It is interesting that the Apostle Paul instructs the Ephesians, who are already saved to put on as one of their pieces of Armor “the helmet of salvation”. Why is this? Have you thought much about this? Armor is for protection. And although there are certain pieces of this battle array which can also be offensive weapons; yet the helmet is definitely defensive.

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (KJV)

So What is the helmet protecting? The obvious answer is us, but why is it the helmet? Is it protecting our mind? Why is it called the helmet of salvation? If the mind is what is being protected, is salvation to be taken for granted as many do today? Many honestly believe that what we believe needs no protection. So why are we instructed to put on a helmet, and what must be its significance?

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (KJV). Also see 1 Cor. 1:10.

If our minds are guarded by the Holy Spirit, and we have ears to hear (meaning we are teachable); then we will be likeminded.

Could the armor possibly be needed because our mind is the battleground for a steadfast and continuing faith? Think about this — does what we believe effect our faith? We know that we are to take on the mind of Christ. But Paul relates to us:

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB

So, is this instruction a revelation to us of the concerns that Paul has when he tells us to take on the helmet of salvation.

Or is the helmet of salvation to be understood as putting on of salvation, and are we then to ignore the instruction that this is a needed piece of the armor intended for protection against the evil day of attack by spiritual warriors of darkness? I do not see how we can dismiss the fact that salvation is in need of being put on by us if we are following this instruction. In fact the instruction requires that we play a part interacting with this protection.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. (NET)

If this helmet is for protection what is it that it is protecting, if not the mind of the believer which effects his faith?

But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. (The writer here in verse 38 is quoting God; then he continues) But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-39 NASB

So is our faith in Christ under attack, and unprotected without our recognition of this needed protection (armor) that we are instructed to put on. Does this explain why some might shrink back? Is the helmet signifying the protection of the mind and the protection of what we believe, because what we believe must be based upon the truth of scripture.

Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NASB

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:15-16 NASB

We are overcomers, because we follow the instructions given us as believers; and therefore we are not of those who shrink back. We abide in Christ taking up our cross daily. Never allowing ourselves to take the helmet (our protection of salvation for granted.