Introduction to the Armour of Eloah (No. CB123)

In today’s world there are many forms of protection – from simple sunscreens to personal alarms and bodyguards to the National Missile Defense (NMD) of the United States of America. Yet scripture tells us our protection is in God’s hand if we obey Him.

First, let us review who God is and how He protects us.

Who God is

The One True God has always existed (Jn. 17:3; 1Jn. 5:20). He was alone and eternal. Eloah is His name in Hebrew. Elaha is His name in Chaldean. The meaning is singular or one. He knows everything and He is able to do everything. However, He cannot die. He alone is an immortal being (1Tim. 6:16). He is Alpha (which means the beginning) and He is the Omega (which means the last) (Rev. 1:8). He is always working. The creation exists because of Him. He is the centre of all things to come. Thus, God is creating Himself through extension. And God said unto Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Ex. 3:14). God is saying here: “I will be what I will become” (from notes in The Companion Bible and the footnote to the Oxford Annotated RSV).

For more about God the Father see the paper Who is God? (No. CB1).

There is no doubt that God is singular and sovereign. Proverbs 30:4-5 shows the name of God and that He has a son.

Who hath gone up to heaven, and come down?

Who hath gathered up the wind in the hollow of His hands?

Who hath wrapped up the waters in His cloak?

Who hath established all the ends of the earth?

What is His name and the name of His son? Tell me if you know.

Every word of God [ELOAH] is flawless: He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

From many of our previous studies we will remember that Eloah (SHD 433) is the One True God who alone always existed and created everything (1Tim. 6:16).

Strong’s Greek Dictionary (SGD) uses a different word for God in the New Testament: (2316) theos, theon and theou. Theos is singular and theoi is plural.

Ephesians is referring to tou theou and means of the God, Eloah; therefore, we see in Ephesians 6 that we are reading of the Armour of Eloah.

Let us now look at how Eloah protects us.

Eloah’s protection

Eloah is the one and only True God. In Deuteronomy 32:15, we learn that He is the Rock of Israel – the Rock of their salvation.

God is repeatedly referred to as our refuge or place of safety in scripture. In Psalm 46, God, Eloah, is referred to three times as our refuge, or stronghold. God remains the same yesterday today, and always. He protects us as long as we obey Him.

Deuteronomy 4:7-10 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (KJV)

There are many encouraging scriptures that we can read and focus on that give us hope and strength when times are trying.

Psalm 14:6-7 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. 7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Psalm 62:6-8 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 9:9-10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

No matter how bad things get we can take comfort in knowing that when God puts His hand on us we will eat and we will drink (our bread and water are sure (Isa. 33:16).

Psalm 142:5-7 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. (KJV)

We will learn that amongst the many blessings Eloah has given us we have the armour of God.

Before we look at the armour of Eloah let us first review what types of wars that are fought.

Wars that have been and are being fought

Spiritual warfare:

· God has an army in Heaven (Dan. 4:35).

· Satan, as Morning Star, had challenged God Most High or God the Father, as we are told in Isaiah 14:12. He tried to ascend or exalt his throne, a throne of God, above the Stars of God or the Council of Elohim. Satan tried to take over God’s Throne and Council.

· Christ said that he saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven (Lk. 10:18).

· Satan drew out a third part of the angels or Stars of Heaven (Rev. 12:4). These angels were cast out with Satan to the Earth (Rev. 12:9).

· Some of the Host and stars are to fall to Earth (Dan. 8:10).

· There was a war over Moses’ body (Jude 1:9).

· The angels fought for Israel (Jdg. 5:20; 2Chr. 32:21; Dan. 10:13-14,20-21).

· Eloah gave Messiah more than twelve legions of angels (Mat. 26:53).

Wars of the future

The nations will wage war against Jerusalem and will be destroyed (Zech. 14:12). Everyone that survives of the nations shall go up every year to worship the Lord of Hosts and keep the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16). The Sabbath, New Moons and Holy Days will be mandatory and the Law will issue from Jerusalem. Those nations which do not send their representatives to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles will receive no rain in due season (Zech. 14:16-19).
At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released again to deceive the nations over all the Earth (Rev. 20:7-8). They will again be gathered for battle, but will be destroyed by fire (Rev. 20:9); and then Satan as a spiritual being will be destroyed.

Physical wars or battles – to name just a few

· Israel came out of Egypt as the army of God (Ex. 6:26; 7:4; 12:51).

· Joshua circumcised Israel at Gilgal as a new army (Josh. 5ff.). Christ was the captain of the armies of God (Josh. 5:14-15; see the paper The Fall of Jericho (No. 142)).

· The fight between David and Goliath (1Sam. 17:4 ff.).

· David knew that Israel was the army of the Living God (1Sam. 17:26,36,45). The forces of the world and the evil of its systems are to be overcome.

Army of Eloah

We are soldiers in the army of God. From the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32:30, one is to put one thousand to flight and two to put ten thousand to flight. It is only through the power of the Living God that anything is possible.

From Joshua, we learn Christ was the captain of the armies of God (Josh. 5:14-15). We are told in more than one place to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (Ex. 14:13; 2Chr. 20:17). Joshua announced to the world what God would do.

Joshua 3:10-11 And Joshua said, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Per'izzites, the Gir'gashites, the Amorites, and the Jeb'usites. ¹¹ Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is to pass over before you into the Jordan. (KJV)

God continues to warn the planet of what will come if the peoples fail to obey Him.

In addition to physical armies, the multitudes of angels are referred to in the following texts: 1Kings 22:19; Psalm 148:2; Daniel 4:35 and Matthew 26:53.

Soldiers endure hardships, as 2Timothy 2:1ff. describes. May we all be good soldiers of Christ.

Historically, the army of God was the physical nation of God. Now it is spiritual Israel the Church, the soon-to-be bride of Messiah.

The Church of God is the Army of God under Jesus Christ. The loyal Host surround us and make our way clear. It is in our capacity to act as the Body of Christ and in a sanctified system that determines our capacity to carry the lamp-stand of the Temple, which is the power of the word of God.

Whichever group it is that forms the Temple of God and which speaks as the Body of Christ is the focal point of the attacks of the adversary who is the accuser of the brethren. If the Body of Christ did not act for God, why would Satan bother to calumniate it and its people?

The time is drawing to a close and in the year 2027 we reach the forty-ninth jubilee since Ezra and Nehemiah and the fortieth jubilee since the Messiah. It will commence the fiftieth jubilee or Jubilee of Jubilees. This system will see the millennial rule of Jesus Christ. From

ccg.org/_domain/ccg.org/Sabbath/2006/NM_01_29_06.htm

See The Covenant of God (No. 152) part 2 for more details of the army of God.

2Corinthians 10 tells us our war is not against the physical things.

2Corinthians 10:3-7 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. (KJV)

We know our battles are not won by our own merits or activities. Rather it is: Not by power or might but by the spirit or power of God (Zech. 4:6).

God clearly warns us through his prophets. In Ephesians 6, God tells us what to be on our guard against and what to be aware of.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. KJV

Here we are to:

1. stand against the wiles of the devil;

2. wrestle against principalities,

3. against powers,

4. against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

5. against spiritual wickedness in high places; and

6. withstand the evil day

We know from 1Peter 5:8 that Satan comes at us as a roaring lion seeking to devour or destroy us.

Six has symbolic meaning. From the Symbolism of Numbers (No. 7) we read:

Six (6) denotes the Human Number. Man was created on the sixth day. The use of this number and all multiples of it are connected with the creation and are a product of man and the created system. Thus the numbers based on six are representative of the work prior to the final rest given by God. It is also the total of labour, being the completion of the sixth day of God's work in the creation. The hours of the day are also divisions of six. So also are the minutes and seconds multiples of six in the ten.

Activity in six is incomplete and indicative of not being sanctioned by God. Athaliah usurped the throne of Judah for six years. This number marks those who have stood in defiance of God such as Goliath, Nebuchadnezzar and later the Antichrist system.

Ephesians 6: the Armour of Eloah

From Ephesians 6:10ff. we are told to put on the armour of God

Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The Body of Christ watches at each Passover for the Salvation of God.

Here the various pieces of the armour of God are described.

We will begin with the head and list each respective piece of armour from the head down that protects the body, then move to the elements of defense with the sword and shield, and close with continual prayers. We will do a very brief overview of each implement, followed by a detailed paper on each of the seven pieces of the amour of Eloah.

The Helmet of Salvation

Helmets of course go over our heads. They protect our brain, hearing, shield our eyes and may even guard our mouths. Clearly, from a physical point of view we know why it is so important for our brains to be protected since the brain controls and directs all the actions in the human body.

We are aware that Satan is ‘prince of the power of air’ (Eph. 2:2) and influences our thinking unless we stay close to God and obey Him. As we obey God He directs our thoughts (Prov. 16:3). A man’s ways may seem right in his own eyes (Prov. 16:2), yet God knows the heart.

Breastplate of Righteousness

We know that the breastplate covers and protects our heart and other internal organs. We will see how righteousness and justice are the same word or concept. We will review the concept of the High Priest’s breastplate being secured to his belt/sash, and continue to look at the symbolism that involves.

Here we see that righteousness and truth, which are two of the five centralities of God and His Law, are shown in the armour of God.

Let us now look at truth.

Loins gird with Truth

Just as we saw these items/concepts secured together on the High Priest’s robes they are also tied in the five centralities of God and His Law, which we are to become like by taking on the divine nature (2Pet. 2:4).

Here we see that righteousness and truth, which are two of the five centralities of God and His Law, are shown in the armour of God.

We are sanctified, or set apart for holy use. Yahovah Mekaddishkem is Yahovah that does sanctify us (Ex. 131:13, Lev. 20. 8, 21:8, 22:32, Ezek 20:12; see App. 4 in The Companion Bible). We are set apart through truth and ‘Thy word is truth’ (Jn. 17:17). Here we see another tie to the two pieces of the armour of God to the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God and truth, which also is the word of God.

We will review concepts and scriptures tied to truth.

Let us now look at the Gospel of Peace.

Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace

We know that God and His Law never change. We also know that Christ is the same yesterday and today, and, yes, forever (Heb. 13:8). Not the smallest letter of the Law will change or pass away until all is accomplished (Mat. 5:18). Therefore, we know the Gospel is the same and is tried, tested and true.

The Gospel of Peace must go out to the entire world before Messiah can return.

We need to continue to take the Gospel to the entire world so the end can come – the end of this current evil rule by Satan. Messiah can and will usher in the period of Just Rule after Satan is put away.

Philippians gives us instruction of how we should be living our lives.

Philippians 1:27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (NASV)

We must work while there is time; we do not want to be counted as unprofitable servants when Messiah returns. Nor do we want to delay Messiah’s return because we have not done our part in taking the Gospel to the world.

We are to use our talent; God will make up the difference for what we think we lack, and will richly bless us for our efforts.

Let us now look at the sword of the Spirit of Eloah since we have put all the pieces of the armour of Eloah on our body.

Sword of the Spirit of God

With the sword of the Spirit we now see pieces of the armour of Eloah that we hold and control in our hands. A sword will not be effective if we just keep it strapped or attached to our body.

Hebrews 4 tells us what the word of God/the sword of the Spirit of God can do.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)

Clearly, Eloah knows all our thoughts and what actions those thoughts will lead to. The sword of the Spirit helps us to look at ourselves and with God’s help know what personal problems need to be corrected.

God says He will direct our thoughts (Prov. 16:3) and words. All our words should be without guile or deceit/lies, as we will learn in The Helmet of Salvation (No. CB124).

A sword also protects the Church and us against any heresy or lies about the word of God. All the saints in the army of God need to be able to give an answer of the hope that lies within them (1Pet. 3:15). We all need to be well versed and knowledgeable about God’s word to fend off and deal with attacks people and the fallen Host make against us as individuals of the Church.

Revelation 19:5 tells us Messiah returns with a sharp sword that he will use to deal with the nations.

Christ is the Word or Logos of God, and we will look closely at the meaning of the Greek usage of word.

In the lesson Sword of the Spirit of God (CB No. 128), we will talk about the sword of God in much more detail.

The last weapon that we daily ask Eloah to give us, and help us to bravely and boldly use, is the shield of faith.

Shield of Faith

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). So we continue to see various aspects of the five centralities of Eloah and His Law. The Beatitudes and the armour of God are all tied together.

We know also from Romans 3:21-22:

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Faith is essential and totally necessary for eternal life. It is one of the three elements of the fundamentals of eternal life (Jn. 6). It is from the second point that we must have faith in Jesus Christ through the knowledge of the One True God see paper Significance of the Bread and Wine (No. 100).

Hebrews 12:2 tells us Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith.

Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1Chr. 12:9).

Romans 1:17 tells us that the just shall live by faith. There are numerous examples of pillars of the faith such as Noah, Abraham, and Sarah just to mention a few.

The subject of faith is very important to all of us. We will go into much more detail in the paper The Shield of Faith (No. CB128).

Let us now look at the piece of armour that we do not actually put on, but rather it is a thing that we should do often – i.e. pray.

From the lesson on The Altar of Incense (No. CB109) we learnt that our prayers represent incense (Ps. 141:2) that should be beaten fine (Ex. 30:36; Lev. 16:12) and go up continually to God’s Throne where they are monitored by the 24 Elders (Rev. 5:8). The altar of incense is in the same location in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and in Solomon’s Temple. Now we are to offer spiritual sacrifices continually.

From the Bible we know that Daniel prayed three times a day (Dan. 6:10). Messiah prayed so intently the night before he was to be crucified that there was blood on his forehead (Lk. 22:44). So our prayers are to continue.

We will go over the details of prayers in the paper Putting on the Armour of God Through Prayer (No. CB130).

The Coming of Messiah

From Revelation 19:11-17 we read of Messiah’s return to Earth:

Revelation 19:11-17 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

We see Messiah is the leader of the army of God in Heaven and on Earth. Each of us has our part to play in the physical and spiritual battles that we face daily.

Summary

In summary, we see that God warns us of the dangers ahead and the problems Satan and the fallen Host can cause our families and us. Yet, He always provides a means of escape (1Cor. 10:13) or protection for us (Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:5).

Eloah gives us free moral agency, which means He allows us to choose what we want to do. From the blessings and curses (Deut. 27 and 28) God clearly told us to choose life so ‘you and your son may live’ (Deut. 30:19). Here too Eloah protects, guides and instructs us to put on His armour daily. However, ultimately it is up to each individual to ask for and wear the protection God offers us.

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:28-31)

As we know from 2Timothy 2:1ff. all soldiers endure hardships. Yet, let each one of us be a good soldier of Christ.

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

So then, let us all be strong, faithful soldiers fully clothed in the Armour of Eloah and fight to bring God’s Plan of Salvation to fulfilment. We need to follow our elder brother (Heb. 3:17), our High Priest (Heb. 3:1; 4:14; 5:10; 7:17) Joshua the Messiah, the leader of the army of Eloah, and daily work to get the Gospel out to the world to prepare the way for the period of Just Rule.

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