March 12, 2025 - Ephesians 6:11 - The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:11

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

The life of a child of God is one of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." While God has no rivals in the forces of evil, He uses them to fulfill His purpose in His children's lives, displaying the glory of Christ as the conquering Savior and King. Satan, though a created being, will ultimately be destroyed, just as God raised Pharaoh to manifest His wrath and destruction (Romans 9:17, Revelation 20:10).

We are engaged in an unseen but very real battle, yet the Lord Jesus has already defeated Satan through His work on the cross. As Hebrews 2:14-15 declares: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." Satan can do nothing to the redeemed without God's authority, just as He gave Satan the right to test Job. Nothing can touch any of God's children other than through the hand of the LORD Jesus as He assured Peter before his denial, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" (Luke 22:31-32).

So why does Paul warn us to take on the whole armor of God if Christ has already won the victory? The answer lies in recognizing that, though we are victorious in Christ, we must still engage in spiritual warfare against Satan’s relentless attacks. As believers, we must be vigilant, for Satan, the adversary, seeks to deceive, distract, and destroy. However, God does not leave us defenseless. He equips us with armor to stand firm and resist the enemy’s schemes.

The Whole Armor of God

Paul emphasizes the need for the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), which is God’s armor worn by Christ during His earthly ministry and death on the cross. This armor symbolizes Christ's finished work, which has been attributed to us, His redeemed people. The armor includes:

• The loins girt about with Truth (Ephesians 6:14): Truth (Christ) is the foundation of our protection. Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), would deceive us were we not grounded in Christ. The truth revealed in Christ holds together, like a belt, all the other pieces of the armor.

• The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14): This represents the Righteousness of God that Christ earned through His perfect life and sacrifice. Though Satan may accuse us, God has imputed His righteousness to us, which the LORD Jesus earned on behalf of the elect. Condemnation, therefore, is impossible for them (Romans 8:1), ensuring that we stand justified before Him.

• The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15): Just as Roman soldiers’ sandals gave them firm footing, the Gospel of peace with God through Jesus Christ provides us with stability to stand firm in the FAITH (Romans 5:1). This Peace, that passes all understanding, earned by Christ for us (Philippians 4:7) enables us to walk in the confidence of Christ's completed work.

• The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16): Faith in Christ (Christ the object of Faith) shields us from the enemy’s fiery darts—doubt, fear, and temptation. It is the revelation of Christ's work in us that protects us, causing us to trust in His victory and rely on His promises.

• The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17): The salvation of God in Christ guards our minds, focusing our thoughts on the completed work of Christ and the assurance of our salvation in Him alone. It reminds us that because Christ is our Head, nothing can harm us without His consent, keeping our Hope secure.

• The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17): The Word of God is our offensive weapon. The LORD Jesus Himself used Scripture to counter Satan’s temptations. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to strengthen us, causing us to rest in the truth and promises of God in Christ and His accomplished salvation for HIs people at the cross, against the enemy's lies.

God's Sovereign Grace in Our Battle

The armor is not something we earn, but a gift from God’s sovereign grace. It is through Christ’s finished work that we are victorious, and it is by His grace that we can fight the battle. Our strength does not come from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit of Christ working within us.

We are assured that, as we put on the armor of God daily, by Faith (Christ) we fight from a place of victory, not for it. Jesus Christ has already won the ultimate victory on the cross. As Romans 8:37 reminds us, "We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

A wise saying reminds us, "You are not fighting for victory, but from victory, for Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan." Outside of Christ, we are sinners, empty and lost, but in Christ, we are saved, full, and secure. We fight not in our strength, but in the strength of the One Who has already conquered all.