“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm,” (Eph. 6:11-13, ESV).

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, their action made them the clear enemy of the United States. Today, we live in a different time when it is not as obvious who our country’s real enemies are.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he reminds them what the real battle is and who the real enemy is. Ours is a spiritual battle against the devil and the dark forces of evil. The assaults of the devil and the cosmic powers are against our souls. Satan seeks to break us by leading us away from Christ and His Church.

The defense against the old evil foe is the full armor of God, with which we are equipped by the Holy Spirit’s work. A white baptismal gown is great symbolism to remind us that when we put on Christ, we are clothed with the robe of righteousness and the garment of salvation. Just as fitting, however, would be a bulletproof vest and Kevlar helmet to remind us that the Holy Spirit equips us for the battle that we face as saints of God. The Holy Spirit creates and strengthens our faith through the Word of God, so that we have the protective armor to defend us in the spiritual warfare we face.

Ultimately, the Holy Spirit’s work enables us to stand firm in the midst of the battle. We need not retreat from the battle, but rather we can take our stand in this evil day. May the Holy Spirit continue to clothe you with the full armor of God for the spiritual battles we endure from our enemy, the devil, and all the dark forces of evil.

Prayer – O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan