This is part 1 of our 5-part Summer Soul Refresher series on the armor of God, focused on equipping yourself for spiritual battle. Get the rest of the series delivered to your inbox to make sure you don’t miss any of these weekly installments.
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 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 6:14-17 (ESV)
For thousands of years, people have been asking, “What is truth?“
The Bible is filled with truth—and with talk about what truth is. For instance, Jesus famously said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
>>Is the Bible true? Here are 5 reasons we can trust what it says.
But to understand what it means to put on “the belt of truth,” let’s take a quick look at the letter in which it’s mentioned. The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul, a man who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus after He rose from the dead.
Ephesians is a letter from Paul to the new followers of Christ living in Ephesus, part of the Roman Empire at the time. Paul was most likely under arrest and locked up because of his faith in Christ when he wrote his letter to the Ephesians.
What’s With the Armor?
Why does Paul tell Christians they need to put on spiritual armor? So they can “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. —Ephesians 6:12-13
The Bible says there is a spiritual battle taking place, and people here on earth are caught up in it. Some balk at the idea that a great, invisible war between good and evil is happening all around us. But think about some of the horrible stories that have been in the news lately, from the war in Ukraine to mass shootings in the United States. It’s not so hard to believe forces of evil are at work.
Just like a warrior would have put on armor before going into battle, Paul instructs the followers of Jesus to dress for the spiritual fight. Failure to do so can be dangerous, even deadly.
>>What does it mean to put on the whole armor of God? Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Don’t Forget Your Belt
The belt of truth is the first piece of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6. In ancient times, a warrior’s belt was essential for survival. It not only held his weapons; it cinched his tunic at the waist, allowing him to move about freely.
Just as a belt gave the warrior freedom of movement and a way to defend himself, the belt of truth provides spiritual freedom and protection for those who belong to Jesus Christ.
Jesus, the Son of God, said He is the truth, and the Bible is God’s truth for humanity. So, to put on the belt of truth, start with the Bible. There are so many ways to experience it, whether you read it or listen to it, whether you prefer to hold a copy in your hands or use an app.
>>Read the Bible on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association app.
As you explore the full armor of God in the coming weeks, ask the Lord to equip you with His belt of truth when you get up each morning. Like a warrior strapping on a belt before battle, arm yourself with God’s Word to stand against the forces of evil.
Common Questions About Truth
How do you identify truth?
Is the world’s truth the same as the Bible’s truth?
Is Jesus the only way to heaven?
Is it true that there is an ongoing battle happening right now between God and the devil?
Is it true that Jesus died to save us from our sins?
