Ephesians 16:17a The Helmet of Salvation

. . . take the helmet of salvation . . .  Ephesians 16:17a, ESV
 
In Paul’s catalog of the armor of God, he now comes the helmet of salvation. Paul likely witnessed many such helmets pass by his window while under house arrest. The Roman soldier’s helmet was a single piece of metal lined with leather. A colorful plume on top indicated the soldier’s rank. It was both functional and ornate. Nonetheless, the helmet Paul has in mind is better.
 
In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul describes this helmet more specifically as the Christian’s “hope of salvation.” There it seems that Paul has our future salvation in mind, the day of our glorification. Here in Ephesians, it seems he is referring to the blessings of salvation which are already ours (forgiveness, freedom from sin, adoption, etc.). Surely, in this age of strife, we are best served when we can stand in the firm knowledge that, by God’s grace, we have been saved, are being saved, and one day will surely be saved.
 
To take up this helmet is to lean on God’s saving grace. It is to live life comforted in the knowledge that Christ, who was utterly sinless, became sin in our place so that we might appear before God as righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is to rejoice daily in the truth that while we were still sinners we were loved by God through the sacrifice of His Son (Romans 5:8). 
 
I pray that God’s saving grace will be your constant companion today and that you will know peace and joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Pastor Don