The Armor of God: Put It On and Never Take It Off

The Bible commands us to put on the whole armor of God, but never does it say to take it off. That’s because our spiritual battle is ongoing. The enemy doesn’t rest, and neither can we. If we are to stand strong in the faith, we must remain armed at all times.

The Command to Be Armed

Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us a clear instruction:

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV)

Notice that Paul never tells us to take it off. We are in a constant battle, and our enemy, the devil, is always seeking to attack (1 Peter 5:8). The only way to stand is by keeping our spiritual armor on at all times.

The Whole Armour of God

Let’s take a closer look at the armour as described in the King James Bible:

1. The Loins Girt About With Truth

When we are girt about with truth, we will not trip—we will stand firm, walk straight, and fight strong in the Lord.

Without truth, we are vulnerable to deception. The enemy works through lies and confusion, trying to make us doubt God’s promises. But when our loins are girt about with truth, we are not easily shaken. 

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

Righteousness protects our hearts. Living according to God’s ways shields us from sin and strengthens our faith.

3. The Feet Shod With the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

Our walk should be steady and sure, ready to stand firm in Christ and share the gospel wherever we go.

4. The Shield of Faith

This is our defense against the fiery darts of the wicked. The enemy will throw doubt, fear, and temptation at us, but faith in God will quench them all.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

Without Salvation our whole armor is no good. We can't fight without being defeated when we don't have Salvation. 

6. The Sword of the Spirit, Which Is the Word of God

The Bible says, 

“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.”

Jesus Himself used Scripture to defeat Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)

7. Praying Always With All Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit

Though not a physical piece of armor, prayer is what keeps us connected to God. Without prayer, our armor would weaken, and we would be vulnerable for a attack.

Why We Should Never Take It Off

Many Christians think of the armour of God as something they put on in the morning and take off at night. But the Bible never says to remove it.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The enemy doesn’t take breaks, so we can’t afford to either. If we remove even one piece of our armor, we leave an opening for attack.

Living in Victory

The armour of God is not just for difficult times—it’s for all times. When we stay armed with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word, we can stand strong against the enemy.

So put on the whole armour of God—and never take it off!