The Journey Through Salvation Part 5

A vital part of the salvation journey is wearing the proper clothing.  The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God...." Half clothed Christians become easy prey for Satan.  C. S Lewis said, "The enemy will not see you vanish into God’s company without an effort to reclaim you." 

                                                                       

One of my mottos is:  “The BEST time to get dressed is before you ever get out of the bed.”  If you are like me, I hit the snooze button a few times to get a little extra sleep and when I finally do get up, I am in such a rush that I have no time for prayer, study or even think about God.  Can you relate?  Getting dressed properly is a matter of spiritual survival.  If we neglect to wear the spiritual clothing, then we become vulnerable prey to Satanic attacks. 

Our family loves to camp.  We ensure that we have all the camping essentials to survive out in the woods.  We make sure we have food and water.  Without food and water, we would not be able to stay out in the woods very long. 

I’ve often thought about how much we ensure that we have all the physical elements to survive from day to day, but neglect the elements for spiritual survival. Without a right relationship with God and a defense strategy to keep the predator away, it is impossible to survive very long.

The Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  And the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."  Ephesians 6:11

God has provided us with defensive and offensive clothing as we go through spiritual attacks that are meant to destroy any hope of salvation.  Without this clothing, it is impossible to survive spiritually.  The clothing is vital for our salvation. 

   

How to spiritually get dressed before you ever get out of the bed:  Ephesians 6:11-18

The Belt of Truth - Vs. 14 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."  Paul says that we are to buckle up with the belt of truth around our waist. 

► Truth sets us free - John 8:32, "the truth will set you free." 

► Jesus is truth - John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'am the way and the truth and the life.'"

►God's Word is truth - John 17:17, "Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth."

The Breastplate of Righteousness - Vs. 14 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."

The most vulnerable place on the body is the chest and if just one arrow pierces the heart, you're history.  Matthew 6:33 – Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness."

The Shoes - Vs. 15 "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."   A Roman Soldiers boots were of utmost importance.  If he lost his footing, he lost the battle.   Paul says in Romans 1:16 that our spiritual footing is the gospel, the good news by which we were saved.

The Shield of Faith - Vs. 16 "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  A soldier’s shield was essential for survival.  It protected against flaming and poisonous arrows.

The Helmet of Salvation - Vs. 17 "Take the helmet of salvation..."  Helmets protect our heads.  If the head is knocked out of operation, then you are casualty of Satan.  The helmet will protect us from sinful things and keep Satan from penetrating our thoughts.

The Sword of the Spirit - Vs. 17 "The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."  This is the offensive weapon for the Christian.  This weapon is essential for every believer to survive the on-going spiritual battles.  The Bible is our guide to understand lasting values and important moral and ethical issues.  The Bible is our strategy plans to combat Satan’s attacks and defeat the spiritual rivals that are out to destroy us.

Spiritual survival is gruesome.  Sometimes the battles are long and difficult.  But, if every believer clothes themselves before they every get out of bed, they will be much more effective in fighting the battle.  God + Jesus + Spirit + Armor is a defensive power Satan cannot win against!

If you desire to know more about the journey through salvation, please call me at 931-836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian