In the spiritual warfare that Christians are called to engage in, the concept of the "armour of God" is central. This armour is not physical but spiritual, equipping believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides a vivid description of this armour, emphasizing its comprehensive nature and the necessity for it to be on both the right hand and the left.

Scriptural Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the armour of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-18. Paul exhorts 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 outlines various components of the armour, each symbolizing a critical aspect of spiritual readiness and defense.

Right Hand and Left

The phrase "on the right hand and on the left" is derived from 2 Corinthians 6:7, where Paul speaks of the weapons of righteousness: "in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left" . This imagery suggests a balanced and all-encompassing approach to spiritual warfare, where believers are equipped to face challenges from all directions.

Components of the Armour

1. Belt of Truth: The belt, which girds the loins, represents truth. It is foundational, holding everything together. Truth is essential for discernment and integrity in the believer's life.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness: This piece protects the heart and vital organs, symbolizing the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. It guards against accusations and temptations.

3. Gospel of Peace: The readiness that comes from the gospel of peace is likened to shoes. It prepares believers to stand firm and to move forward with the message of reconciliation.

4. Shield of Faith: The shield is a defensive weapon, used to extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Faith in God's promises and character is crucial for protection against doubt and fear.

5. Helmet of Salvation: Protecting the mind, the helmet signifies the assurance of salvation. It guards against despair and confusion, providing hope and clarity.

6. Sword of the Spirit: The only offensive weapon in the armour, the sword represents the Word of God. It is powerful for both defense and attack, cutting through deception and lies.

Spiritual Application

The call to have the armour on both the right hand and the left underscores the need for constant vigilance and readiness. Believers are to be equipped at all times, prepared to face spiritual battles from any direction. This comprehensive preparedness ensures that no area of life is left vulnerable to the enemy's attacks.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, this means that Christians are to immerse themselves in Scripture, cultivate a life of prayer, and live in obedience to God's commands. The armour is not merely for personal protection but also for advancing the kingdom of God, standing firm in the truth, and proclaiming the gospel with boldness.

The imagery of the armour on both hands serves as a reminder that spiritual warfare is an ongoing reality, requiring diligence, perseverance, and reliance on God's strength. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to stand firm, resist the devil, and emerge victorious in the spiritual battles they face.2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Yoke of Christ.
... by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness ... rejoicing;""these are the weapons
of our warfare, "which are ... nature, to admire the life of saints, and to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

Soldier Priests
... rolled in blood, nor with brazen armour do they ... and white, which is the righteousness
of saints.' Many great ... are to wield in our loving warfare is"character. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

The Battle of Life
... and he can tear promises out of the saints' hands, and ... the old knights who, slept
in their armour, you must ... More than this; as you go this warfare, looking to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the battle of life.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... a new song, His praise in the Congregation of Saints [2312 ... She, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand ... of my appointed time (RV of my warfare) will I ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... in their blind rage tread under foot the saints of God, we ... For not long after, being
in warfare, Julian received a ... of guns,(12) and the noise of armour, do so ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... this end that we risk our lives in the warfare of this ... your thoughts, you must then
put on the armour of fasting ... die and rest in the sleep of the saints (and I ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... put on thy harness, 'put on the whole armour of God ... if not all the miscarriages of
the saints and people ... are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

A Discourse
... is intended as a type of the Christian warfare, is left to ... are for doing them any
hurt.' 'God's armour is no ... the religion of the temple, as the saints now in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.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

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... The wiles of Satan, on the right hand and on the left.2. What ... We may, after the example
of the saints, frame our prayers in different words, provided there ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

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