In this final exhortation of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he directs believers to prepare for spiritual warfare—not with worldly weapons, but with the full armor of God. As Reformed Christians, we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God, and yet we are still called to stand, to fight, and to endure. This tension between God’s sovereign grace and our daily responsibility is beautifully woven into 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 schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”
Ephesians 6:10-18
Paul begins with a clear command: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” This is not a call to muster our own courage or rely on sheer willpower. Instead, it is an invitation to depend entirely on God’s strength.
The Reformed tradition acknowledges the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit (Gal. 5:17), and between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Paul warns us that our enemies are not flesh and blood, but spiritual forces of evil. This passage corrects a common error in both modern culture and theology: the idea that our greatest enemies are political, social, or personal. In truth, our battle is cosmic in scale and spiritual in nature.
Pieces of Armor
In this passage, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s armor to describe the spiritual resources available to believers. Each piece of armor has a unique role in helping us withstand spiritual attacks and live victoriously.
- Belt of Truth: The belt secures the soldier’s garments and keeps them from hindering movement. In the same way, truth holds our lives together and gives us the freedom to move confidently. The unchanging truth of God’s Word helps us discern what is right and resist deception.
- Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protects vital organs, particularly the heart. Similarly, the righteousness imputed to us from Christ guards our hearts against sin.
- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Shoes enable a soldier to move swiftly and stand firm. As believers, the peace that comes from the gospel gives us stability and readiness to share God’s message of reconciliation with the world.
- Shield of Faith: The shield defends against flaming arrows from the enemy. Our faith in God’s promises extinguishes doubts, fears, and temptations, protecting us from harm.
- Helmet of Salvation: The helmet safeguards the head, the center of thought and decision. When we wear the helmet of salvation, our minds are protected by the assurance of eternal life and the transformative power of Christ.
- Sword of the Spirit: Unlike the other pieces of armor, the sword is both defensive and offensive. It represents the Word of God, which we use to counter lies, temptations, and spiritual attacks with His truth and power.
Why the Armor of God Matters
The Armor of God is not a passive concept; it requires active engagement. By putting on the armor daily, we prepare ourselves to face life’s trials with His strength and providence. The armor reminds us that:
- Victory is through God: Our strength alone is insufficient. It is only through God’s power that we can overcome spiritual opposition.
- Preparation is essential: Just as a soldier wouldn’t enter battle unarmed, we shouldn’t navigate life’s challenges without spiritual protection.
- We have a purpose: Each piece of armor equips us not just for defense but also to advance God’s kingdom by spreading His truth, peace, and love.
Applying the Armor of God
To put on the Armor of God, begin each day with intentionality. Study the Word, live faithfully, stay alert, and pray consistently. Through prayer, we maintain constant communication with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and wisdom.
Reformed theology emphasizes the means of grace—Word, Sacrament, and Prayer—as the ordinary channels through which God sanctifies His people. Prayer is the breath of the believer in battle. We do not pray to change God’s mind, but to align our hearts with His sovereign will and to access the strength He promises. Although not a physical piece of armor, prayer is the thread that binds all the armor together. Through prayer, we maintain constant communication with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and wisdom.
Are You Ready To Suit Up?
In Christ, we are not helpless. Clothed in His armor, empowered by His Spirit, and standing on His promises, we are equipped to withstand the evil day and remain steadfast. We fight not for victory, but from victory—secured by Christ at the cross.
Let us then stand, watchful and prayerful, fully clothed in the armor of God, as pilgrims on the narrow road who trust not in ourselves, but in Him who is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
Are you ready to suit up?
Dawn Zauner 