You have probably read about the Armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6 verse 10 to 18. It says that as believers, we are in a spiritual kind of battle. Therefore, we are to put on the whole armor of God to "stand firm against all strategies of the devil."
But what exactly is an Armor of God and why do we have to wear it?
A missionary pastor named Frederick Bekker explained that the Apostle Paul was referring to "the armour and battle dress of the first century Roman soldier" when he wrote about the armor of God.
And the armor of God consisted of seven pieces of weaponries written in the book of Ephesians:
1. The belt of truth
According to pastor Bekker, the belt of truth is "the central piece of the Roman soldier's armor that held all the other parts together." And truth represents the word of God.
Symbolically, to wear the belt of truth means that you have to be founded and rooted in God's Word. This is your important piece of armor as a Christian.
Moreover, Jonas Clark said that "girding up your loins with truth means to make yourself ready for battle."
The nature of the belt is also close to your reproductive organ which is symbolically a place for "birthing new things."
As believers, we all encounter trials and obstacles from time to time, and we are to be ready at all times.
2. The breastplate of righteousness
Pastor Bekker explained that the Roman soldiers "were disciplined to polish this piece of weaponry everyday" so that when they go to the battle, the glare of the sun would reflect to this piece of weaponry and the light would blind the enemies' eyes. This would give the soldiers the opportunity to slaughter their enemies.
Our righteousness comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. When the enemy comes to condemn believers, we put on the light of Christ and silence the voice of condemnation.
Jonas Clark said that "the breastplate of righteousness is only available to the sons of God," to those have accepted Christ.
Symbolically, the breastplate also protects the most important part of our body -the heart.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to put on the breastplate of righteousness so that our hearts will be guarded by Christ.
From time to time, words, gestures and actions of the people around us can hit us like arrows and ruin our day. By wearing the breastplate of righteousness, we can protect ourselves from the arrows of the enemies.
3. Sandals or Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
"Shoes protect your feet and enable you to walk on rocky terrain. This part of the armor of God is speaking of both preparation and readiness to share the Gospel" said Jonas Clark.
Moreover, this piece of God's armor is also symbolic "that God might call you to walk some difficult areas on your way to fulfilling your destiny" and the enemy may also try to injure your legs and stop you from your walk of faith in God said pastor Bekker.
But by putting on the sandals of peace, you have the peace of God to continue the good fight of faith no matter the difficulties of the road.
Romans 16 verse 20 says "And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet."
4. The Shield of Faith
As believers, we walk by faith. And it is through faith in God that we can believe for the impossible things, hope for better days, and believe in faithfulness of God's word and promises.
Without faith, all schemes of the enemy will hit us. Jonas Clark said that "unbelief will hinder the work of God."
Moreover, pastor Bekker explained that "the Roman soldier would daily anoint his shield with oil to stop it from becoming useless. The symbolism here is that your faith can run dry unless it has the fresh unction of the Holy Spirit every day."
The oil symbolizes the anointing of God. Our faith must come with God's anointing through prayer and worship.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head. And symbolically, to put on the helmet of salvation means to protect our mind from the enemy.
Jonas Clark said that "spiritual warriors learn how to stop demonic assignment against their minds."
Therefore, when your mind is clouded with negativity, confusion and lack of vision for the future, put on the helmet of salvation.
Pastor Bekker also says that the Roman soldier's helmet can cause attraction and attention because of the protruding feather above the helmet.
Symbolically, a Christian's salvation can cause the people to notice in his or her transformed lifestyle and character.
6. Sword of the Spirit
Lastly, we have the sword of the Spirit. Jonas Clark said that the sword of the Spirit is "the anointed word of God."
When we draw out the sword from the belt (of truth) by speaking out the Word of God, we are spiritually slicing off the wicked spirits.
Hebrews 4, verse 12 says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
