Ephesians 6:17a

"And take the helmet of salvation..." Ephesians 6:17a

You can say that helmets protect the head, and generally speaking you're right. But the brain is the central organ in the head that is really what is being protected... and as we look back through Paul's letter (Chapt 2:3; 3:9; 4:2,17, and 23), you'll see that more specifically it is the mind that he is referring to. Thus, we are talking about "Salvation" as the thing that is protecting the "Mind". How salvation protects the mind and from what, is the focus then as we look at what Paul says in relation to all of this letter. Starting in Eph 2:8, Paul says....

"For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith."

Now right here we find both "bad and good news" relating to salvation and protecting the mind! The very fact that you have been saved, is bad news to the enemy, because you have just become a soldier "against" the enemy, where before, you were a "victim" of war. The good news is that, you have also cheated the enemy of a huge victory (your eternal fate). But in keeping to this thought of salvation protecting our minds... before we allow our-self to become a legion in our own mind, by this victory... let's finish the verse...

"And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God."

How quick the enemy tries to rush in on the new convert to make them feel like they have done something great. It sounds stupid, at first... but underneath this feeling that "you or I" have done something "saving" is: 1. a lie... and 2. Pride! But if we have truly been saved, then "salvation" will protect our mind from the lie, because truth... which comes with salvation will guard our mind. We will see this in the next contextual verse, Eph 3:9...

"Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan..."

The rest of verse 3:9 refers to God having kept mystery the salvation for Gentiles, BUT, notice the fruit of salvation as "Enlightenment" for our minds... making plain in our minds, the "truth" which protects from the "lies". So, it is "Salvation" that protects the "mind" with the truth it brings... and truth that is what will be very victorious to combating the lies! Praise God.

One last note: Notice Paul says to, "take"... You have to reach out to God and take this salvation, which He has "freely" offered. Mmmm... dear soul... do not be a "victim" of this war, another day longer. Join The Army of God, and start suiting up, today.

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:17b next time.

I love you.