Putting on the Armor of Christ sounds like something that is tangible, something that can be done with human strength. I write this second note (click here for the first note) about the Armor of Christ because of a conviction. The conviction desiring to clarify that the putting on of the Armor is not something we can grasp on our own but is something supernatural and of the heavenly realms.
When Paul writes about the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet, the hope of salvation, he is speaking writing in the context of end times. Also, the verse that he is pulling from in Isaiah 59, we find that this is discussing end times as well, where Christ comes and judges in perfect righteousness (Isa 59:17-18). So these things in which Paul is describing are things not of this world, but of heavenly and the spiritual realm.
Paul throughout his letter often reminds his sheep not to put their hope in this Life but the life to come and to not be deceived by false teachers. In fact 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Paul writes,
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come (coming of our Lord Jesus Christ v.1) unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
Be cautious of what people say of the things to come and always test what people say to what the Word tells us (1 Thes. 5:21). The Word tells us to put on the Armor, the Breastplate of faith and love, and the Helmet, the hope of salvation. This we know we need to do. So how do we do this?
The Holy Spirit is the gift in which we receive due to Christ death and resurrection. A few things that we know about the Holy Spirit is that He is God and the third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is the mediator (1 Tim 2:5) in which translates our groans and thoughts with God, and is the Seal upon our hearts (1 Cor. 1:21-22) and the Key into Heaven.
The Holy Spirit is what allows us to be able and capable to put on the Armor of Christ, because He is God! What Paul writes is not to be concerned or worried about the End of Days but encourages us to be sanctified in Christ. So often we allow knowledge to flood our minds, and we contemplate the things we cannot comprehend, when instead the Lord desires us to pursue Him. I am confident the Holy Spirit will direct you in this (if you ask); that He will anoint you with faith and love, and give you joy in the hope of salvation.
Remember “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9)” Trusting in this promise you can be confident that the Holy Spirit is sanctifying you and gives you the ability to put on the Armor of Christ, in so that you can be bold in your proclamation in which you share with other about Christ, and that you do not need to fear man or any evil. This sanctification leads to your glorification in heaven but, do not be fooled, this is not an easy task.
I end this note with Isaiah 59:19, which reminds us on how powerful our God is, “So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream Which the wind of the Lord drives.”
THINK! Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit? If so – When was the last time you relied on it? If not – What belief do you hold that creates this thought? Do you verbally proclaim Christ as Lord?
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