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Salvation Taking the
Helmet And take the helmet of salvation.—Ephesians 6:17, NASB The fifth element of Christian armor mentioned by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:11-18 is the helmet of salvation. Helmet is translated from Strong’s #4030 perikephalaia meaning encirclement of the head, i.e., a helmet. One of the essential elements of armor for any soldier is the helmet. The first helmets, made of thick leather or bronze, were used by ancient Greek soldiers to protect their heads against enemy arrows and swords. In Paul’s day, the helmet of the Roman soldier, called a galea, was made of iron and offered protection for the cheeks, ear and neck in addition to the head. The soldier’s need for a helmet is obvious. The quickest way of disabling or destroying a soldier was to injure his head. The head directs all of a soldier’s fighting abilities. Destroy the soldier’s head, or damage his mind, and he ceases to be an effective warrior. The Adversary follows this principle in his battle against the Christian soldier—destroy the spiritual mind, or the new creature, and he becomes victorious against that follower of Christ. Consequently, Satan attacks the spiritual mind in any way he can. Just as he has blinded the minds of unbelievers, he seeks to blind the minds of believers that he might deceive and ultimately destroy them (2 Corinthians 4:4). This makes it imperative that the new creature’s mind be protected against the blows, darts and attacks of the Adversary. For this reason, God has provided the helmet of salvation to educate and protect the follower of Christ. What is the Helmet of Salvation? The apostle Paul explained what the helmet of salvation is: “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). The helmet is the hope of salvation described in the Scriptures and revealed through the enlightenment of God’s holy spirit. Pastor Russell called the helmet “the intellectual appreciation of the divine plan and promises” (Reprints, p. 2195). He also explains the great benefit we derive from the helmet of salvation: “Thanks be to God for the great armory of his Word, from which we obtain the helmet of salvation, the intellectual knowledge to protect us from the delusions of our own perverted sense and ignorance, and from the wiles of the adversary” (Reprints, p. 2310). The helmet of salvation is an understanding of God’s plan of salvation, the spiritual hope provided to the disciples of Christ, and all of the instructions and promises needed by the disciples to gain the promised spiritual reward. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Putting on the Helmet Believers grasp the helmet of salvation when they first approach the heavenly Father, desiring to learn of him. Paul wrote that if they approach in the proper attitude of heart and mind, “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17,18). Before putting on the helmet of salvation, disciples must be willing to give up their own reasoning and preconceived notions, and accept the wisdom of God as revealed in the Scriptures. This is a hurdle that many never overcome. Error-filled creeds taught in many churches, preconceived ideas about God, and human reasoning hamper many from truly accepting the wisdom of the Scriptures and understanding God’s plan of salvation. Many might lack sufficient humility to set aside what they commonly have been taught and their own ideas, and to accept the things freely given of God (1 Corinthians 2:12). And many may fear the loss of associations with others, or that they could be stripped of employment and societal standing (Matthew 10:34-39). To put on the helmet of salvation, believers must make a full consecration to do God’s will, to be buried by baptism into Jesus’ death and to walk in his footsteps in newness of life (Romans 6:3-5). If God accepts that consecration, they are begotten by his holy spirit, becoming new creatures in Christ—probationary sons of God (2 Corinthians 5:17). God’s holy spirit opens to their new creature mind, an understanding of the spiritual truths concerning God’s plan, as Paul explained: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. … Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9,10,12). Unlike human helmets, the strength of the helmet of salvation varies, based upon the amount of applied study that the soldier invests. Much study results in much familiarity with the plans and promises of God. This equips the soldier well for the attacks of the enemy. When deceptions and delusions are hurled at the soldier, his helmet has the strength to absorb the blow and protect the new-creature mind. The soldiers’ grasp of the promises of God, the principles of righteousness and an understanding of God’s plan and character will be strong enough to keep them from being misled or stumbled by the attack. However, little study results in a weak helmet unable to fully absorb a direct blow without shattering. When this happens, it shakes the faith, the understanding and resolve of the soldier. Therefore, it is critical that the Christian soldier continually study the Scriptures to strengthen his helmet so it can withstand the wiles of the Devil (2 Timothy 2:15). As the psalmist wrote: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me” (Psalm 119:97,98, NIV). The Spiritual Invitation The helmet reveals how Adam and Eve transgressed God’s commandment to not eat of the tree in the midst of the garden and as a result, came under the penalty of death (Genesis 3:6, 11-19). The entire human family as their descendants, inherited this penalty of death (1 Corinthians 15:21; Romans 5:12). However, God anticipated this development and promised that the woman would produce a seed to crush the serpent’s head and release mankind from this condemnation (Genesis 3:15). Later, God promised to Abraham, that this seed would fulfill the promise to bless all of the families of the earth (Genesis 22:16-18). Next, believers are taught how our Lord Jesus became this seed by humbling himself, giving up his spiritual nature and, being made flesh, offered that perfect human life in sacrifice as a ransom for Adam and, hence, for all of his posterity (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:5,6). By his obedience unto death, Jesus became the promised seed, a spiritual high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-10). Finally, Jesus’ disciples learn that those who follow in Jesus’ life of sacrifice will become God’s spiritual sons and part of the promised spiritual seed (Galatians 3:26-29). They are invited to follow Jesus and become a chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation and people that will be associated with our Lord in blessing all the families of the earth (1 Peter 2:9, 10). Christ and his disciples, the church, will be the beneficent spiritual rulers over Christ’s earthly kingdom (Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3). In this kingdom, Christ and the church will raise all who are in the grave to life, heal them of their afflictions, teach them righteousness, and give them a chance to gain everlasting life by obedience to the laws of that kingdom (John 5:28,29; Jeremiah 31:29,30). Terms and Conditions of Discipleship To those interested in this spiritual opportunity, the helmet of salvation reveals the terms and conditions of the invitation. First, believers must present themselves in consecration to God, offering their earthly lives in sacrifice, being buried into Jesus’ death (Matthew 16:24; Romans 6:3-5; 12:1,2). Their sacrifice becomes acceptable to God because of their faith in the blood of Christ (Romans 3:25,26; 5:1,2,9). This sacrifice means believers give up their own will and ambitions to do God’s will in their lives, following Jesus as their head, their captain, their shepherd (Revelation 14:4; John 10:4,14). This sacrifice also means the believers give up their right to an earthly resurrection in Christ’s kingdom. If God accepts their consecration, he begets them with his holy spirit, as a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:13,14). They are now probationary, spiritual sons of God. Their citizenship is in heaven. Thereafter, they are to be transformed by the development of this new-creature mind into the character likeness of Jesus (Romans 12:2; 8:29; 1 Peter 2:21). This transformation means developing within their heart and mind the character of Jesus, described in the Scriptures as the fruit of God’s holy spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23; 2 Peter 1:5-11). To allow room for the mind of Christ and his character to grow and take control of their lives, disciples must strip off the character—thoughts, desires and actions—of their flesh described in Scripture as the old man (Colossians 3:5-10,12-14). The Scriptures explain that this earthly sacrifice and transformation will be difficult. The Christian’s fallen flesh, the world, and the Adversary will all oppose this activity. This will lead to persecution and fiery trails as all three enemies seek to thwart the disciple’s development into the character-likeness of Christ. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. All who would reign with Christ must suffer and die with him (2 Timothy 2:11,12; 3:12). These fiery trials will prove the believers’ faith in and obedience to God and, as a result, their worthiness to receive the great spiritual reward—glory, honor and immortality, eternal life (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12-14). Christians must be faithful unto death to receive the promised crown of life (Revelation 2:10). God’s word provides a road map for disciples to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. It teaches them about each element of Christ’s character which they must develop in their own heart. It reveals Jesus’ great love for God, his law and his plan of salvation—a love which Christians must embrace to be successful (Psalm 40:7,8). The helmet also provides believers with advice and the tools needed to fight their enemies and overcome them. Finally, it teaches the principles of truth and righteousness which the disciple must both learn and assimilate to be conformed to the image of Christ in one’s heart and mind. As Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). The Helmet Reveals the Promises of God The helmet reveals that Christians cannot be successful if they try to fight their enemies with their own wisdom and strength. Instead, the disciples need the help, direction and overruling of God and Christ in their lives to be victorious. Then God’s word reveals his many promises of overruling and help to the believers so that they will be faithful and victorious. God will never leave nor forsake the followers of Christ (Hebrews 13:5,6). No enemy will be able to pluck the disciple out of the heavenly Father’s hands, because greater is he [God] that is in them than he [Satan] that is in the world (John 10:28,29;1 John 4:4). God will cause all things to work together for good to the Christian, to those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). And God will give the faithful believers the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). These promises assure disciples that no matter what circumstances they face or what fears and doubts the Adversary tries to plant in their minds, God is sure and steadfast and will not abandon them (Psalm 46:1-7; 91:1-12). These promises give believers a firm foundation to stand upon when Satan-induced darts, errors, and doubts fly in from every direction. These promises are especially helpful when Satan plants seeds of doubt and discouragement in a disciple’s mind, one of his favorite tactics. These promises remind us that our standing with God is not based on feelings. The Father himself loveth us and has given his only begotten son to save us (John 3:16; 16:27). These promises state that our standing with God and our acceptance with him rests on our faith in the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:5-7; 2:5-8). As long as that faith is sure, we have nothing to fear (2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18). Jesus Wore the Helmet of Salvation The Scriptures make it clear that Jesus both needed and wore the helmet of salvation: “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head” (Isaiah 59:17). Knowing his Father’s plans and principles was crucial to our Lord proving his faithfulness and obedience even unto death during his earthly ministry. That is why Isaiah wrote: “By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11). The record of our Lord’s first advent shows how he put on, and kept on, the helmet of salvation. While in the wilderness, our Lord used the word of God to repulse each of the three temptations presented by Satan. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7). “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10) Jesus relied upon the helmet of salvation during his entire earthly ministry: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things” (John 8:28). Just as Jesus wore the helmet of salvation, his followers must do the same. They should do or say nothing of themselves. Instead, their thoughts, words, and actions are to be led by the instruction and teachings of God pictured by the helmet of salvation. Why the Helmet is Necessary The helmet is necessary so that our new creature mind is not deluded by the errors and false doctrines promoted by the Adversary. If Satan can confuse us about God’s plan of salvation, our responsibilities as followers of Christ, or God’s promises to help, he can stumble us and cause us to fail. For that reason, Satan transforms himself as an angel of light and his ministers are transformed as ministers of righteousness, to ensnare the disciple (2 Corinthians 11:14,15). His deceptions are such as might deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24). The apostle Paul warned us about this: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). God’s word, pictured by the helmet of salvation, helps us avoid being blown about by every wind of doctrine. We have seen these winds of doctrine in our day: evolution not salvation, hell for everybody “except me and my friends,” “God is dead,” etc. The helmet provides the standard of God’s plan, God’s will, and God’s principles by which we must judge every thought, idea and suggestion brought to our minds. Here is how Paul describes this evaluation process: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). We Must Keep the Helmet On The helmet of salvation only protects disciples as long as they wear it. If they remove it attempting to follow God based on their own wisdom and reasoning, they become defenseless before their enemies. How does this happen? It begins with a lack of humility. They develop an exaggerated opinion of their own ideas and reasoning. If this continues, it leads to spiritual pride. As pride grows, the helmet becomes uncomfortable and they remove it. They are no longer willing to be led by God and his word. Satan encourages this development knowing that once the helmet is removed, disciples are vulnerable to his attacks. We avoid this trap by maintaining our humility and willingness to be led by the Scriptures and the wisdom of God. The helmet of salvation is not given to puff up our heads. It is given “to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). God provides it so we might develop as sons of God and in the character image of Christ. It protects our new-creature mind and directs us on how to enlarge our heart (2 Corinthians 6:11). How thankful we are that God has provided the armor of light (Romans 13:12) to protect us against the wiles of the Adversary. Let us humble ourselves and take advantage of every element of this armor, for this is the only way to faithfully stand against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Let us keep the helmet of salvation strong through continual study, prayer, and meditation and firmly buckled to our New Creature mind that we might, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). |