The concept of the "Armour of God" is a metaphorical framework used in the New Testament to describe the spiritual defenses available to believers in their battle against evil forces. This imagery is primarily drawn from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where he exhorts Christians to equip themselves with divine protection to withstand spiritual challenges.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the Armour of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-18. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, encouraging them to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). He instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity for divine protection.

Components of the Armour

1. Belt of Truth: Paul begins with the belt, symbolizing truth. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" (Ephesians 6:14). Truth is foundational for the believer, serving as a defense against deception and falsehood.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate represents righteousness. "With the breastplate of righteousness arrayed" (Ephesians 6:14). This righteousness is not of one's own making but is imputed through faith in Christ, protecting the heart from the accusations of the enemy.

3. Gospel of Peace: The footwear signifies readiness to spread the gospel. "And with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15). This readiness reflects a commitment to evangelism and the peace that comes from reconciliation with God.

4. Shield of Faith: The shield is faith, which "can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). Faith acts as a defensive barrier against doubt, fear, and spiritual attack.

5. Helmet of Salvation: The helmet symbolizes salvation. "Take the helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17). It protects the mind, ensuring the believer's assurance of salvation and hope in eternal life.

6. Sword of the Spirit: The only offensive weapon in the armor is the sword, which is "the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). Scripture is a powerful tool for countering lies and temptations.

Prayer and Vigilance

Paul concludes the passage by emphasizing the importance of prayer. "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition" (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is integral to the believer's spiritual arsenal, fostering a continuous connection with God and alertness to spiritual realities.

Theological Implications

The Armour of God is not merely a list of virtues but a comprehensive depiction of the resources available to Christians through their relationship with Christ. It highlights the necessity of divine empowerment in the believer's life, recognizing that the battle is not against "flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

Practical Application

Believers are called to actively "put on" this armor, signifying a daily commitment to live in the truth, righteousness, and power of the gospel. This involves a conscious effort to align one's life with the teachings of Scripture, maintain faith in God's promises, and engage in persistent prayer. The Armour of God serves as a reminder of the spiritual realities that underpin the Christian life and the divine resources available to overcome them.Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Armour of God
... writes to soldiers, and their lives to warfare. ... that if his armour was God's armour,
God alone could ... perseverance, and supplication for all saints.' Those who ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Prayer and vigilance
... The cause of God, His saints, their woes and trials, their ... the pivot, the connecting
link of the armour of God ... that they are called to a great warfare, and that ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

'The Sword of the Spirit'
... is the 'of' expressing origin, as in the 'armour of God ... Spirit which moved in the
prophets and saints of former ... played so great a part in ancient warfare is not ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the sword of the spirit.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... We must put on the whole armour of God ... 2). Without faith you will never war a good
warfare, never set ... to begin with Moses, and Daniel, and the saints in Nero's ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... together with them." [1127] For such are the bowels of the saints, that they ... Clothe
thyself with the spiritual armour, for we have a heavy warfare to wage ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

Jacob-Wrestling
... at Jacob's present, but put on his armour in silence ... the greatest achievement of
the Christian's warfare on this earth ... with His Son and with His choicest saints? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/iv jacob-wrestling.htm

Fighting Holiness
... fighting saints as well as kissing saints'; truly the ... point of view, but is regrettable
in religious warfare. ... and we are equipped with the armour of which Paul ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xv fighting holiness.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... immediately enjoins us to put on armour equal to ... to resist; and, knowing that this
warfare is terminated ... as the Church and the communion of saints has Christ ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

A Crushed Snake
... the strength that was given to ancient saints is ours ... neck, and his sword thrust
through its scaly armour. ... in, and of deepened peace after, our warfare with sin ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/a crushed snake.htm

The Last Season
... the influence of ordinances abiding in the souls of saints? ... Draw your armour from
the word of God ... have fought the battles of this spiritual warfare, gained the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

What is warfare prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? | GotQuestions.org

Spiritual Warfare ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Warfare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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