How to Put on the Full Armor of God
The full armor of God is one of the most powerful metaphors in the New Testament for the Christian life. Found in Ephesians 6:11–18, it portrays believers as soldiers in a spiritual battle, called to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. The armor is not physical but spiritual, given by God to protect His people against the cosmic forces of darkness.
Paul emphasizes that the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. Because of this, the church must depend not on its own strength but on the Lord’s. Putting on the full armor of God means daily reliance on Christ, living in truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word, and praying in the Spirit.
This article will explore how to put on the armor of God, what each piece represents, and why this practice is vital for faithful Christian living.
1. The Call to Stand Firm in the Lord
Paul begins his teaching on the armor of God with a call to strength: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). This sets the foundation. The armor is not about self-reliance but dependence on God’s power.
The command to “stand” appears three times in verses 11–14, highlighting perseverance. To put on the armor of God is to remain firm in the Gospel, resisting temptation, fear, and falsehood. Just as Israel stood still and saw God fight for them at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13), the church stands clothed in divine strength, secure in Christ’s victory.
2. The Belt of Truth
The first piece of armor is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14). A soldier’s belt secured his tunic and held his sword. Spiritually, truth holds everything together.
To put on the belt of truth means to live anchored in God’s Word and to reject the lies of the enemy. Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The devil is the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and believers resist him by standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. Daily reading and meditation on Scripture, combined with living honestly and faithfully, is how believers fasten the belt of truth.
3. The Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate guarded the soldier’s heart and chest. For believers, righteousness protects the inner life. This is not a righteousness of works but the righteousness of Christ, received through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness means embracing the holiness Christ provides and walking in obedience to His commands. When accusations or guilt arise, the believer stands secure, knowing that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). By daily repentance and trust in Christ, the breastplate shields the heart.
4. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Paul next describes shoes fitted with readiness from the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals that gave them stability and mobility. The Gospel equips believers to stand firm and to move forward in mission.
To put on these shoes means to live prepared to proclaim Christ. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” When believers remember the peace they have with God through Christ (Romans 5:1), they are ready to bring that peace to others. Evangelism, acts of service, and lives of reconciliation are all ways to walk in the Gospel of peace.
5. The Shield of Faith
The shield of faith is given “to extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Roman shields were large, often four feet tall, able to protect the whole body and interlock with others for collective defense.
Putting on the shield of faith means trusting God’s promises when temptations, doubts, and fears strike. Faith looks beyond circumstances to the God who is faithful. 1 John 5:4 declares, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Faith is not blind optimism but confidence in the risen Christ, who secures salvation. Daily prayers of trust and reliance on God strengthen the believer’s shield.
6. The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protected the soldier’s head, symbolizing the mind. Spiritually, salvation guards the believer’s thoughts and gives assurance of eternal life.
To put on the helmet of salvation means to live with hope in God’s final victory. Paul echoes this in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, urging believers to wear “for a helmet the hope of salvation.” In trials and suffering, the helmet reminds Christians that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ, who will bring them into everlasting life. Regular reflection on the Gospel and assurance in Christ’s finished work keeps the mind steadfast.
7. The Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Unlike the defensive pieces of armor, the sword is offensive, used to counter the enemy’s lies and advance the truth.
To put on the sword of the Spirit is to wield Scripture actively. Jesus Himself resisted Satan’s temptations in the wilderness by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Believers are called to study, memorize, and apply the Word of God, allowing it to cut through deception and strengthen faith. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
8. The Role of Prayer in Putting on the Armor
After describing the armor, Paul emphasizes prayer: “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is not another piece of armor but the power that activates them all.
To put on the armor of God requires dependence on God through prayer. Believers pray for strength, for alertness, and for boldness to proclaim the Gospel. Paul himself asks for prayer “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). Prayer connects the soldier of Christ to the source of power—the Lord Himself.
9. The Armor of God and the Gospel Mission
Putting on the full armor of God is not merely about personal protection but about advancing the Gospel. Every piece points to Christ and His victory. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word all flow from Him.
The church is called to stand firm in Christ and to bear witness to His kingdom. The armor of God does not lead to direct confrontations with demonic powers but equips believers to persevere in faith and proclaim Christ. Revelation 12:11 describes the victory of believers: “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Conclusion: Standing Firm Until the End
To put on the full armor of God is to live daily in the strength of the Lord, clothed in Christ, equipped by the Spirit, and grounded in the Word. It means resisting the schemes of the devil, enduring trials, and proclaiming the Gospel of peace.
The armor of God assures believers that while the battle is real, the victory is secure. Christ, the divine warrior-king, has already triumphed. To stand firm in His strength is to walk in hope, awaiting the day when He will return to bring His kingdom in fullness.
Bible Verses about the Armor of God
Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Exodus 14:13 – “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 5:1 – “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 John 5:4 – “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – “For a helmet the hope of salvation.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
Revelation 12:11 – “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
