A warrior entering combat without any form of head protection or a helmet would be extremely exposed to fatal blows. Leaving any piece of the armor behind would be dangerous, yet the absence of the helmet would be particularly unthinkable and irrational.
As Christians going through life’s challenges and trials, we cannot afford to live without the powerful helmet of salvation.
In Isaiah 59:17, the phrase “helmet of salvation” refers to a heavenly warrior. In this Bible verse, God sends a warrior armed with “righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Contents
- 1 What Is The Helmet Of Salvation?
- 2 What Does The Helmet Of Salvation Look Like?
- 3 Why Is The Helmet Of Salvation Such A Crucial Piece?
- 4 How Does The Helmet Of Salvation Work With The Rest Of The Armor?
- 5 How To Put On The Helmet Of Salvation
- 6 What To Do After You Put On The Helmet Of Salvation?
- 7 Conclusion
What Is The Helmet Of Salvation?
The Bible doesn’t seem to have many more instances of a helmet being utilized as a symbol; however, it does include diverse symbolism for salvation. Images such as a rock and a solid base (Psalm 18:2), a stronghold or refuge, the revelation of a mystery (Ephesians 3:9), or a present (Ephesians 2:8) represent salvation.
Meanwhile, a helmet, according to Merriam-Webster, is “a covering or enclosing headpiece of ancient or medieval armor.” An ordinary helmet has interior cushioning to protect us from head injuries. Our spiritual helmet is quite different. It represents mental armor that completely protects us from the enemy’s blazing arrows and devious schemes.
As followers of Christ, we realize that the true message is the great power of God for salvation. In Christ Jesus, we are newly created beings. Old human ways of thinking and acting come to an end. The helmet guarantees our salvation.
What Does The Helmet Of Salvation Look Like?
Because mass production did not exist in the early days, each Roman helmet, called a galea [1], might vary significantly in design and appearance. Throughout the empire’s history, the headgear design and form evolved and progressed.
The helmets were typically made out of hard metal. However, less privileged soldiers or men from the earliest years of the Roman Empire might have had helmets made of leather bolstered with metal parts.
The helmet’s most evident use is as a shield for the head against strikes. Helmets typically featured cheek plates that safeguarded against strikes to the face and a metal component in the neck area to protect against hits to the back. Furthermore, throughout the early first century, helmets developed to have a brow ridge to shield the eyes.
In the Bible, a specific type of helmet is mentioned. Within Ephesians 6:17, Paul elaborates on the helmet of salvation, the concluding element of armor he mentions, ranking second only to the sacred sword of the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, the helmet is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, in Isaiah 59:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:8. The latter instructs us to wear love and faith as breastplates and to use as helmets the hope of salvation.
Why Is The Helmet Of Salvation Such A Crucial Piece?
The helmet of salvation provides us with hope. The author of Hebrews compares hope to a sturdy anchor, providing stability and resilience: “Our hope is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul that enters within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19).
Indeed, God’s promise that we have a special role in our salvation can’t be broken. This hope, according to the words of Peter, is an active and living thing that cannot fade or be corrupted. It is there to spiritually stimulate and support us throughout our lives. (1 Peter 1:3–4)
In a transient world, remember this: the hope of salvation, emerging from the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, is everlasting. It symbolizes steadiness in an unpredictable situation. It offers us hope even in the darkest of times, allowing us to overcome sorrow, helplessness, and sadness.
Moreover, the helmet of salvation shields our vision. Like in an ordinary helmet, the soldier’s eyes were covered, allowing him to keep his physical eyesight. Likewise, divine vision or spiritual sight enables the Christian to keep his or her eyes fixed on the end goal and to go ahead without distractions or delays.
With the help of the helmet of salvation and God’s Word, a Christian can concentrate on the aim of salvation, emulating Jesus Christ’s life as a means to achieve the end goal that He had planned for us. We have everlasting hope to keep us going and a vision to keep our sights fixed on the prize.
Furthermore, this helmet of salvation will defend us spiritually against the devil’s strong blow of uncertainty. With no helmet on, we are vulnerable to the spiritual fight we’re facing every day.
How Does The Helmet Of Salvation Work With The Rest Of The Armor?
One could argue that the remainder of God’s armor is useless without the “hope of salvation” as the helmet. Until the exact time of salvation, those other remaining pieces are made worthless.
Our salvation is what distinguishes us as followers of Christ and awakens our armor. Someone who is not a follower of Christ has no armor, since the armor we wear in battle is spiritual.
Rebirth is the only way to attain spiritual transformation, which spiritual armor requires. This significant change occurs at salvation, which is why this sacred helmet is an essential part that completes the whole armor.
Thus, placing the helmet on our heads will not result in our salvation. We wear it as an outcome of our salvation and redemption. Each time we wear our helmet of salvation, this should serve as a constant reminder of who we truly are and our faith.
How To Put On The Helmet Of Salvation
The first step to wearing the helmet of salvation these days is to walk in the assurance of our salvation. Let go of worries about salvation; the certainty of being saved is our rock.
Our confidence stems from comprehending and trusting what the Lord has said and promised us. Also, it emanates from the Holy Spirit’s inner confirmation that “we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).
This deed rewards us and makes us heirs to the promises He made. God’s grace sets us free from sin and outfits us with armor that can withstand whatever the enemy throws at us.
We must always pull our helmet straps tightly and focus on what is sincere, trustworthy, delightful, pleasant, and good when the enemy attacks.
So go and walk confidently today, wearing our helmet of salvation firmly, fully understanding, and completely knowing we belong to Christ and that nothing can ever take us out of His loving grasp.
What To Do After You Put On The Helmet Of Salvation?
The enemy enjoys causing us to question our salvation, instilling worldly concepts (Romans 12:1-2), and provoking us to fixate and concentrate on the moment rather than eternity. So, we must constantly remind ourselves to put on our powerful helmet of salvation.
The protective helmet of salvation shields us from danger and eternal death. It saves us when we face our inner conflict and mental battle, where the enemy can give severe, potentially lethal hits.
After wearing the helmet of salvation, we must strengthen our faith each day by keeping in mind the Scriptures, praying in every situation, and fully recognizing who has the final victory.
Satan wishes our spiritual death. We watch terrible catastrophes on news coverage, we have doubts, and we fear we have lost our salvation today. In challenging situations, it’s crucial to renew our faith in God, holding onto the steadfast assurance that the Heavenly Father, who promises we will receive salvation, will never forsake or abandon us.
Conclusion
The helmet of salvation protects us and maintains our focus on the finish line. The helmet of salvation covers us, so we have no reason to fear Satan.
Whenever he tries to confuse and ruin us, the helmet assures us that our triumph and eternal life are rest assured not from our effort but from God (who oversees the entire world and who also wishes to bestow upon us that victory).
As we keep our helmets tightly on our heads in our daily walks, we can concentrate on following the righteous life God has chosen us to live. We can confidently fight the good battle on our way to God’s kingdom.
Thank you for this timely reminder. In the face of so much overwhelming bad news it can be easy to forget about the beautiful world that surrounds us.🙏🙏🙏