The armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:10-17, where Paul breaks down this whole defense that God has given believers against evil in this world. Some of these are pretty straightforward, such as the shield of faith. But when we get to verse 15, there's this line that the NASB translates as "having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace." The NIV says, "your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." What does this even mean? Here's a hint: Romans 10:15 says that those who are sent to share the good news about Jesus have "beautiful feet."
The "gospel of peace" is the message Jesus has given to those who believe in Him (John 14). This is our assurance that we can trust that the gospel is true, and nothing can take us away from God (John 10:29). There's a peace and confidence that comes in just...realizing that your salvation is secure, and nothing can separate you from God ever again (Romans 8:38-39).
To be "ready" implies a state of vigilance or preparedness. Paul refers to this part of the armor as our shoes. So maybe mentally picture a runner at the starting line, digging in their shoes, ready to bolt at the sound of the starting gun.
In biblical times, a soldier would have shoes that were studded, kind of like hardcore cleats, to help him stay upright in battle while moving forward, backward, or standing his ground. If you've ever lost your footing while trying to do any of those things, you know that it doesn't matter how well prepared are, if you don't have a firm footing, you're going down. Maybe with a busted ankle.
When we "dig our heels" into peace and understanding of the gospel (John 3:15-17; 1 John 1:9), we'll be prepared when Satan tries to sneak in lies, attack our relationships, or shake our convictions. We'll be planted firmly in God's truth, and we won't be knocked off our feet by any adversary. (See Romans 8)
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh..." —Romans 8:1-3We're also given the ability and security to move our feet confidently. Being shod with the gospel of peace, we have the strength to move into situations where we can share that peace with others and be prepared to answer questions about why we're standing so firm (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:15).
When we come to a saving knowledge of Christ and accept Him as our Savior from the punishment of sin, Jesus doesn’t just go, "Good luck! See ya in Heaven!" No, our Lord has prepared us for life in the here and now (2 Thessalonians 2:15; Romans 8:28). He has given us a peace and trust in Him that we can take into the world, resting in the assurance that He has our back—and that nothing can tear us away from Him.
In the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17), the "readiness of the gospel of peace" (v. 15) is our assurance that we can trust the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. There's a peace and confidence that comes in knowing your salvation is secure and nothing can separate you from God ever again (John 10:29; Romans 8:38-39). The gospel of peace gives us sure footing to hold firm against evil attacks and the steadfastness to move forward in sharing God's light. When we "wear" the gospel of peace, we can be prepared for whatever adversaries we encounter in the world.
Heidi Joelle spends her days staring at paperwork and making sure it is where it is supposed to be, how it is supposed to be, when it is supposed to be. And then she comes home and makes sure the porky little dog isn't eating a trashcan. Between these two events, she tries to learn and see as much of the world around her as possible.
