Topical Bible: War: Called "The Armor of God"

◄ War: Called "The Armor of God" ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "The Armor of God" is a metaphorical framework found in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians. It is a vivid illustration used to describe the spiritual resources available to believers in their battle against the forces of evil. This metaphor is rooted in the imagery of a Roman soldier's armor, which would have been familiar to the original audience of the epistle.

Biblical Context

The primary passage concerning the Armor of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-18. In this passage, Paul exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). He emphasizes the necessity of putting on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. The passage underscores the spiritual nature of the Christian's struggle, stating, "For our struggle 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).

Components of the Armor

1. The Belt of Truth: This piece signifies the importance of truth in the believer's life. Just as a belt secures a soldier's armor, truth holds together the Christian's spiritual readiness and integrity.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteousness, both imputed through faith in Christ and lived out in daily conduct, protects the heart and vital spiritual organs, much like a breastplate shields a soldier's chest.

3. The Gospel of Peace as Footwear: The readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace equips believers to stand firm and move forward in their mission, akin to the sturdy footwear of a soldier.

4. The Shield of Faith: Faith acts as a shield, extinguishing the fiery darts of doubt, temptation, and accusation launched by the enemy. It is a dynamic defense that requires active trust in God's promises.

5. The Helmet of Salvation: Salvation provides assurance and protection for the mind, safeguarding the believer's thoughts and identity in Christ.

6. The Sword of the Spirit: The only offensive weapon in the armor, the sword represents the Word of God. It is a powerful tool for countering falsehood and temptation, wielded through knowledge and application of Scripture.

7. Prayer: While not depicted as a piece of armor, prayer is integral to the believer's spiritual warfare. Paul urges continuous prayer "in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18), highlighting its role in maintaining vigilance and reliance on God's strength.

Theological Significance

The Armor of God underscores the reality of spiritual warfare in the Christian life. It calls believers to recognize their dependence on divine strength and resources rather than their own abilities. The metaphor serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against spiritual adversaries and the necessity of being equipped with God's truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Word.

Practical Application

Christians are encouraged to "put on" the Armor of God daily, signifying a conscious and deliberate commitment to live in accordance with God's will and to rely on His power. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the cultivation of a life marked by truth, righteousness, and readiness to share the gospel.

In summary, the Armor of God is a powerful biblical metaphor that equips believers for spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need for divine empowerment and the application of spiritual truths in the battle against evil.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

3696. hoplon -- a tool, implement, weapon
... 3696 ("instruments to make war") underlines that God always gives ... armor, instrument,
weapon ... or figuratively, especially, offensive for war) -- armour, instrument ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3696.htm - 7k

Library

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... Moses sorted all that were fit for war into different ... But when the day began, Moses
called for Joshua ... their enemies, and gathered together the armor of those ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... be too weak to fight with one that was skilled in the art of war. ... a sword, and with
a spear, and with a breastplate; but I have God for my armor in coming ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the philistines.htm

How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had ...
... more than all the rest, that you have God at all ... they were in such a disposition
of war that they ... in disorder, and were destroyed by their own armor; so five ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how herod made.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... that do not know what the event of war will be ... enemies were fallen; and they dedicated
their armor in the ... of the city Bethshun, which is now called Scythepolls ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... Paul is considering how such a soldier should be armed for such a war. ... So take
the whole armor of God." And then he puts it into their hands. ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xxxv the sword of the.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... 2. But Saul sent to the prophet, and called him to consult with him about the war
and the ... Now Saul's son agreed with his armor-bearer, that they would go ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

To the End God May Rest in the Soul to the End God May Rest in the ...
... thou may keep pure that Temple of God, and with ... to this refuge of Prayer, the only
Armor for overcoming ... fear, resistance in temptation, peace in war, and quiet ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i to the end.htm

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ...
... and wrong, as it has been wantonly called, will be ... gigantic foes in all their most
formidable armor, when they ... there let me maintain the holy war against all ...
/.../chapter xvi the christian convert.htm

The First Seal.
... of Jesus Christ" (2:Tim.2:3), went forth to war "against principalities and ... their
commission, said to them, "Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the first seal.htm

And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things...
... error, and while maintaining an implacable war with the ... their confidence, not in
their weapons, or armor, or bodily ... but to acknowledge the Supreme God as the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter ix and now we.htm