This summer, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is taking a look at how to put on the armor of God. Check out part 1, part 2 and part 3 from the previous weeks of our 5-part Summer Soul Refresher series.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”
—Ephesians 6:16-17 (ESV)
At some point in your life, you’ve probably been told to put on a helmet.
Maybe your mom asked you to grab a helmet before a bike ride—or your coach yelled the instruction during football practice.
At times, a helmet can seem limiting or annoying. It may disrupt your view or even make your head ache. On the alternative side, it could save your life. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you confidence in the face of danger.
When the Apostle Paul referred to the “helmet of salvation” in a letter to the church of Ephesus, life was no picnic for his audience. They lived in a culture hostile to their faith. At that time, the helmet was the final piece of armor put on by soldiers, but arguably the most important.
If your mind, eyes and ears aren’t protected, chances of survival can seem impossible. That’s why God gives us what we need to help fight the battles of life.
When people decide to follow Jesus, they receive a helmet of salvation, meaning they are rescued from the eternal consequences of their wrongdoings and are no longer separated from God.
This helmet gives believers the assurance of knowing where they stand on the battlefield between good and evil—and whose side they are on.
Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is not other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
“Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God,” Billy Graham said. “The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God.”
Are You Wearing Your Helmet?
Sometimes we forget we’ve been given the beautiful gift of salvation.
This might make you confused in battle and even cause you to revert back to wrong ways of thinking. Before you know it, your prayer life has dissipated. The Word of God is far from your hands and heart.
If that’s you, it may feel like you’ve already lost the fight.
When Satan throws darts at you or your family, remember your helmet. It’s always with you and can protect your mind from evil thoughts, shift your perspective and deliver you from the devil’s schemes.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This is the evidence of salvation in a Christian.
Another way to think about it is this: Do you keep your mind on Christ?
This may look like asking God for help instead of complaining to a friend about your spouse’s behavior. Getting up early to read your Bible and praying for your rebellious child. Or playing worship music to refocus on God instead of getting distracted by earthly circumstances.
If you find yourself faltering, there’s a solution.
“If you get your mind off Christ and you get it on some things you shouldn’t be thinking about, then you pray, ‘Lord, forgive me and help me to get my mind back on Christ,'” Billy Graham said. “I do many times.”
Salvation Brings Peace
In the Gospels, Jesus was baptized to set an example to new believers of what it’s like to be a Christian, clean in the eyes of God. That’s when a dove flew overhead, a symbol of the Holy Spirit—and peace between God and humanity (Matthew 3:16-17).
The moment demonstrated how salvation brings peace. And that’s not something that fades away during hard times.
The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Even when you feel defeated or exhausted from spiritual battle, your helmet can still be strapped to your chin—showing where your hope lies and protecting you from the devil.
Remember: You don’t earn salvation through winning the battle. Salvation isn’t something you can attain, but you’ve been given as part of the Lord’s army. It’s only because of your salvation that you’re able to ultimately win the war.
Knowing that, you can have perfect peace.
