”…and take the helmet of Salvation….” (Eph 6:17)
These words say a lot. This is not a suggestion, but a commandment. It says to take! It is interesting that the book of Ephesians was written for Christians. Christians aren’t perfect and, at times, need to be corrected by God. There are times when we get careless and don’t put on our armor.
The helmet is important because it protects the head. The head has a vital organ called the brain. In war, when you hit your enemy on the head, it damages the brain. If the brain is damaged, the body is incapacitated. A helmet helps to shield the blows and protect your head. Saints, we are in a warfare and it is time to put on the helmet of Salvation.
First, let’s define Salvation. Salvation in the New Testament comes from the Greek word “Soteria” which not, only covers the spiritual but the natural as well. It defines it as material provision, physical healing and preservation among a host of other things. Many get the Salvation process confused. Yes, the Bible says that we are saved by grace and not of works. That is in the spiritual sense. (Eph 2: 8-9) But, on the other hand, we see the words work out your salvation, with fear and trembling. (Phil 2:12) The salvation that this it is talking about is the three part section of man–Spirit, soul and body (I Thess 5:23)
Again, the part that is saved is your spirit, but God wants to take it a step further. He desires your soul (Mind, will and emotions) and body to be saved and that takes work. That is why the Lord wants us to renew our minds. (Rom 12:2) Our Lord Jesus used analogies to get people’s attention. He knew Peter liked fishing. He knew that Peter’s mind was on fishing constantly, so he said something to get his attention–
”And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt 4:19)
He was showing Peter’s calling through an analogy. Now, let me take this a step further. When a fisherman catch fishes, they need to be cleaned out. Yes, Salvation is a gift and we are caught by God but we have to allow ourselves to be cleaned out. Have you ever seen a fish that wiggles and wiggles its way out of the boat? If the fisherman is not paying attention, that fish will wiggle itself back into the sea! A good soul winner will follow up with the new converts and refer them to the Pastor. There the Pastor makes sure he stays on the ship!
Also, the fish are gutted and cleaned out. Why? Because if you eat fish without gutting them out, you could get poisoned. The same way it is with us. We got Saved, but we brought our “luggage” with us. We need to unpack and throw away the old ‘luggage!” We need to allow the Spirit to “gut” and clean us up through mind renewal. Our minds are like computers and we need to put new software in it.
That is why it is important to use the helmet of Salvation. A renewed mind will allow you to know God’s will for your life. A renewed mind will keep you in God’s perfect will. A renewed mind will, also, allow you to hear God’s warnings in your life. In this day, Take your helmet of Salvation and put it on!
thanks for the share.