The Helmet Of Salvation Series

June 27, 2020

If you’re old enough to remember the days of LP’s, Reel-to-reel, and 8-track tapes – when there were no microwaves, child-proof medicine bottles, standardized car seats, seatbelt laws or bicycle helmets………. CONGRATULATIONS --- You survived your childhood!!!

I remember:

• Knowing it was time to take my Asthma medication – I was no older than 4 – I climbed up to the medicine cabinet, took down the bottle, opened it and took my medicine – most, if not all the contents of the bottle – Had to have my stomach pumped.

• Sitting on the armrest of the front seat of our car – again before the age of 4 – giving my mother directions as she drove. We didn’t wear seat belts – ever – even on long cross-country trips.

• Riding my bicycle home from town and being hit by a car – I have a scar on the back of my head.

The item that has particular relevance for us this morning is the helmet:

I have a scar on the back of my head – not because I had neglectful parents, but because bicycle helmets were not commercially available until 1975 and I don’t think it occurred to anyone that a helmet was a good piece of kit to have. In Scripture however, we read that God knew a long time ago that the Helmet of Salvation would be an essential piece of kit for the Christian to have, so He provided it for us.

Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of Salvation….

The Helmet of Salvation is our 5th piece of combat gear, but why is Salvation in the position of the “Helmet”?

The Roman Helmet known as a “galea”, could vary quite a bit in design, but was generally made of Iron or bronze - perhaps with a leather insert to make it more comfortable to wear. It protected the Legionnaire’s head and neck against the cleaving blow of a heavy battle-axe – really any deadly blow to the head – in hand to hand combat. The cheek plates and brow ridge protected the face and eyes.

When Paul says put on ALL the armor of God – he means ALL OF IT. If you have all your other gear on; the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Gospel Peace and the Shield of Faith, but walk out the door without your helmet, you are in deep trouble. The rest of your armor will not protect you from the blows aimed at your head – so, after you’ve got on all your other gear, you have to Take the Helmet from the person offering it to you and you have to put it on your head. As always, it does no good if it is hanging in your closet – Thou Art Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup………..

Definition of Salvation: preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss.

Definition of Helmet: A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain.

For Christians, then, The Helmet of Salvation is our protection and assurance with regard to our deliverance from the penalty, power and presence of sin.

Freedom from the PENALTY of sin = Past Action {has happened} = Declared Not Guilty because of Jesus.

• Isaiah 53 - …. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed….. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

• Romans 4:18-25 - … 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

• Romans 8:1-2 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Freedom from the POWER of sin = Present Reality {is happening} = A Transformed Life through Jesus.

Unless the power of sin is broken, we have no ability to live holy lives. Jesus sacrifice frees us from the power of sin and it no longer controls us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives, we have the ability to say NO to temptation and YES to obedience and the result is a transformed life.

• Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.