What Is the Full Armor of God and How Can We Put It On?
Discover the meaning and purpose of the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6, and learn practical steps to put on each piece in your daily spiritual walk.
What Is the Armor of God?
The Armor of God is a biblical metaphor found in Ephesians 6:10-18 that symbolizes the spiritual defenses available to Christians in their continual battle against evil. This vivid illustration, given by the Apostle Paul, draws on the image of a Roman soldier’s armor, highlighting how believers must thoughtfully and prayerfully equip themselves to stand firm against spiritual opposition.
Biblical Passage: The Full Armor Listed
Paul’s instructions are given in Ephesians 6:10–18:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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.”
- Belt of Truth
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Scripture clearly states that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christian life, therefore, demands awareness and preparedness for an ongoing invisible war—including temptations, doubts, and deception aimed by the enemy.
Each Piece of the Armor: Meaning and Daily Application
1. Belt of Truth
The belt was foundational under Roman armor, holding all other pieces in place. Truth in the Christian context signifies both God’s truth as revealed in Scripture and personal honesty and integrity. Satan is characterized as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), constantly seeking to deceive.
- Purpose: Keeps us grounded in what is real and eternal. Provides stability for our spiritual lives.
- How to put it on daily: Begin each day committing to honesty, reject lies, and seek to know and apply biblical truths through reading and meditation.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate protects the vital organs, especially the heart. In spiritual terms, it stands for right standing with God—positionally through faith in Christ and practically through a righteous life.
- Purpose: Guards the heart against accusations, guilt, and moral failure.
- How to put it on daily: Embrace your identity in Christ, and consciously make righteous choices. Confess and turn from sin, seeking to do what pleases God.
3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Roman soldiers wore shoes (sandals) designed for stability and readiness. The imagery here refers to preparedness to spread the Gospel and walk in the peace provided by Christ.
- Purpose: Provides sure footing and readiness to advance or stand firm, no matter the circumstance.
- How to put it on daily: Ground yourself in the peace of Christ through prayer and trust. Be always prepared to share the message of reconciliation wherever you go.
4. Shield of Faith
Roman shields protected soldiers from arrows and weapons. Spiritually, the shield refers to faith that trusts God’s promises and extinguishes doubts, fears, and temptations from the enemy.
- Purpose: Defends against “the flaming arrows of the evil one”—doubts, fears, accusations, temptations.
- How to put it on daily: Cultivate daily trust in God through Scripture and prayer, choosing to rely on His promises regardless of what you face.
5. Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head—the center of thought and understanding. Spiritually, it signifies assurance of salvation and the guarding of our minds against doubts about our standing in Christ.
- Purpose: Protects thoughts, giving confidence and security in God’s completed work of salvation.
- How to put it on daily: Remind yourself of the gospel; combat discouragement and self-doubt with the truth of what Christ has secured for you eternally.
6. Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)
This is the only offensive weapon listed. It refers to Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit to cut through lies and temptations. Used by Christ Himself in temptation (Matthew 4).
- Purpose: Corrects errors, rebuts temptations, and brings truth to bear in every situation.
- How to put it on daily: Regularly read, memorize, and meditate on Scripture. Use God’s Word in prayer and to address challenges and temptations as they arise.
| Piece of Armor | Spiritual Meaning | Daily Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Belt of Truth | Honesty, biblical truth, integrity | Daily commitment to truth; study God’s Word |
| Breastplate of Righteousness | Right standing through Christ; righteous living | Confession, repentance, pursuing holiness |
| Shoes of the Gospel of Peace | Peace with God, readiness to witness | Rest in Christ; prepared to share the Gospel |
| Shield of Faith | Trusting God’s promises, protection against doubts | Prayer, relying on God in all circumstances |
| Helmet of Salvation | Assurance and security in Christ | Meditate on salvation, renew your mind |
| Sword of the Spirit | The Word of God, used for offense and defense | Read and memorize Scripture; speak truth |
Why Do Christians Need the Full Armor of God?
Believers need the full armor because spiritual attacks are inevitable. The devil uses deception, distraction, division, and discouragement to undermine faith and fruitfulness. Standing strong in spiritual warfare is only possible by daily appropriating God’s armor—to resist temptation, remain steadfast in faith, and advance the Gospel.
- Spiritual warfare is constant, occurring both in obvious and subtle ways.
- Christians are assured victory if they remain clothed in God’s armor, relying not on their own strength but on Christ’s power.
- Partial armor leaves vulnerabilities; every piece is essential to withstand trials and evil.
How to Put On the Full Armor of God Daily
Applying the armor is a deliberate, daily process. It’s both an attitude and a practice, rooted in prayer and dependence upon God.
- Start each day with prayer and Scripture.
Acknowledge the spiritual battle and ask for God’s help to put on each piece. Read the Bible to anchor yourself in truth. - Confess and repent of sin.
Keeping short accounts with God ensures your breastplate of righteousness is intact. - Speak and meditate on truth.
Replace lies and doubts with the promises of Scripture. - Walk in peace and readiness.
Pursue reconciliation, trust God’s control, and be alert to opportunities to share your hope in Christ. - Actively trust God’s promises through challenges.
Lift up your shield of faith by choosing to believe rather than despair. - Guard your mind with the assurance of salvation.
Allow the truths of the gospel to control your perspective and decisions. - Use the Sword of the Spirit (Bible) in temptation and conflict.
Speak and pray the Word, as Jesus did when He was tempted. - Keep praying at all times.
Prayer saturates the battle—ask for strength, alertness, and perseverance.
Armor of God: Practical Examples
Putting on God’s armor translates to real-life decisions and habits:
- Resisting lies about your worth with biblical truth about your identity in Christ.
- Choosing honesty even when a lie would be easier.
- Standing firm in righteousness when peers pressure you to compromise.
- Responding to anxiety or conflict with peace that comes from the Gospel.
- Praying for faith instead of panicking amid uncertainty.
- Turning to the Bible for guidance in every situation.
Supporting Scriptures
- Ephesians 6:10–18 (primary passage)
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (mentions faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet)
- Isaiah 59:17 (God wears righteousness as a breastplate and helmet of salvation)
- Romans 13:12 (calls believers to “put on the armor of light”)
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 (“the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world…”)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean to put on the full armor of God?
It means to daily, deliberately align your heart, mind, and actions with God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Word—so you can stand firm against spiritual opposition and temptation.
Why is prayer mentioned with the armor?
Paul closes the armor passage with a call to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Prayer is the means by which believers access God’s power, maintain vigilance, and keep every piece of armor active in daily life.
Can parts of the armor be ignored?
Every piece is essential. Neglecting any part leaves one vulnerable to specific spiritual attack. Full victory and spiritual protection come from putting on the whole armor.
Is the armor of God only for spiritual leaders or mature Christians?
No. The armor is for every Christian—from new believers to seasoned leaders. Spiritual opposition confronts everyone who follows Christ, making the armor relevant to all.
How can children learn to put on the armor of God?
Teach children about each piece in age-appropriate ways. Use songs, stories, and crafts to illustrate the meanings, and encourage reflection on how God helps them be brave, wise, and loving each day.
Living Victoriously With the Armor of God
Putting on the armor of God is not a one-time act, but a daily commitment. As Christians, this discipline is essential for spiritual survival, growth, and victory. By faithfully equipping oneself, the believer is able to stand unmoved amid cultural shifts, personal trials, and spiritual opposition—advancing the Kingdom of God armed not with earthly power, but by the might and provision of the Lord.
- Commit daily to wearing every piece of God’s armor.
- Lean on prayer and the Holy Spirit for continuous strength.
- Remember, in Christ, the victory is already secure; the armor ensures we stand firm until the end.
References
- https://www.gotquestions.org/full-armor-of-God.html
- https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-the-full-armor-of-god-how-can-i-put-on-the-whole-armor-of-god.html
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-does-the-armor-of-god-strengthen-us.html
- https://412teens.org/qna/what-is-the-full-armor-of-god.php
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TqRha-Ca1E
- https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/armor-of-god
- https://www.gcu.edu/blog/spiritual-life/weekly-devotional-wearing-armor-god
- https://soh.church/armor-of-god/
- https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/full-armor-of-god-prepare-for-spiritual-warfare/
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