Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:14-15
Ephesians 6:14-15, are part of the Apostle Paul’s instructions on how to put on the full armor of God. These verses describe two pieces of the spiritual armor that Christians need to wear in order to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
The first piece is the belt of truth. Paul writes, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist”. The belt of truth refers to the truth of God’s word and the truth of the gospel. The belt was a vital part of a Roman soldier’s equipment, as it held his sword and other weapons in place. Similarly, the truth of God’s word is essential for Christians, as it helps them to discern between right and wrong, and to defend themselves against the lies and deception of the enemy. The truth also sets us free from sin and guilt, and enables us to live in obedience to God’s will.
The second piece is the breastplate of righteousness. Paul writes, “with the breastplate of righteousness in place”. The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness that God gives us through faith in Jesus Christ. The breastplate was another important part of a Roman soldier’s armor, as it protected his vital organs from injury. Likewise, the righteousness of Christ protects our hearts from the accusations and condemnation of the devil, who is called “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” (Revelation 12:10). The righteousness of Christ also empowers us to live holy and blameless lives before God and others.
The third piece is the shoes of peace. Paul writes, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”. The shoes of peace refer to the peace that God gives us through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The shoes were another essential part of a Roman soldier’s armor, as they enabled him to march swiftly and steadily on any terrain. Similarly, the peace of God enables us to stand firm in any situation, and to overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt. The peace of God also motivates us to share the good news of salvation with others, and to promote peace and harmony among people.
These three pieces of armor are vital for every Christian who wants to resist the devil and his attacks. By wearing them daily, we can be confident that we have the strength and protection that we need from God.
