The Armor of God and Spiritual Clothing, Part 1

Clothing is used symbolically numerous times throughout the scriptures. The most well-known example is found in Ephesians 6. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be ale to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11). Elsewhere Paul referred to this armor as the "armour of light" (Rom. 13:12). The Roman Empire was in control of Israel at the time. The armor Paul was referring to was likely that of the Romans, with which all Israelites were quite familiar. Paul states: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth" (Eph. 6:14).

This piece of armor that helped protect the loins (which is the area from the lower abdomen - including the intestines - down to upper thighs) was likely what is called an apron; for a Roman soldier, an apron was a piece of armor that hung down below the breastplate, protecting the loins. It was part of (or at least held in place by) their balteus (sword belt). In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve made themselves aprons because they were ashamed of their nakedness after they ate some of the fruit of the tree of knowledge (see Genesis 3:7). The apron was the first article of clothing made on this earth; it covered the loins of Adam and Eve. Just as they wore aprons once their eyes were opened to the truth, so should we gird our loins with truth. When we know the truth, we put off the natural man and woman and follow the law of chastity.

There is also a "breastplate of righteousness" (Eph. 6:14). The breastplate protects the torso - which houses most of the vital organs. It is the largest and one of the most important pieces of armor. It covers the lungs, which provide the breath of life, and the heart, which provides the blood of life. We wear this armor when we let our every breath and heartbeat be filled with righteousness. We wear this breastplate when we strive to live like Him who provides us with life, physical and spiritual. We wear this breastplate when we turn our hearts to the Savior, who shed His blood for us. We wear this breastplate when we repent, washing our crimson garments in the blood of the Lamb.