This is an imperative: a clear call, “Put on,” and a reason, “that you may be able to stand!”—to stand up to the one whose evil work Martin Luther has described in one of his songs as follows: “His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.” The devil, the deceiver, has not changed. And we will not be able to stand up to him if we do not obey the call: “Put on the whole armor of God!”

All parts are necessary. First of all we are to be girded with truth: this is the knowledge of biblical truth, but also a truthful, sincere life. Then the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness here signifies living in a righteous way, so that everyone gets what is due to them: God first, but also our fellow human beings. This gives us a clear conscience, and our heart is protected by the breastplate.

Standing firm requires the right “shoes”: the preparation of the gospel of peace. We go our way with an attitude that radiates the peace that we possess, and we are happy to bear witness to this peace.

We hold before us the shield of faith: the daily practical trust in a God who is good, in a Father who loves us. In this way, we remove all the doubts that Satan would like to tempt us with. The helmet of salvation allows us to go our way in the certainty that our salvation is secure in Christ and in His accomplished work.

Lastly, we read about our two fundamental tools, which are the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God—which is used both for defense and offense—and prayer, the constant connection to God, who is our strength.