The six items of armour are divided into two groups of three. The first three are identified by the words ‘having on’ and the second three by the words ‘take up’. Those described by ‘having on’ are the belt, the breastplate and the shoes.
The soldier’s belt was used to tie up his clothes before he used the other pieces of armour. Paul says that the belt is like truth. Truth is what is basic to Christians. They know who God is and what his salvation is, and they discovered that truth through the gospel. It is impossible to fight against the enemy if we we don’t know the truth revealed in the gospel. We cannot put on the other pieces of armour without knowing this truth.
The next item put on by a soldier was the breastplate. Paul says that the breastplate depicts righteousness. What happens first to a sinner who believes the gospel and trust in Jesus? That sinner is given the righteousness of Jesus as his standing before God. Like the truth of the gospel, this piece of armour is unchanging. Once it is put on, it cannot be taken off.
The third item is the shoes or sandals that a soldier wore. Those sandals had grooves on them that made the soldier ready for standing firm. Paul says that this readiness depicts the possession of peace that Christians have. He has in mind the blessing of reconciliation with God.
Those three pieces of armour describe three permanent features of true believers. They know the truth of the gospel, they wear the righteousness of Christ, and they are reconciled to God. Those blessings are priceless as well as permanent. But do they guarantee victory over the enemy? According to Paul, they don’t. Having them on is not enough. They have to take up three other pieces, and we will think about them tomorrow.
Meanwhile we should check that we have on the first three pieces – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace.
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