Stand Firm: Helmet of Salvation

The next piece of God’s armor we’ll consider is the helmet of salvation. Picture a cross between the plumage of a hat at the Kentucky Derby and a football helmet. It was a mix of ornamental and protective. It was made of metal, usually iron, and lined with a sponge or linen. It is another critical piece for a soldier and critical for spiritual warfare. Again, notice that Paul links the shield, helmet, and sword with the phrase “in all circumstances.”

We see another link in these three pieces when Paul says, “take up.” The English translation doesn’t do justice to the language and paints the picture of a soldier walking through an armory and choosing his shield, armor, and sword (picture Russell Crowe in Gladiator). Instead the better word choice is “receive,” which pictures a soldier receiving his armor from the hand of his commander. 

We receive God’s salvation by faith through grace, and it is his salvation that protects us in battle. So, come Sunday and consider God’s work of saving grace