Checking the Helmet’s Fit
By: Jennifer Sobalvarro
During his missionary journey, Paul wrote a letter telling the Christians in Ephesus to “take the helmet of salvation” in their fight against the devil (Eph 6:17). Before putting on the helmet of salvation, they needed to prepare themselves by understanding that the gospel is the truth. Some of the other defensive tools they needed were the breastplate of righteousness, which manifested itself in their “righteous” behavior. Then, “having shod [their] feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” they were ready to pick up their shield of faith. Just as soldiers could not put on their body armor with helmets already on their heads, Christians cannot bypass these essential steps for salvation.
Salvation is a continuous journey that begins after an obedient baptism and continues until Christians reach their final destination. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians in 1 Corinthians 15:2 to hold fast to the gospel. Otherwise, they believed in vain. Paul was also attentive to his salvation, saying:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (1 Cor 9:24-27).
Paul recognized that remaining in the saved state was not a guarantee. Staying in the saved condition is never-ending as Christians discover more about God’s truth. We should all recognize that just as we must choose to put on the helmet of salvation, we can heedlessly take it off if we are not careful.
Jesus told his disciples if they knew and kept His word, then the truth (of the word) would set them free (John 8:31-32). As Christians read the word of God, they grow in their faith and understanding of God’s great plan of salvation. Peter mentions growing in respect to salvation using the “milk of the word.” In 1 Peter 2:2, Peter uses a simile to compare Christians to newborn babes, hungry for the word's “pure milk.” He understood that baptism was just the beginning, and having received the gift of salvation, Christians need to continue to learn and grow in their faith.
Today, Christians can keep the helmet of salvation on in many ways. In my life, the gift of salvation has caused me to come out of my comfort zone and serve in ways that challenge me. As a working mom of three, I know one way to work continually on maintaining the gift of my salvation is by teaching a children’s Bible class at our congregation. I try to keep this in mind when I feel nervous when asked to teach Bible class. I had to remind myself of this recently.
It was a Wednesday night, two weeks before the next quarter of Bible Class was scheduled to begin, and one of the elders asked me to teach Bible class. I knew this day was coming when our family of five placed membership with the congregation. That understanding did not prevent the anxiety from sweeping over me. I immediately told the elder “yes,” and then I sat down in the pew, stewing in my doubts and insecurities. Did I know enough to do a good job, like the veteran teachers I’d be replacing? How can I learn how to do an excellent job in Bible class?
I’m no babe in Christ, but I know I have a lot to learn! I was baptized when I was 16 years old, but it took me many years to understand the gift and assurance of salvation. Before and after I was saved through baptism, I primarily read the New Testament and did not consider myself a bible scholar—even though that’s what all Christians should strive to become. When I realized that I would have to teach about the Old Testament, I knew I needed to have a better understanding of the Old Testament, referred to as “the tutor” that leads us to Christ (Gal 3:24).
One way in which I’ve been learning a lot about God’s plan for salvation from “before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4) has come through studying the 17 time periods. Partitioning parts of the Bible into periods is a studying technique developed by Bob Waldron. Using this strategy, I can see and mentally organize all the Biblical accounts and witness God’s faithfulness to us. His plan for salvation is evident through each of the time periods. As I continue to grow in my understanding of God’s plan to redeem man, I can pass along those pieces of knowledge to the children in the congregation, helping them along on their spiritual journey. Hopefully, the Bible classes help guide them toward the straight and narrow path that will lead the next generation to God’s gift of salvation (Mat 7:13-14).
I am continually amazed at how much more my young children know about the Bible and God’s plan for salvation than I did when I was their age. They’ve only arrived at this point because of many Bible teachers' hard but essential work. Those teachers have studied, learned, and understood God’s plan and now pass that knowledge along to the younger generation. Those of us who are young mothers need to take an active role in becoming capable and knowledgeable Bible teachers in our own homes as well.
Thankfully, preparation and practice can lead to confidence and knowledge. Personally, preparing for Bible class requires me to study the topics thoroughly, checking the fit of my own helmet of salvation. Bible study ensures that my spiritual armor is ready to do its job. By instructing our children in Bible classes, we study more deeply, and we guide the young in our local congregations to put on and fit all the individual pieces of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6. The ultimate fulfillment of our instruction is not only for our children one day to choose to put the helmet of salvation on their own heads by accepting God’s mercy but for us to keep our own helmets tightly fit throughout life - constantly studying and seeking the ways of God.