just how strong is our shield (faith)? Can it effectively stop the assault from the wicked one? Well, that would depend of course on what our faith rests in. If it rests in our own works as a way of salvation or our own ability to be justified by God, than we can assume that quite a few darts will get through (and they do from time to time). However, if our faith rests in God alone, our shield will not be damaged and we will be able to defend ourselves in total confidence! In the beginning verses of Romans chapter 5, we see one of many pictures of the use of faith during tribulations (spiritual warfare).

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Our shield of faith, when properly fashioned, gives us peace with God, access to grace, and great rejoicing. During tribulations, we can have glory, perseverance, character, and hope. It is essential that our faith rests in God alone. For faith in anything else will not provide us a shield strong enough to repel the assault of the wicked one. If God (alone) is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)!

The fifth element in the armor of God is the helmet of salvation. We are identified as Christians by Christ who is our salvation. God has called us to be a people set apart for His glory and we are to adorn ourselves with a helmet signifying this salvation when we make our stand against the wicked one. Although I do not often use Hollywood movies as object lessons, there is one movie where this depiction of our identity can be observed. In the movie Gladiator, Maximus (played by Russell Crow) enters the coliseum in Rome, for the first time, with a new form of identity. Prior to entering into the first battle, he selects a helmet, and this helmet is used to hide his old self from those that might recognize him as a General from the Roman Army. After the battle, the Emperor Claudius asks Maximus his name and to reveal himself. Maximus does not remove his helmet at first, but responds with “I am Gladiator”. Once the gift of salvation is given to us by God, we too assume a new identity. Thus, when asked to reveal ourselves, we must respond with “I am Christian”.

“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-24)

Regrettably, some have been taught to believe that salvation can be gained or lost based upon our own works, as with the case of Arminianism. How are we to enter the battle and stand before our enemy without our identity (helmet) in Christ? Have we forgotten to bring this vital object of protection to the battle? Have we lost our helmet along the way? Truth be told, our salvation is secured. It was not ours to take and it is not ours to lose. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him (John 10:14). Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As we wage war against the wicked one, let us not forget that our identity is found in Christ who is our salvation. Let us not be like the itinerant Jews in the 19th chapter of Acts in whom the evil spirits did not recognize. Let us instead be recognized for who we are; we are Christian!

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:11-17)

The sixth element in the armor of God is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. It is here that we find our primary weapon for warfare; the sword. Take note believer that this is a weapon designed to wage war! It is designed to be wielded and used in a manner that inflicts the greatest damage possible against the wicked one. How often do we enter into warfare without this vital instrument? How often do we assemble a few sticks and rocks and then enter into spiritual conflict? When we minister to others, should we use modern psychological principles found in Sigmund Freud, Oprah Winfrey, or Dr. Phil? When we investigate matters dealing with morality, should we follow a secular moral compass? Why would we use such undeveloped and subjective principles to wage warfare when Christ Himself uses the word of God to bring about His glory (Revelations 1:16, 2:12)? We have this double-edged sword available to us. God has given us His word for this very purpose. During the temptation of Christ as recorded in Matthew chapter 4, we see our Lord wielding the sword of God against the wiles of the devil.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ’ He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ’ In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Take note Christian that Christ used the word of God in every engagement with Satan. Further, Satan attempted to respond with the word of God himself in an effort to inflict damage on our Lord. This is spiritual warfare. You can almost hear the ringing and clashing of the swords. We must, at all cost, use the sword (word of God) in every area of life. There is no other instrument that can inflict damage on the wicked one. Using anything else is pure folly.

Now that we stand arrayed in the whole armor of God, there are two additional elements or tools that Paul exhorts us to utilize during our warfare. The first element is prayer and supplication. Through prayer, we call upon our commander in chief to provide discernment, to grant grace, to encourage us, to strengthen us, and to invoke His blessing on the task at hand. Why would we not call upon our Lord during battle? Why would we not call upon our general and request additional resources? To not call upon our Lord to assists us in our struggle would be simply treason. The second element is vigilance (being watchful). We must always be on our guard so that we will not be surprised by the wiles of the devil. We should also be watchful for opportunities to provide ministry to those who have been afflicted by sin. We may array ourselves with the whole armor of God, and be fully equipped to perform for His glory, but if we are found asleep when time for action is upon us, all preparation will be for naught. So, while we stand adorned with the whole armor of God, we are to continue steadfast in prayer and supplication and we are to be watchful for the call to duty.

As Christians, we are to be mindful of our wicked desire to place ourselves above the instruments of God’s design. Our hearts are desperately wicked and we are continually working to supplant the word of God with our own thoughts and actions. God has supplied us with the means of conducting spiritual warfare and it is only His armor that will suffice. We must gird ourselves with the truth found in the word of God alone. We must wear the breastplate that is strengthened by the righteousness that is found in Christ alone. We must shod our feet with the gospel in order to bring peace. We must carry the shield of faith that is not tainted with our merit, but made solid by our faith in Christ alone. We must wear our helmet of salvation with pride and distinction and utilize our sword as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us. And finally, we must at all cost, pray fervently and be ready and vigilant to do the bidding of our Savior. I can not trust in the whole armor Todd, but I can trust in the whole armor God!