This is the second blog in a series on the Armor of God from talks given to our Rhetoric School students during the Timberwolf Retreat. 

The historical events of the gospel could all be entirely true and yet still absolutely unhelpful to us. So, what if an amazing man, even God assuming flesh upon himself, lived an obedient life, died an unfair death only to rise three days later?

Christ's Help in The Battle

There have been others that have lived and died in history, are worthy of study and emulation, but in terms of every day practical life, offer very little to our everyday lives.

The question is not just are the events of the gospel true. The question is also; how do we receive the benefits of the true events in history? Or, in the spiritual battle of Ephesians 6, how do we receive the help of Christ in the midst of battle? The answer is by faith in Jesus Christ.

Personal Connection to Christ

From the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Faith is the instrument by which we receive the benefits of Christ. Faith is not the point; Christ is. Faith simply gives us the personal connection to Christ who extends His benefits to us. 

At the opening of Ephesians, Paul lays out all the benefits of the gospel. We have every spiritual blessing (1:3), redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of his grace (1:7) which has been graciously lavished upon us (1:8). These benefits, and more, are summarized as an inheritance (1:11).

The Shield of Faith

In the midst of battle, we have access to all that we already need in Christ. The shield of faith (6:16) is the reaching out to Christ so as to receive his help. Trust in Christ, not in your faith. But if you want more of Christ’s shielding protection, grow in faith so as to receive more of his help.