Understanding the Armor of God: Spiritual Warfare Essentials

The armor of God is a divine panoply provided by Heaven to enable you to stand firm against the wiles of the devil and the vast confederacy of evil spiritual forces Ephesians 6:11-12CET 230.1+1. This spiritual equipment consists of specific attributes and truths that safeguard the soul in the ongoing conflict between light and darknessEW 26.3+2.

The Components of the Armor

To be fully prepared for the spiritual warfare, you must put on every piece of the Christian armor provided in the Scriptures1888 1198.1+2:

• The Girdle of Truth: Your loins must be girt about with truth to protect against fiction, fables, and spurious interpretations of the Word Ephesians 6:141888 1198.1+1.

• The Breastplate of Righteousness: This is not your own righteousness, but the imputed righteousness of Christ, which serves as the fortress of the soul Ephesians 6:141888 1198.1+1.

• The Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: Your feet must be shod with this preparation, enabling you to carry the truth to others with a spirit of peace rather than retaliation Ephesians 6:15SpM 28.2+2.

• The Shield of Faith: Above all, you must take the shield of faith, which is the only means to quench the fiery darts of the wicked and prevent them from wounding your soul Ephesians 6:16CET 230.1+1.

• The Helmet of Salvation: This protects your mind and provides the hope of eternal life as a defense against discouragement Ephesians 6:17CET 230.1+2.

• The Sword of the Spirit: This is the Word of God, the primary offensive weapon used to meet the foe with a "Thus saith the Lord" Ephesians 6:17CET 230.1+2.

The Nature and Purpose of the Armor

This armor is not material but spiritual and mental, designed for a wrestling that is not against flesh and blood Ephesians 6:12CET 230.1+1. It is the only safeguard against the schemes of Satan and the "wicked spirits in high places"DG 144.2+2. Success in this warfare requires you to keep the armor on at all times, even while you sleep, as there is no release from this war until we are delivered from this world15LtMs, Ms 82, 1900, par. 40+1.

How to Maintain the Armor

The effectiveness of this equipment depends on your constant connection with the Source of power7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 17+1:

• Prayer and Watchfulness: You must pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching with perseverance Ephesians 6:18EW 26.3+1.

• Meekness: Meekness is a member of the new man that must be put on as armor to keep provocations from reaching the heartARSH October 10, 1865, page 146.1.

• The Holy Spirit: Your "living machinery" must be daily oiled by His grace to run without friction, and you must remain under the molding influence of the Spirit to avoid falling into sinDG 144.2+2.

• Self-Denial: Putting on the armor involves a daily crucifixion of self and bringing every thought into subjection to ChristCE 122.2+1.

By wearing the whole armor of God, you are assured of supernatural assistance and the protection of angels, who themselves are clothed with the panoply of heaven to rescue you from the snares of the enemyMR760 12.5+2.