And take the helmet of salvation… 

                                         Ephesians 6:17a 

Knowing that we are saved is the subject of our next piece of armor. Paul describes this piece as the helmet of salvation. Combining the spiritual reality of salvation with the fact that he expresses it as a helmet would give us good reason to believe that Paul is talking about protecting our mind with the knowledge of our own salvation. Contrast that with the disruptive force of fear and doubt in which the enemy so commonly traffics and we should see the value behind this piece of armor.

Salvation is a spiritual transaction between God and mankind and was secured for us on the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to this spiritual transformation as being “born again” (John 3:3). Thus we often hear people describe themselves as born again Christians. Understanding the importance of this spiritual event will demonstrate that there is really no such thing as a Christian that hasn’t been born again. It is quite possible to find ourselves being religious yet still lacking a spiritual rebirth. Salvation doesn’t occur because our parents or grandparents are Christians. It doesn’t occur by following some ritualistic, ceremonial motion either. Christian authenticity begins when we are “born again” and only then.

Salvation is obtainable for anyone seeking to be right with God and it does not require us to first “clean up our lives.” How often I have heard people express their sense of unworthiness to approach God for salvation on the basis of their sinful lifestyle. The reality is that everyone has transgressed the entire Law of God (James 2:10) and we are therefore all equally in need of a Savior. We don’t clean up our lives to become saved rather we simply acknowledge that we are a sinner and then call on His name, asking Him to save us. Any sincere heart that calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). That is the reason why no one else can make this decision for us. It must be a spiritual transaction between God and the person making the request.

Because salvation comes by faith, it is important for us to understand the severity for anyone failing to receive this eternal deliverance. Consider the following:

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

                                                                                                               Hebrews 4:1-2 

The writer is referring to the people of Israel in the Old Testament. God had already delivered them from Egypt and had promised them that He would take them to a new land that would be theirs to inhabit and to enjoy. The people were led to the threshold of the land and were instructed to go and spy it out. They did so but there was one major problem. While in the land, the spies observed that there were other people groups residing there and they were intimidated by their size and apparent strength. When reporting back to the rest of the people, only two of the twelve spies had enough faith in God to go into the land and take it as God had promised (Numbers 13-14). Consequently, they did not go in and take the land. This would lead to forty years of desert wandering until that generation died off. God would then fulfill His promise to a faithful generation who would trust Him and put that faith into action.

The writer of Hebrews is referencing their plight while reminding us that the promise of entering God’s rest (salvation) is still available for anyone who desires to receive it. There is nothing wrong with God’s promise, however, when we fail to receive it by faith, we forfeit the very eternal security and spiritual rest that comes with being “born again.” They (the people of Israel) had good news preached to them but it “did not profit them.” Why? It is because that good news was “not united by faith in those who heard.” In other words, the promise was made but not received.

This is exactly what is happening when people reject the very Savior who died for them. The promise of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ (the gospel or good news) is being preached regularly, all over the world. When someone hears this good news yet refuses to receive this offer of amazing grace by faith, they forfeit salvation and eternal life. At that point, there is nothing left for them other than condemnation, spiritual death, and eternal separation from God. That is why it is very important for us to know that we have been “born again” and that we belong to Jesus Christ.

So let’s put on the helmet of salvation by guarding our thought life from the attacks of fear and doubt that come from the enemy!

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

                                                                                                                   Acts 13:38-39