The Armor of God Part 5: Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation…
Ephesians 6:17 NASB1995
Correction in this series: The Shield of Faith devotional was Part 4, not Part 3.
One of the most essential pieces of armor is the helmet. In Ancient Rome, the soldiers wore one of several types, known as Galea (leather) or Cassis (metal, similar to the one in the photo, which was a typical Roman gladiator helmet from the time of the early church). A metal helmet was the only way to deflect blows from an opponent’s broadsword. Helmets evolved into the Middle Ages, adding face coverings that protected facial features. Today we see helmets that can stop bullets during a battle.
The helmet of salvation is used to fend off the blows from the enemy that lead to doubt and discouragement. John MacArthur is excerpted in the Precepts Austin collection saying this about the helmet of salvation:
The Roman soldier had to defend himself against a broadsword. Satan’s broadsword has two sides to it: discouragement and doubt. Satan wants to belt you in the head with discouragement and doubt. His attacks of discouragement might go like this: “You sure are giving a lot and not getting much in return. You’re circumscribing your life to a certain standard and setting yourself apart from the world. But what happens? You just lost your job! Some blessing! You’ve been reading your Bible every day, but your wife is as cranky as she was before you bought it, and it hasn’t had any effect on her. What is God doing in your life? You’ve been going to church for years, but look at your kids. They don’t respect you today anymore than they ever did.” That would discourage anyone. You might have been teaching a class for a long time, yet wonder if anyone is getting anything out of it. That could discourage you. Satan also wants to hit you in the head with doubt: “How do you know you’re a Christian? Are you sure you’re saved? You certainly don’t deserve to be; look what you just did! Do you think that’s what a Christian does?” Many people suffer from doubt and discouragement, but the helmet of salvation is our protection. (MacArthur, J.. The Believer's Armor. Chicago: Moody Press 1986)
Our salvation can be described in three tenses:
Past Salvation (Justification) - The one-time event where we declared our belief in Jesus as our Lord and Savior delivering us from sin’s penalty.
Present Salvation (Sanctification) - The on-going daily battle against the power and dominion of sin and evil and the journey towards purity and righteousness through the Spirit of Christ.
Future Salvation (Glorification) - The one-time future event where we are finally in the presence of God and can take infinite pleasure in our eternal life with Him, rather than the temporary presence and pleasures of sin.
When you enter battle with the darkness, doubt, disappointment and discouragement that comes from the enemy, do not forget your helmet of salvation! You are saved!
The last devotional will examine the Sword of the Word of God, from the second half of Ephesians 6:17 and also summarize this wonderful metaphorical concept.
Photo: Wikipedia Commons