Ephesians 6:17 AMPC
[17] And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
Other parts also come into play. We move to the head, which is the control centre for the body. It is not about it being the most important, but it is the critical to control and coordination. It is not a surprise that the helmet is tied to salvation. The head is the point where the decision to advance or retreat is made. The heart will receive stimuli from outside, but the head has to process everything it receives so it can make a decision that gives comfort to the heart. Salvation is the critical ingredient for my decisions to be right and based on the truth of God's Word. How can I press on to victory in the battle if the Man of War is not on my side? How can I claim victory if the One who saves has not first saved me from the power of sin and death?
Being saved from sin and death means I am on the right path to victory. I still have to fight to maintain the victory that has been secured for me, but I do not need to fight like the helpless or the hopeless. The helmet protects even from unseen dangers, such as flying debris or even misdirected missiles. That is why you do not take off the helmet, as long as you are in the battle. You do not take on the helmet when it is convenient, and then drop it when the occasion demands it. I do not get to choose the times when I act as a Christian, and when I have to be anything else. This is not a part I put on when the occasion demands and then take off; it has to be my permanent appearance, because the devil does not warn before he strikes.
There is also the sword, which, from the verse above, is the Word of God and is wielded by the Spirit. This is interesting because the Word of God is actually inspired by the Spirit of God. I can hold the sword, thinking it is by my strength that I am able to use it well, but it is only by the help of the Spirit that I can apply it to optimum effect. I can hold the sword, but the power of impact and effect is not determined by my skill, but by the power of the One who is the personification of the Word Himself. The Word of God is a weapon in the hands of those who have made it the sole personal guide for their lives. Does the above describe me in any way? Can I say, of a truth, that I am properly dressed and armed with the right tools for the battle that is ahead? God has made his provisions clear; I must depend on Him for all that I need for life and Godliness. God's time of favour is here.
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