The full armor of God is a metaphor used in the Bible to describe the spiritual tools and resources that believers are to use to stand strong against the forces of evil. This concept is outlined in Ephesians 6:10–18. Below is a breakdown of the armor of God, along with biblical references:
1. **The Belt of Truth**
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”
(*Ephesians 6:14a, NIV*)
The belt of truth represents living in honesty and embracing the truth of God’s Word in a world full of deception.
2. **The Breastplate of Righteousness**
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…”
(*Ephesians 6:14b, NIV*)
The breastplate protects the heart and symbolizes living a life of integrity and righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. **The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace**
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
(*Ephesians 6:15, NIV*)
The shoes signify being prepared to walk in the peace that comes from the gospel and being ready to share it with others.
4. **The Shield of Faith**
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
(*Ephesians 6:16, NIV*)
The shield of faith is a defense against doubt, fear, and temptation. It protects believers by trusting in God’s promises and power.
5. **The Helmet of Salvation**
“Take the helmet of salvation…”
(*Ephesians 6:17a, NIV*)
The helmet protects the mind, representing the assurance of salvation and the believer’s renewed way of thinking through Christ.
6. **The Sword of the Spirit**
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
(*Ephesians 6:17b, NIV*)
The sword is the Word of God (the Bible), used both as a defensive and offensive weapon to counter spiritual attacks and proclaim truth.
7. **Prayer in the Spirit**
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
(*Ephesians 6:18, NIV*)
While not described as a piece of armor, prayer is the foundation that empowers every other aspect of the spiritual armor.
This passage in Ephesians emphasizes being spiritually prepared and reliant on God to stand against evil, grow in faith, and live victoriously in Christ.