Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Let’s look at what the Bible tells us about the shield of faith. The shield of faith is to be used above all of the other tools in the armor of God. It is to be placed above even the helmet of salvation. Why? Because without it [faith] we have no helmet of salvation to wear (Ephesians 2:8)! That’s why the helmet of salvation isn’t mentioned until the next verse.

All too often the shield of faith, as well as most of the equipment mentioned, is referred to as “a defensive tool” in the armor of God. I tend to disagree with this type of teaching. Yes, a shield can be used for defense, but given that the writer is obviously referring to how the Romans presented themselves in battle, we should take into account how the Romans used their shields.

In battle, the Romans would line up and lock their shields together, creating a wall in front of their opponents. These shields were big enough to cover the Roman soldier from head to toe. In the center of the shield was a metal ball or pointed object. As the Roman army advanced into battle, they would strike their opponents with their shields. This stun-punch would give them the opportunity to destroy their opponent with the sword. Their shields were designed to protect while also being deployed as an offensive tool. This is what our shield of faith is designed for as well.

When we pick up our shield of faith, we must know that God has designed it for our complete and total protection against the enemy. Yes, our armor includes the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, but our shield is designed to fully cover our bodies. According to the Word, this shield is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one! As we, the army of Christ, advance forward, this shield, our faith, is continually stopping and extinguishing all of what the enemy hurls our way.

There is nothing that can penetrate our faith. There is no trick or weapon of war that can defeat the faith that we hold in the perfect, finished work of Jesus Christ. This is what the Christian needs to understand: all of the Devil’s weapons are useless against your faith in Christ! Because of Christ, the Devil has nothing on you. He has no right to you, no authority over you, and no weapon with which to harm you (Colossians 2:14-15).

With your shield in hand, that is, your faith in the work of Christ and your right-standing in Him with God, you are able to advance into enemy territory. Without fear you can use your faith to stun-punch the Devil before slaying him with the Sword that is the Word of God. I’m not talking about quoting scripture for the sake of quoting scripture here, folks; I’m talking about using the Word, the name of Jesus Christ (John 1:1), to slay the enemy. Without fear of harm to yourself, because of your shield of faith, you have the ability to utterly destroy your adversary!

Christians, stand fast in your knowledge of Christ and your faith in His finished work. It’s because of His perfection and sacrifice that you are completely covered and protected against all that the Devil can hurl. There is no dart, temptation, or weapon that can harm you behind the shield of faith that is the confidence in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

I’ll leave you with this:

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.
ISAIAH 54:17