Understanding The Armor of God by Stella Ashworth | Page 14

CHAPTER FIVE
Helmet of Salvation
“And take the helmet of salvation” Ephesians 6:17
A Roman soldier's helmet, known as the cassis or galea, protected a soldier's skull and neck from enemy blows and falling debris.
Fashioned from bronze or iron, the helmet included two hinged side pieces to protect the cheekbones and jaw. Helmets were
often lined inside with sponge or felt for the sake of comfort.
Horsehair plumes frequently adorned the tops of soldiers' helmets. Although not used in battle, these plumes were dyed a
variety of colors to distinguish the rank of military officers and were primarily used for ceremonial purposes.
Just as the breastplate of righteousness guards the heart, the helmet of salvation guards the mind. This helmet can also be called
the "hope of salvation.”
How does the helmet of salvation guard a Christian's mind? By providing hope, which is a joyful and confident expectation that
God will keep His promises.
Romans 8:24-25
“24 For
in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what
we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
A person without hope is vulnerable to the enemy’s lie that life is not worth living.
Our hope is in the salvation of the Lord — not only in His initial salvation from the penalty of sin, but also in His continuing
salvation from the power of sin and the attacks of the devil.
Many of Satan's battles against us happen in the mind. The devil can flash evil and lewd thoughts in our minds, hoping that we
will entertain his thoughts and commit sin.
James 1;13-15
“ 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself
tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has
conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
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