Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

“And take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17)

And for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

The helmet guards the head of a soldier. It is a critical piece of armour that must be worn at all times to ensure the safety of the soldier. If a bullet or sword struck the head, a soldier would have little chance of living. Thus, the helmet is a vital and essential piece of armour. 

In our spiritual battle against Satan’s temptations and sin, the hope of salvation must be the helmet of our soul. Salvation here talks about the hope of glory in heaven, where all things will be restored. Our defence against Satan’s deadliest blows and sin’s vilest temptations is our hope of coming glory. Our defence is to look up to Zion, where earthly joys and pleasures will pass away, and we shall be received with a crown of glory into the paradise of our Lord, which we do not deserve. 

One of Satan’s deadliest blows is the seed of discontent. This world is indeed capped with corruption and evil. It floats around us in our community, but it hits hardest when it reveals itself in us. We are discontented with God when we see our constant failures and falling into sin. We are discontented with God when our closest friends and family succumb to Satan’s lies and fall into deep spiritual slumber. We are discontented with God when His church on earth doesn’t seem to reach the cut of God’s love and holiness. We are discontented with God when the consequences of sin befall tragedy on us or those closest to us, whether it be illness, injustice, persecution or death. Satan longs to amplify our discontent so that we stray from God, forsake our faith, and indulge in his own lies that demean God. 

Paul calls us to put on the hope of salvation. Paul calls us to look up to heaven and the day when all good will be restored because Christ has won the victory over evil and death. Look in faith towards that final day where all of evil’s dominion and strength will be defeated. This is our hope. 

Colossians 3:1-4 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” 

Our fullness of joy and satisfaction is awaiting us in heaven. This life is a pilgrim’s journey with the smallest glimpses of what is to come. A victorious Christian life does not mean a life free of suffering. In fact, what use is a set of armour unless you go out into warfare? An armour’s glory is in its protection out on the battlefield. The battle is fierce, and the enemy is strong. Yet, our hope for future salvation is secure because it is a hope in Christ, who has already died and resurrected in history. Our hope is sure, and from it, we will find significant strength to endure the battle and live for our Lord in this temporary life. 

Let’s learn to set our eyes above. No longer put your hope in things of this earth. None of it will fully satisfy. Hope in God and His second coming. William Gurnall says, “we must take [the helmet of salvation] so as never to lay it aside till God shall take off this helmet to put on a crown of glory in the room of it”

Lord, please set my eyes on the hope of salvation. Thank You that we have a sure hope that You are victorious in Christ and will return to reign over all evil. Please forgive me when I trust in myself and hope in the things of this world. Help me to hope only in You. Set my eyes on eternity and help me to run the race and fight the Christian battle here on earth. Day by day lead me closer to Zion, and may I live out my temporary days in a way that is pleasing to You, preparing me for the day when I will meet You face to face. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.

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