“Take the helmet of salvation…” Ephesians 6:17a
I remember as a child trying to figure out why the ‘armor of God’ fit particular parts of the body. Some made sense, like the ‘breastplate of righteousness’ protecting our heart—a metaphor for our soul—as well as the ‘shield of faith’ to ‘extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one’—the image of a shield protecting our whole being against Satan’s schemes. But why a helmet for salvation?
I came to understanding when an acquaintance of mine began doubting his salvation. Before his season of uncertainty he was living fully in God’s ways, serving joyfully in his church, and knowing purpose and peace.
But then he began believing that God judged him, not loved him, and that God withheld forgiveness for his sins. Even when I pointed out scriptures of God’s unfailing love, forgiveness, and empowering, he felt he was doomed. “I just don’t feel God’s peace or joy,” he would say.
John explains that “everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” as my friend certainly did. John goes on to show the protection of salvation’s ‘helmet’: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Knowing in our head that we have salvation and feeling we do are not the same. In time this fella came around and once again believed—and felt—God’s saving love for him. Praise God.
Do you believe Jesus is God’s gift to the world for salvation? You can know your salvation is secure by doing so.
God, I believe Jesus is the Christ, the spiritual Savior of the world and me personally. Thank you for the knowledge that in believing in him I may know my salvation. Amen.
Thought: If you have never prayed for God to forgive you of your sin, but want to make it personal, simply pray the prayer above and expand on it as you feel led. God wants to know your genuine repentance and he wants to enter your life and help make you new.
Used by Permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions
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