The Helmet of Salvation

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

Illustration by Paul Agner

The helmets soldiers wore protected their heads from attack. Some of the helmets were also very showy—big feathers, unusual shapes (such as elephants). Helmets were a way to let other people know who the soldiers were and who they were fighting for.

When we put on the helmet of salvation, our minds are protected from the attacks of the enemy. And as we learn more about our salvation—and the One who saved us from our sins—by studying the Bible, we begin to think more like Jesus (Philippians 2:5). And the way we think influences the way we talk and act (Proverbs 23:7), so it’s important that we guard our minds.

But the helmet of salvation should also be a piece of armor that we use to show others who we are and who we represent—the King of kings. People should be able to notice that we are citizens of the good kingdom by the way we live and act and talk. What does your “helmet” say about you?