The Armor of God
Spiritual warfare requires divine equipment: truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, and Scripture.
Paul describes spiritual battle and the armor God provides: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit (God's Word). This teaching acknowledges real spiritual opposition while providing divine resources for victory. The armor is defensive and offensive. Each piece protects a vital area from enemy attack. Standing firm, not advancing, is the primary posture—holding ground already won by Christ. Spiritual warfare is real; we need supernatural equipment for supernatural enemies.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
C.S. Lewis noted that 'there are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to...feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.'
Epistle to the Ephesians