Ephesians 6:15, commentary and pictures

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace are shod with firm spiritual footwear as part of God's whole armor with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and persevering prayer, enabling believers to stand firm against the devil's schemes and withstand in the evil day. That preparation is the gospel of truth given in the Lord's marching orders to every soldier under Christ's banner in the struggle against spiritual powers, bringing spiritual health and power for true missionary work. To wear the shoes is to move in practical, peace-bearing service, treading softly to lead souls to the Saviour, walking from house to house with truth, walking in Jesus' footprints without harshness or anger, and advancing heavenward in reliance on Christ's love. The fitting makes believers always ready in speech and action, sowing truth among others without fear, distributing literature and warning high and low, and facing a world to save with freshness from Bible study, zeal, purity, self-denial and communion with God. The armor with its footwear must be kept on continually and put on anew each day, with no piece left off and no repose until the battle ends, giving firm footing when all that can be shaken is shaken by abiding in the Word and being rooted in truth.

Footwear Meaning and Readiness

The feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace are footwear in God's armor, fitting believers to stand firm against the devil's wiles and to withstand in the evil day. That readiness grounded in the gospel belongs with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God, and persevering prayer as the equipment for standing against Satan, his emissaries, and spiritual foes in conflict. It prepares for steadfastness in the good news of peace in the conflict against evil and in the perils and oppositions of the last days.

The preparation is also rendered the preparation of the gospel of truth, joining readiness for battle with the truth of the gospel. It belongs to the Lord's orders for every soldier enlisted under Christ's banner, and obeying brings spiritual health and power so the enemy cannot overcome. The wrestling is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, so everyone who names Christ must put on the whole armor over and over to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, to stand against the wiles of the devil and to stand in the evil day, with heartfelt consciousness of inability to fight in human strength in order to be a successful co-laborer with Christ. Ministers especially must put it on to live an exemplary life before church members and younger laborers, coming before the people upheld by mighty power, and the church militant must wear every piece today with none left off because every person has a battle to fight and the devil is not dead, watching over the soul lest the enemy gain advantage while the Holy Spirit works on the mind to develop character and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord under Jesus Christ as Leader, the Captain of the Lord's host who leads today as He led Israel in the pillar of cloud through the wilderness forty years, in order to sit with Christ upon His throne. This applies now while the church must still fight seen and unseen foes, with satanic agencies in human form on the ground and men confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts, with agencies in every city organizing into parties those opposed to God's law and with professed saints and avowed unbelievers taking their stand with these parties, confederacies that will continue until Christ leaves His place of intercession before the mercy seat and puts on the garments of vengeance, so this is no time to be weaklings and none can afford to be off guard for one moment. It fits for true missionary work and calls for repeated self-examination about being clothed with the whole armor.

Wearing the shoes means practical medical missionary work testifying to sanctifying power, and always remembering to put them on. It means treading softly and acting peacefully to lead souls to the Saviour, walking from house to house carrying truth and literature and singing, walking softly in Jesus' footprints, acting without harshness or anger, making peace and giving no occasion for stumbling, and advancing heavenward relying on Christ's love. The armor must be taken on to stand firm, to be true to one another and to God, to show fidelity in all that is done, to stop striving for the highest place, and to represent present truth accurately to the world, which is possible through divine grace that can subdue passion.

All strength in the Christian life comes from God in the power of His might, yet each person must act an individual part and cherish and strengthen consciousness of individual duty to have strength, because this is spiritual warfare with invisible foes. Taking the whole armor makes it possible by continual, increasing faith to look to God continually, to hang the helpless soul with humility upon invisible power, and to plead His assurance, with the Word of the Lord as defense and man of counsel and with intelligent, understanding resistance to invisible powers. Having feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, together with loins girt about with truth and the breastplate of righteousness, is the most definite preparedness for a work every soul must individually engage in, so that not only church members but ministers as messengers of truth must set the Word of God in truth and righteousness before all connected with the truth by precept and example, and that Word must be obeyed. The warfare, including debate over questions of Bible truth, is not with men, not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers and rulers of darkness, therefore workers are to keep out of controversy with the wily deceiver, and are to stand firmly in faith and resist temptation under Christ's leadership rather than work under Satan's influence. This was illustrated by aged, proven messengers such as Elder Butler and Elder Haskell standing fully equipped in the southern field, to be sustained, respected and honored as chosen, self-sacrificing workers, given faith and hope and courage and wisdom to fit up men and women to proclaim the message, with the way prepared before them wherever they go, meeting misleading theories taken from misused texts not with controversy but by presenting the clear, straight truths God has vindicated.

The footing trains and consecrates every power for service in preparation for the coming day of trial. It calls one who has precious truth to present to be a man after God's heart by a changed life, shown in putting on the gospel shoes in the manner of addressing people in a way pleasing to God, needing daily converting power and grace of Christ, with mind possessed by the Holy Spirit and strong feelings controlled, to be gentle and Christlike. Readiness grounded in the gospel would have helped those who abandoned Bible truths to remain steadfast. In crisis the whole armor equips defenders of the truth to uphold the faith of Jesus, exalt God's law, and maintain religious liberty, requiring every person to stand wholly under Christ's control in words and works in order to stand against the wiles of the devil. Hearts melted by God's love equip bearers to be ready to carry the gospel of peace as they take up work for Christ and point sinners to Him for salvation, meeting Satan's bribes with the word of God, girding up the mind and hoping to the end.

Whole Armor Together

The footwear belongs to the complete armor that all loyal people must put on to fight manfully in the war against evil, vindicating the law by obedience, magnifying it and making it honorable, upholding divine honor on earth, and pressing the battle to the gates with no release, for the work must advance or go backward. It stands among warnings and counsel to be prepared and steady in the walk. It is the charge to one entrusted with means to place himself under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, put on the whole armor, and use talents wisely for divine glory in saving souls for whom Christ died rather than misapplying them to selfish ends. It must be worn on enchanted ground to stand against the devil's deceptions and attacks. It equips and makes ready for carrying the message of mercy to everyone, a tested work done by reliance on God for strength rather than human aid. It is part of the complete provision for spiritual conflict that protects from defeat amid opposition while doing God's work and forming character in harmony with His Word.

God has placed believing feet in a safe and sure path, delivering them from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, yet the way to heaven is not smooth but brings temptations and peculiar difficulties testing faith, taxing patience, and trying steadfastness. The fitting of the feet is needed to stand against the wiles of the devil and to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand, for the wrestling is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places, and the battle is not fought alone for Christ and angels are present, so that brave facing of difficulty with unswerving principle, perseverance in service, and willing obedience wins a crown of life. The armor includes the shield of faith guarding the heart against the fiery darts of the wicked one. Readiness for the Lord's battles is not gained suddenly when trial comes but cultivated through daily experience and taught to children by word and example. As literal soldiers drill day after day to be ready for actual service, Christians as soldiers for Prince Immanuel must drill with earnest painstaking thoroughness in every department of preparation against tradition, superstition, and error. Every soul must fight inch by inch the good fight of faith for the crown of life, with truth, the word of God, faith and righteousness, and the hope of salvation as armor, meeting the foe with It is written, keeping the armory well supplied, and training the soul with keen sensitive eyes to detect devices for still more severe attacks, for strength is in the Lord and His might, provision is made to be thoroughly equipped, God is true and dependable, His word cannot fail, and in it is assurance. Arming now is needed for the coming contest against lying wonders, including healings and miracles in sight that will tempt many to receive them as from God, for departing from plain precepts and commandments and heeding fables prepares minds to be ensnared, while faith in God's word prayerfully studied and practically applied is the shield bringing off conquerors through Christ's blood.

The armor is prepared for defense and must be worn to press forward with courage and constancy while proclaiming truth clothed with God's Spirit and righteousness. As soldiers of Christ, believers must put on the whole armor and keep it on at all times, working and sleeping with it on, ever on duty, never yielding to temptation, never yielding an inch, never fleeing, for Christ has overcome on their behalf, placed them on vantage ground, made every provision to overcome, and stands with divine power behind every will resolutely set to do right, so that relying on God's strength and holding fast to It is written they must not flinch, maintain integrity and principles of law at any cost, watch, daily crucify self, quickly discern evil, correct every divergence from truth, strive for higher attainments, help others heavenward, and resist sin even unto blood, for crowning requires lawful striving. Having the feet shod is part of the only Bible election, which is not being chosen beforehand for heavenly bliss but being elected to work out salvation with fear and trembling, put on the armor, fight the good fight of faith, use God-given means to war against every unholy lust while Satan plays the game of life for the soul, watch unto prayer, search the Scriptures, avoid entering temptation, have continual faith, and obey every word from God's mouth as doers and not hearers only. The shaken company clothed in armor from head to foot moves in order like soldiers, endures severe struggle, and gains victory, connecting readiness for conflict with the gospel of peace. Physicians must put on this heavenly piece with every other, not standing in own strength but trusting moment by moment in Him who gave His life for fallen humanity, respecting His purchased inheritance and rightly regarding the purchase of His blood, so as to be protected from assaults, safeguarded against sin, and successful in work.

Its protection is the defense given by the Spirit of God and the power of truth, and reliance on that defense makes strong in God. Clad in the whole armor of righteousness, believers can face opposing influences without losing purity, with gospel truths and divine grace steadying them and enabling them to share Christ's character. The gospel gives readiness requiring the armor to be girded on anew after failure, standing at duty, resisting the devil, and fighting manfully, with faithfulness bringing victory when the armor is soon laid off for a conqueror's crown and rich inheritance purchased by the agony and blood of the Son, gained by awaking from deception, breaking from evil influence, and laying hold on everlasting life. The faithful soldier must endure hardship, put on every piece, and fight without losing courage or becoming despondent. The gospel prepares feet for obedient movement in the way of the commandments. Putting on every piece with feet shod means taking hold of soul-saving with heart, mind, and soul, purifying the soul by obeying truth in order to have something to impart and power to give, living out the Bible, and seeing a world to save and souls for whom Christ died.

The verse belongs to putting on the whole armor to stand against Satan in growing conflict, needed when truth brings conflict for fighting the good fight of faith and resisting temptation. It equips to help souls and resist oppression through faith, with fasting and prayer urged when victory delays. Putting it on means standing on the battlefield and fighting valiantly, not living as butterflies to gratify self but as loyal lights to a crooked and perverse nation, gathering increased light not only for today but for special occasion and letting it shine, though many will reject truth because it involves a cross. Putting on the gospel shoes means readiness to walk with Christ in the gospel of peace, equipped for God-given work including helping others come to light. It was needed in producing a paper to strengthen what remained and lead the undecided to stand for God and truth.

Warfare Against Evil Powers

Every piece of the armor is essential, and none is to be left off, especially by those who take responsibility in God's institutions, who must realize the holy character of the work, keep close connection with God, humble the soul in contrition daily, serve with heart and strength, and stay in the channel of light instead of throwing away weapons like a general entering battle. To be shod is to be a minuteman, not sitting at home doing nothing but traveling on foot from place to place to impart truth to those in darkness, with God giving the grace needed and the whole heart rejoicing. Putting on the whole armor means placing body, soul, and spirit under God's discipline, staying awake and on guard because perilous times are ahead and the enemy is on the track, following present truth line upon line and precept upon precept so as to be saved from strong delusion, with no excuse for disregarding plain warnings of duty and present position. God's servants wear the gospel shoes of peace by approaching others without anger or harshness and walking humbly before God. This readiness to carry the gospel of peace is to be kept on until God says to lay it off.

The armor places the believer in warfare against evil powers, clothed with God's righteousness by which victory over every foe is gained. Those clothed in the full armor stand firm after severe conflict and speak truth that becomes more precious than life to hearers, in the work of the latter rain, the refreshing from the Lord's presence, and the loud cry of the third angel. Satan contends lifelong against the peace and firm footing the gospel gives, seeking to mar peace and destroy usefulness or life, yet his power is limited. Keeping that peace requires closing every door against him, living in the family so he gains no advantage from word or deed to tear one another down, resisting with earnest prayer and unyielding faith, relying on the merits of Christ's blood and claiming His saving strength. When darkness gathers, Jesus is shut from sight, hope fails and despair seizes, trust must rest solely on the atonement, casting helpless unworthiness on the crucified and risen Saviour who with angels watches so that only dross is consumed and true metal is unharmed, waiting patiently in hope when clouds envelop, with will swallowed in God's will, pleading not for removal of trial but for patience to endure and grace to overcome.

Ministers are generals in the army of the great King in war against Satan the rebel leader and his host, and must arouse and keep on every part of the armor, for to sympathize with the enemy, expose God's cause and sacred truths to reproach, doubt Scripture and speak unbelief is lack of wisdom, blindness and foolish generalship that opens weakest points to deadliest foes, weakens the unfaithful, strengthens rebel leaders, endangers the flock, lets poisoned arrows be hurled in, and lets Satan and his host triumph. Faithfulness guards the gospel from insult even at cost of life, shedding blood in its defense rather than allowing the ungodly to triumph, as shown by Luther who would sacrifice life but never the truth. Constant warfare with Satan and his angels forbids rushing onto his ground to meet an opponent or debate with Spiritualists unless truth and God's cause demand it, and then never alone but several together with prayer and faith so darkness is driven back, for going without armor, strong in self instead of the Lord's strength, leaves one grievously wounded yet insensible, charmed and at ease among evil angels in fatal danger.

All who claim to be God's children must be armed for the unceasing conflict between truth and holiness and error and ungodliness, with no division where a few fight while others rest at ease, but all professing interest in God's cause, advancement of truth and conversion of sinners serving as soldiers with one interest, motive and object as long as life lasts. To escape Satan's wiles as his power increases and he is terribly in earnest, and to meet the demands of this time, the whole armor must be put on and believers go forth with energy, perseverance and unswerving faith, with strength in God alone, for indolence, indifference, slothfulness, presumption and self-confidence bring defeat and destruction, and seeking only ease and temporal prosperity while leaving brethren to endure hardship and bear heavy responsibilities is sin that will find out. The armor is for going to needy fields to labor for the Lord. It is to be girded on with cheerfulness, hope and faith by valiant, earnest, self-sacrificing soldiers who set truth before the world and warn the world, refusing to plead for ease, pleasures, pleasant homes and society of family and friends or to let others do the work, willing to engage in the thickest fight, war the good warfare, share the victory and receive the eternal reward.

God's people must put on the armor and arouse because Christ is coming and the last message of mercy is too important to leave in order to answer falsehoods, misrepresentations and slander, dwelling on present truth and doing the great work without coming down while Satan opposes to divert minds from present truth and Christ's coming, knowing Jesus sees all and that all will soon be judged according to deeds done in the body, the lying tongue stopped, and sinners in Zion afraid with fearfulness surprising hypocrites. Feet prepared by the gospel of peace walk firmly and decisively, standing on truth and refusing sensational religion, speculative doctrines and human theories. The same armor applies to struggle against inherited tendencies and wrong habits, calling for perseverance, constancy, zeal and imitation of the divine Pattern.

Each believer must stand on his own feet in the work Jesus gives, exercising God-given powers instead of being carried by others, denying self, taking up the cross and following the divine Leader, shod so as not to stumble alone but to move steadily heavenward with one step preparing the way for the next, staying in the straight way in obedience to every direction of Christ rather than stepping aside into self-chosen paths that entangle in difficulties, doing each day's work with cheerful alacrity without repining, scolding or fretting, going constantly forward full of faith, hope and courage and becoming better fitted for the morrow's duties. Putting on the whole armor belongs with daily self-examination, earnest prayer and diligent Scripture study by which youth receive God's help and form characters fit for the redeemed. It must be done now, for iniquity is in the world and the time is as in Noah's days before Christ's coming, requiring being shod and armed to resist evil with Christ's help while probation continues lest believers drift down the current and be swallowed with the besom of destruction. This readiness prepares Christians to labor, endure hardship, resist Satan's assaults and fight the spiritual battle against sin and pride. As soldiers in the Lord's army they move forward in conflict, obey God's commands, keep in step with their Captain, walk by faith and let God direct the warfare. Those coming to councils stirred for battle must instead be clothed with Christ's righteousness and prepared with the gospel of peace, laying aside contention, refusing to charge brethren with mistakes, and bearing testimony with meekness and humility so influence is as good leaven.

Feet prepared by the gospel that brings peace, with the rest of the armor, enable standing firm against fascinating misleading theories begun in Living Temple that endanger eternal interests and are not sustained by Scripture, by holding to the tested platform that withstood trial, the sure pillars of faith and revealed principles of truth that are the only foundation and have made God's people what they are. Being shod means awaking from stupor and putting on the whole armor by repenting of coldness, indifference and selfishness, being cleansed from neglect and converted, rooting selfishness from the church, earnestly seeking the Lord for light, life and the quickening power of the Holy Spirit, revealing sanctifying power in life, heeding calls to arouse, cooperating with God's evangelist instead of drawing him from his work, and heartily engaging to carry truth in clear lines to those who never heard it by house-to-house labor and teaching seekers as fishers of men, thereby gaining valuable education. Those in warfare against evil and Satan's opposition to the law must put on the whole armor to fight manfully as God's witnesses by pressing battle to the gates, with no release, where the work must advance or go backward, and when brought into hard difficult places they must not relax hold or let faith diminish because darkness hides the way, but cherish abiding sense of God's power to uphold, follow His guidance, strive to uphold His law, and then they cannot perish nor lose the way.

Every follower must now be clothed with the whole armor to fight manfully against encroachments of darkness, especially spiritualistic sophistries, deceptions and hypnotism thrown over minds, standing as awake soldiers not asleep at post, exerting strong spiritual influence, warning the world and holding without doubt the truth for this time. Equipment with the whole armor is necessary for work in true integrity, and success attends efforts made with it on. God gives His chosen divine armor to wear in constant strain while the father of lies works with every conceivable power to discourage, make fainthearted and strip it away, and keeping it means doing one's best as an instrument in the Master's hand without worry, staying cheerful, trusting Jesus like a little child, letting Christ's righteousness surround as a garment, letting light shine while Jesus makes it shine, receiving knowledge and wisdom from the Holy One of Israel who will not fail nor be discouraged, and finding daily rest and peace close by Jesus' side because human workers are not immortal and cannot bear constant strain.

The whole armor must be kept to be ready for battle at any moment and to fight every inch of ground now, for the midnight cry is past, the door was shut in 1844, the sealing is about to finish and Jesus is soon to step from between God and man, while Satan has come down in great power knowing his time is short. With God's commandments written in heart and mind, those shod for the gospel go strong and bold though opposition is many and tall like the sons of Anak, crying the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus so as to meet the coming Lord in peace and say this is the God waited for. Feet fixed in right principles by making God's Word the guide and by earnest prayer keep men calm and composed above boisterous accusations and shocks, so no word from men or ministers in highest position sways them from right principles or sets feet in questionable paths, while constantly asking what is written in the law, how they read and what God has said. As soldiers in the conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, light and darkness, truth and error, righteousness and unrighteousness, where there is no harmony, compromise or fellowship, safety is assured only by keeping armor on continually, working and sleeping in it.

No one can take off his own covering and put it on another; each must have his own feet prepared with readiness from the good news of peace, kept today and every day to give living experience through sanctification of the truth when trials come. This footwear belongs to the equipment needed to remain steadfast amid opposition and carry out work such as the Southern mission. Putting on the gospel armor, the armor of light, must be done now by professing Christians waking from sleep, comprehending duty to the world at this stage of history, facing wickedness in the cities and taking up the work there is for them to do. Every piece must be put on now in the Holy Spirit's power to give clear sharp spiritual discernment so believers are not taken captive as heavenly Canaan comes into sight. The gospel of peace in the armor belongs to the third angel's message, which is a message of peace, righteousness and truth that it is their work to proclaim.

Putting on the heavenly armor, the equipment of God's Word, gives security against falling into sin and impropriety in thought, word or deed by keeping constantly under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit while engaging actively in truth and holiness, discharging every God-given duty without taking unappointed burdens, standing firmly under the third angel's banner and fighting the good fight of faith perseveringly and successfully by relying on God's wisdom not human wisdom, following a Leader never overcome and never to be overcome by evil. No piece of the heavenly armor needed to stand is to be left off in preparing a people to stand in the work God has given. Every minister must wear the gospel shoes by walking as Christ walked in speech and conduct, speaking right words in love without driving home truth with vehemence, harshness or criticism, dealing tenderly with every heart and trusting the Spirit to impress truth on those susceptible, so every word has softening subduing influence, speaking to God's children as one great family with tenderness, compassion, meekness and respect, especially toward erring younger workers while remembering older workers also err, being more circumspect the higher the position, and even when reproof is necessary letting truth itself bear it with all possible Christlike tenderness and love in the voice. Every soldier must put on armor and prepare for battle now in the day of God's preparation in oneness with no strife, difference, pride of opinion, selfishness or seeking supremacy, with those sanctified through truth united for highest efficiency, setting every human agency in operation for highest service in great endeavors, pledged heaven's divine cooperation.

The Christian life is a battle and a march requiring readiness to advance with the gospel of peace against invisible foes, overcome only through God's grace, keeping truth ascendant in heart and life to withstand temptation. To put on the gospel shoes is to be ready to live and work for the gospel of peace with feet planted on the foundation Christ laid by giving His life for the world's life. Workers thus equipped preach truth boldly and fervently even amid doubts, objections, perplexities and hindrances. Readiness warns that God's people are unprepared for coming trials and the corruption of the age and urges obedience to God's commandments to be prepared to stand against evil. Being shod means readiness to act at a moment's notice, and in view of the nearness of the Lord's day believers are to avoid self-gratification and use every day to point people to Jesus the Lamb who takes away the world's sin. Walking firmly and decisively prepared by the gospel of peace is opposed to accepting or teaching strange doctrines and theories and to fanciful tests.

Carrying Gospel to World

The armor reveals Christ in thought, word and deed, for self is crucified and Christ lives within as the hope of glory, with continual reaching forward and growth in grace and in knowledge of the Lord and Saviour, wrought within by mighty power so that weakness laying hold on the Lord receives power from above. Being shod belongs to going fully girded for conflict with the enemy, requiring faithful self-knowledge of character, besetting sin and likely temptations by investigating motives and comparing actions with the standard of duty in God's word, so as not to stand needlessly on the enemy's ground and suffer inglorious defeat, while duty in unfavorable places brings special help. It belongs to active carrying of the gospel message to the world, relying on heavenly allies and the Leader's power rather than standing idle in weakness. It means walking firmly and decidedly with clear understanding of truth and firmness in principle in pure and undefiled religion, refusing sensational religion and keeping new fanciful doctrines, human suppositions and speculative theories out of teaching and experience lest the life-work be marred. It calls servants to stay equipped and ready for any emergency, acting promptly on Jesus' help rather than losing opportunity through overcalculation or confidence in own ability. Observing the Lord's directions for the armor leads to humble discreet service that does not bind others to human plans nor let one rule over God's workers.

Shod feet mean always ready speech for God, not shutting away for fear of contamination but going among others even with the frivolous without being caught off guard, warmed by the Word and refreshed by living water as a well springing to everlasting life, bringing forth good treasure that helps and blesses, creating a saving atmosphere, leading minds to God and sowing truth and righteousness to bear fruit. The gospel shoes are to be kept on while moving forward, watchful on every side with the whole armor of righteousness, accompanied by faith, God's love, hope, courage and truth held deeply in the heart. The work at hand is distributing literature to every willing hand, seizing every opportunity to arrest unbelievers, zealously repenting of serving self rather than Christ, and bearing warning to high and low in different ways. Both young men and mature age are to awake to God-given responsibility and put on the armor with alacrity and zeal as faithful soldiers, in a living missionary spirit of zeal, purity, self-denial, intelligent labor, deeper piety, stronger faith, larger views and communion with God that gives new spirit and power to the church, believed, loved and practiced to bring great results in whitening harvest fields, showing the contrast of truth and error and its sanctifying elevating power, with the Spirit surmounting obstacles and holding vantage ground with victories in reserve for a truth-loving commandment-keeping people. The equipment comes by taking the Word and studying the Bible to know more of God, giving something fresh to impart instead of repeating the same ground, to face a world to save. All who know the truth must put on the gospel armor if cities are to be worked, receiving through sanctification of the truth the Lord's unfailing help without discouragement.

Being fitted means rising to go out and proclaim God's testing truth for this time to those who do not know it, holding truth in righteousness as sanctified and redeemed through belief in Christ incarnate, arousing, advancing and making straight paths with the feet. It means readiness for hard active service instead of ease, refusing to remain crippled by selfishness, unbelief, inefficiency, cowardice and love of comfort in slippers seeking the easiest place for fear rough paths hurt the feet, but putting on the whole armor, growing in ability by exercise, working while able by Christ's grace, forgetting infirmities at the trumpet sound of Advance, moving forward on the battlefield in aggressive warfare, lifting and bearing the standard through battle under the Captain's orders, gaining experience by partaking in Christ's self-denial and self-sacrifice. The armor is provided through God's gift of His Son as ransom, to be put on by students entering life's conflicts. It is the call to wake from spiritual sleep and put on the whole armor to carry out sacred work. True Christians must be diligent soldiers, attentive to all warnings, forever removing works of sin and uncleanness, and putting on Christ's righteousness as proof against all temptations to become faithful sentinels. The image supports keeping the armor on, staying alert on every side, and resisting the enemy while warning people.

Every church member, not ministers only, must now stand armored, consecrated to God and ready to do his best, watching, waiting and praying for the coming of the Lord and Saviour, working in harmony with the word, bearing clear-cut earnest sincere testimony, watching for souls, daily converted, and adorning the Saviour's doctrines in home life. The whole armor must be put on to stand as strong men reliable in emergencies, for magnifying own opinions leaves weakness as children with continual loss and Satan's victories, whereas learning of Christ in meekness and lowliness with surrendered will gives God-given strength for victory in every conflict. The preparation must be kept on with no piece laid aside as individual fitting for sounding the last warning and preparing the world for soon-coming closing scenes, standing as faithful watchman to give the last note and prepare the church, so those with light are awake and ready as earth's history ends. Putting it on is needed to resist temptation and fight the Lord's battles by the Holy Spirit's strength and power rather than self. The preparation is the third angel's message of peace and righteousness and truth, the burden to carry and the work to proclaim firmly with every piece on. It must be kept on to stand firm when theories stir to divert mind and unsettle faith, with those made Seventh-day Adventists by actual experience in unfolding prophecies standing with loins girt and whole armor on, and those without that experience holding the message with equal confidence, strengthened by God's light to hold fast past leading and hold the beginning of confidence firm to the end.

The whole armor prepares for readiness for battle at any moment. God gives workers armor for the battlefield of missionary work to be worn in united effort under their own standard, not any individual's armor or methods nor a narrow cheap plan, venturing and risking and doing the best in every circumstance without waiting for headquarters' orders, counseling together with earnest prayer for wisdom, esteeming others better than self, and working in Christian charity and love. Putting on the gospel shoes means walking in truth's pathway, seeing danger by believing the Lord's message and following the true Shepherd who knows sheep by name and calls them to follow. Every piece must be put on to engage earnestly in life's battle and war successfully against the wily foe and wrench free from his grasp, for Satan weaves nets and ensnares without waiting for prey, going as a roaring lion yet not always roaring but when useful sinking to softest whisper and wrapped in light appearing as an angel from heaven, out-generaling men who know little of his wiles and the mystery of iniquity. Wearing Christ's armor means carrying spiritual warfare at His expense under His banner by practicing truth, becoming messengers of mercy and ministers of grace passing on Christ's love, with self hid with Christ in God as partners with Jesus in sympathy and love, without selfish ambition, staying closely joined to Him and working with Him, showing by precept and example loyalty to His chosen agencies for spreading truth and making His righteousness known. The gospel of peace belongs to standing against temptation and working in harmony with God's angels, relying on God's protection rather than exposing to powers of darkness.

Having the whole armor means standing and working just where God desires, for God works with those who work with Him but does not endorse work framed by human devisings and plans. God's people fight in defense of faith with weapons in hand while angels for defense ascend and descend a ladder of shining brightness commissioned to draw nearer to fighters, so Christians must unite under the Holy Spirit and not pull weapons from fellow fighters nor hinder them for not working exactly as expected. Putting it on means acting as men waiting for the Lord to come in heaven's clouds, bringing conversion so ministers do not labor months bringing none to truth, hunting and fishing for men and persevering whether fish are caught or not, knowing God gave a message for unbelievers that will win many hearts. Putting on the gospel shoes means readiness to present the gospel of peace in manner pleasing to God, with grace and converting power making the minister gentle and Christlike in address. Proclaimers of the third angel's message put on this armor to stand boldly against detraction and falsehood, fight the good fight of faith, and resist the enemy with the Word of God. It is high time to put it on while probation continues and Christ helps resist evil amid filling iniquity and surrounding cities, lest without it men drift down the current to destruction when the Spirit is no longer manifested and intercession for rejecters of light is over.

True medical missionaries must wear it with every other piece to fight manfully for God, staying wide awake and vigilant and loyal by obeying commandments, so that medical missionary work as the entering wedge of present truth reaches hearts and softens and subdues prejudice. Readiness to walk in right principles comes by trusting God, meeting Him as Moses met Him in the mount, and making His Word guide by always asking what is written and what God has said, keeping calm and composed above boisterous accusations and shocks that ruffle others, unmoved by words of men or highest ministers into questionable paths. Having the whole armor does not remove trials, for Satan is not dead, but makes his thrusts harmless and opens vast resources giving moral power to do righteousness in all circumstances, with difficulties and adversity making workers better and abler, for trial is God's chosen means to test and discipline and an appointed condition of success. Being shod means readiness to move at once in God's service, like Israel eating the Passover lamb with shoes on, prepared to meet foes, armed with God's promises and ready for the Lord's near return, using each day to point to the Lamb of God who takes away sin and to be prepared to meet the Lord in peace. The preparation is Jesus Christ Himself as armor, and though the armor may feel too weighty it is borne by hiding in Christ, where faith is kept so the wicked one cannot harass or confuse it, for Jesus gives His own peace. Success requires divine guidance and keeping on the armor amid abounding wickedness in unceasing warfare with no time to lay it off and no single victory ending assaults, constantly resisting by trust in Christ who bestows overcoming strength, partaking divine nature, and refusing meager grace until given abundant grace and unrestrained joy.

The gospel shoes are preparation for service and are to remain on the feet. Putting on the whole armor and standing as faithful soldiers means praying more and depending on God's help, with new zeal for each to be a missionary with work in own home and neighborhood, letting light shine brighter in every church, using meetings as a school to train in careful steps, and organizing Sabbath schools to train children in Bible study and missionary spirit to convert other children and through them reach parents. It means living as a valiant soldier fighting manfully by keeping the nobler world and approaching eternity in view, subordinating earthly considerations and business cares to eternal interests and results, refusing the fatal propensity to serve the world as if earthly things were superior to heavenly and refusing trust in riches that keeps men out of the kingdom. Every true Christian is a soldier with Christ as Captain of salvation and Leader, and wearing His armor means fighting under His banner and doing just as He bids, for strength lies in obedience to His Word giving power not of self. It is the armor with which eleventh-hour workers will gird when crisis comes to proclaim the message, exalt God's law, hold the faith of Jesus, and defend religious liberty. Followers are to let lives be ready to carry the gospel of peace wherever they go, representing the meek lowly Jesus, with words, spirit and actions meeting a higher standard, for a noble life preaches and actions either represent Christ or speak against Him.

Truth is the only panoply by which to be saved, and must become fixed conviction in the soul, for handed-down fathers' religion will not withstand Satan's temptations, and holding truth diligently in business guards against temptation. Proclaimers must be prepared to carry the gospel of peace by speaking truth forcefully without stirring hostility, but with love, tenderness and compassion. The footwear prepares believers to stand and advance in struggle against evil. God's people must awake and put on the whole armor for gospel work in mission fields, clinging by faith to infinite power, praying for the work and depending on God alone to prepare the way and work with human efforts, since increase to planting and watering comes only through God. The Christian life is continual conflict requiring constant readiness, with feet prepared to act at once in obedience to Christ the Captain of salvation, never laying aside armor nor pausing for ease and convenience, but listening for the Master's command and doing His will. Girding on the armor means throwing all into active service, standing closely by God as ancient saints did, binding personal honor to His throne, holding His truth as own truth and His honor as own honor, meeting attack on truth as a cut to the soul to be fought for God, not hanging back on outskirts nor deceived and entrapped by Satan's masterly devices, but fighting manfully in the present little shaking and the earnest shaking soon to come lest falling as prey into enemy ranks, to come off more than conquerors through Him that loved.

Christlike Character and Duty

The divine armor calls for active soldiering in which human effort cooperates with divine power to bring light to others and resist worldly influence. Putting on the whole armor, including feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace, is required to secure entrance into the city of God, because heaven is to be won or lost and temptation will assail all the way through. Minds must therefore be taken away from earthly things and centered on heavenly things, for aiming at the world's standard leaves one without armor and that standard will count for nothing in the day of God and will not bring the commendation of Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Putting on that armor of righteousness requires time to pray, so that becoming so active there is no time to pray means the armor has not been put on. Keeping every piece on gives spiritual strength and prepares for the coming of the Son of Man.

Youth need every advantage to stand with the whole armor on, fully awake to tremendous issues that will test every soul having present truth, through deliberate education in every grade rather than haphazard makeshift, with the very best abilities attached to school work to educate them to stand in truth and righteousness. That preparation means holding the field of battle without acting defeated, keeping hourly dependence on God until He indicates duty and time to move. Ministers must enter work shod and armed, for to go without the Spirit of Christ, without true faith, without sincere prayer, and trusting only human judgment while blind to the enemy guiding that judgment, is to go as soldiers unarmed and unarmored to battle. Without that preparation preaching becomes spiritless, the living water cannot flow through obstructed channels, and the light of heaven cannot penetrate the fog of lukewarmness and sin.

Believers are to battle for truth and righteousness by bringing every power under Christ's control and consecrating it to pure service. Against the Sunday movement that readiness means present active service, with every minister and evangelist putting on the whole armor to work and watch and pray, and every church member humbling the heart before God and crying aloud and sparing not with responsibility as laborers together with Him. Readiness with the gospel of peace means walking gently in Jesus Christ's footsteps, and that sanctified peace helps others know God sent His Son to save sinners. Those placed in office to counsel and instruct others must have on the gospel shoes, for without this preparation they will surely mislead by following their own ways and plans instead of walking in the Lord's ways. Having the shoes on means walking in the Lord's ways, remaining a constant learner under the great Teacher, and loving as brethren with kindness and courtesy.

The whole armor of righteousness provides sure defense when closely connected with God and living for His glory. Taking the Word into council meetings and following it makes the path straight, while failure to do so leads to foolish trust in finite wisdom and to theories and plans opposed to the Word that greatly mar His work. Having feet shod means actively going out to work for souls instead of sitting idle, as would have saved many souls in San Francisco if believers had kept at work, and as is urgently needed in wicked Oakland. That going work includes telling people that transgressing the Sabbath by keeping the first day tramples God's positive commands, and that such disobedience cannot enter through the gates into the city where no second rebellion can be allowed. Those laboring in cities in open-air meetings must be equipped with prepared feet as part of the whole armor, meaning readiness for public gospel work calling many to take up this labor with boldness instead of delicacy, yet with propriety and sound sense.

Being shod as part of the whole armor means standing firm for the right with holy boldness instead of depression over prevailing sin and difficulties, remembering past experiences because history will repeat itself, watching and praying and trusting the living Word, entering each battle with full faith that through Christ victory comes as more than conquerors, and serving as faithful watchmen with keen perception of dangers. That armor is needed because Satan's superstitions will assume new forms and false theories clothed with garments of light will be presented to deceive if possible the very elect, and they are met by holding to the law and to the testimony as the test of light. Putting on the whole armor means putting picture-idols out of sight because they have no power for good, come between God and the soul, and do nothing to sow truth, and reaching a high standard of consecration and self-denial, especially by teachers in schools and sanitariums and by students fitting to go forth as missionaries. Canvassers going to warn and prepare people for the day of the Lord receive through cooperation with divine power and the armor the fitness, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact needed for their work. The minister as soldier of the cross serves under Christ in battle calling for heroic effort and patient endurance, standing unshrinkingly in the forefront while the enemy presses, turning to God as Stronghold, bringing the promises of the Word to the Lord, and being strengthened for the duties of the hour.

Victories do not lead to self-exaltation but cause leaning more heavily on God, and relying on that power enables presenting salvation so forcibly it awakens an answering chord in other minds. Young people who discipline minds to face life's struggles cannot succeed unless they center affections on God and resist influences weakening resolve to do right. Readiness is soldiering against error, and Paul exemplifies it clothed in the panoply of truth boldly declaring the gospel amid conflict and danger. Wolff showed hardship readiness by traveling in dangerous places to share the Bible, relying on prayer, zeal for Christ, confidence in God, love, and the Bible as strength. Medical missionaries are urged to wear this Christian armor in serving God, and workers in the South must stand firmly equipped, trusting the Lord for strength, holding together to the truth of His Word, and encouraging rather than criticizing or picking flaws.

Keeping the armor on constantly fights the various evils continually creeping in, yet long bracing for battle can leave wrong habits, errors, and faulty presentation of truth, so the fighter must unlearn many things, be reconverted, and reform in presenting truth. That readiness proclaims Bible truth to those in spiritual darkness to bring them to its saving message, and Seventh-day Adventists at camp meetings are to equip as workers with God and take earnest part to bring people to faith. Ministers and medical missionaries combining teaching and healing are to go forth in Washington and Baltimore and many other large cities of the South and East, clearing the King's highway and lifting the standard higher to help the Lord against mighty darkness by a decided message with a certain trumpet sound. After wrestling with God in prayer believers are to put on this armor of the gospel of peace and engage earnestly to save souls, and standing firm in God while wearing it is shown by faithfully doing the given work including carrying books presenting present truth.

Following the Lord's directions for the armor leads to walking humbly and working discreetly, without binding others to human plans or letting one person dominate God's workers. Truth is the only panoply covering any soul, requiring better and deeper teaching than man can give and deep conviction that forms and ceremonies are nothing without Christ the Alpha and Omega. That preparation holds only as convictions are daily reinforced by humble sincere prayer and reading of the Word, held firmly with God-given individuality in strength God imparts, or they will be wrung from the grasp. Standing in this armor means being self-reliant and respecting self while remembering believers are God's property bought with a price, body, soul, and spirit. Keeping girded for battle means staying firmly at the assigned post without restlessness or faithlessness, remaining in the vineyard where labor is needed, strengthening the soul in God, and doing valiantly in His strength until God lifts the cloud and indicates duty elsewhere.

Those trusting Him, looking to the Lord every moment, holding to infinite power, and praying and working in faith will receive strength and grace for labor and trial and will not be confounded. The footwear represents readiness grounded in the gospel of peace for standing firm in faith and proclaiming God's urgent message. When hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit and fitted with the gospel of peace all occasion for strife disappears, so workers do not rival, supplant, or interfere with one another, do not place their own impress on another field or draw attention to self, but leave appointed publishing and medical missionary work undisturbed and establish it in peace and unity. The call is to have the armor on and be ready for earnest work carried forward in love and with vigor.

Perseverance to Final Victory

Girding on the armor presses earnestly into work for souls, for the Christian life is hard warfare against inward foes and a constant battle and march with no period of repose to lay the armor aside and rest from duty. When weariness and discouragement come the armor must be put on anew, and when the mirror shows defects of character the deceptive, desperately wicked heart must be overcome by personal effort, penitence and repentance through faith in the grace of Christ. In view of the prize of eternal life the discouraged must arise again, gird on the armor anew, and toil on with persistent energy, patient industry, unwearied effort, untiring zeal, courage and vigilance, for self-conquest and perfection of heart is washing robes of character white in the blood of the Lamb while love of ease, indulgence and self-gratification causes failure. Putting on the whole armor of righteousness is the way to possess the soul in patience under insult and provocation, keeping calm and self-controlled and representing Christ manfully and nobly by looking to Jesus close beside as counsellor and refuge. Receiving the grace of Christ and the Holy Spirit strengthens with all might in the inner man so nerves are not worn and thoughts are educated to trust Jesus to right every wrong and build up faith, opening the windows of the mind and the door of the heart to let heaven's sunshine flood mind and soul temple so that joy in Christ becomes a permanent state of the heart. Readiness through the gospel of peace equips for spiritual conflict to fight through trials joined to the hope that God goes before and that others will receive the truth, and because the battle is constant believers must remain watchful and prayerful and never lay the armor aside.

Readiness belongs to diligent soldiering for Christ and putting on Christ's righteousness as protection against temptation, and to standing equipped for the coming struggle without teaching anyone to evade duty. The Christian life is enlistment as a soldier under Christ's banner, requiring staying under that banner in genuine service and not deserting to the enemy, for a halfhearted, unconsecrated, pleasure-loving life is desertion of which Christ is ashamed. Self-indulgence and unfaithfulness as His soldier are recorded in God's book of account and will stand in judgment before God and holy angels, for everyone who is saved must be saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ. The verse belongs to the call to stand with God's workers and press the battle against the enemy while hiding in Jesus and building others up in faith, though some who held this did not specify the footwear or explain the gospel of peace. Putting on the preparation of the gospel of peace means making no delay in united and determined soul-saving work in the cities and throughout the world, increasing workers to meet the demands of the cities, having lay members with means supply funds, reconsecrating to be in harmony with God and Christ, proclaiming the message pointed out for the past twenty years, and resisting Satan's temptation to enter commercial enterprises and withhold means. The mention of taking up the armor again shows it is to be put on anew, and it belongs to united city work without delay, to public speaking sustained by God, to city missions against confusion, to watching, praying and helping the needy, and to tender Christlike love rather than Saul's armor.

The armor is not to be laid aside while there is still work to do, for the church is still militant, not triumphant. Those who follow the Lamb and will stand on Mount Zion must first stand on earth girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in saving those ready to perish and hunting for lost sheep, a search heavenly angels conduct and which demands spiritual activity of all who believe present truth that they may join the angels. Following the Lamb in the courts above depends on following Him here by keeping His commandments in daily life as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd, not fitfully or capriciously or only for advantage, but by choosing Him, suffering for His sake in trust, bringing the will into conformity to His will and revealing Him now without waiting till translation. Those who carry the message must move among people fitted with peace and goodwill to all, giving decided, clear-cut proclamation of truth while making no personal thrusts at other churches, following no impulse to denounce and expose error, restraining all harsh expressions, and guarding against arousing antagonism that would close doors and quench conviction. Speaking the truth in tones and words of love, exalting Christ Jesus, keeping to the affirmative of truth, letting truth itself tell the story of inconsistency, being wise unto salvation and representing Christ in word and deed so all can see His Spirit opens hearts, saves many souls, brings help in necessity, and makes truth triumph and bear away the victory when entered into imbued with the Spirit of Christ in righteousness, mercy and love. The armor calls for earnest work and a real burden to reach people who do not know the truth and to stand steadfastly against corruption, and it must be kept on continually by strict self-guard, especially by young women in sanitariums where poor, shipwrecked souls are to find a haven, by being reserved in word and action, kind and courteous but never free with men and never showing the slightest freedom to a married man, modest, abstaining from every appearance of evil, taking heed to self, and never by word or action giving the least occasion for wicked men to speak evil of the truth, since observant eyes watch conduct to judge whether workers are indeed children of God.

The whole armor is to be put on each day going into battle, for the Christian life is continuous service and prayer, watchfulness and perseverance prepare believers to work for perishing souls and remain faithful to duty. It equips for active labor in the gospel amid Satan's efforts to hinder people from receiving the truth. Armor-bearers are on trial before heavenly intelligences and must be faithful by advancing in knowledge of truth and of God's love and gaining greater wisdom day by day as responsibilities increase and new fields open, using the strength and maturity God has provided lest light dim and flicker into darkness. Being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace gives firm footing to meet the time when everything shakable will be shaken, meaning having the Word of God as the standard to resist the enemy coming from every side with tests and strange devices, abiding in Christ by knowing His Word and doing it, receiving Bible instruction and teaching after the way Jesus taught rather than mere sermonizing, and being rooted and grounded in the truth. The call to put on the armor and stand firmly with the truth is an appeal for strength and steadfastness in the work, meaning to stand with the whole armor on, fully and entirely awake to tremendous issues that will test every soul with knowledge of present truth, belonging especially to youth who need every advantage with education carried on with the very best abilities to educate them to stand in truth and righteousness and not leave the field as if defeated.

Each believer is to stand on his own feet equipped with the preparation of the gospel of peace, enabling steady progress heavenward by following Christ's directions and faithfully doing the work He gives. Standing with all the armor on means preparation by sanctified experience to show strong manhood and be successful, making straight paths for the feet so what is lame is not turned out of the way, and moving with moderation and great caution under misrepresentation of motives and sore pressure of trials. Putting on the whole armor applies to putting on righteousness and watching over spirit, temper and words so God is not dishonored and truth is not misrepresented. The work of God will not go forward without opposition from the enemy of faith and believers have something to do and cannot merely let it pass, so they must put on the armor, every piece, and it is high time to do so. The armor imagery is a call to keep working and speaking despite difficulty, and it means keeping the feet on the path of strict rectitude with no inclination to step off, with thoughts centered upon God, pure as crystal and sanctified by virtue, making the life spotless and armored against every evil work so that temptations however enticing and however artfully or strongly assailing are known by character and author and Satan is resisted on every hand.

Keeping the armor on in battle against the enemy means pleasant words, faithful service and care for suffering people to turn minds to Christ the source of healing who paid humanity's ransom, with each convert strengthening the sharing of truth and Christ's grace promised to those who lead people to obey God's commandments. Being clad in the whole armor is pressing forward in conflict, faithfully and unflinchingly declaring the gospel even when physical strength declines, cheerful and triumphant with gaze fixed on the reward of the faithful. The armor must be kept on continually while contending with professed Adventists who preached error and tried to turn others against the faith, and it is what young Christians put on to engage in warfare, make steady progress and use their abilities in service. Its footwear belongs to carrying the gospel of peace and moving forward in faith to get the message to as many as possible, including by starting a weekly paper. Having Christ's armor on is preparation to meet death, for God spares lives and gives opportunity to repent to have it on when judgments visit cities, while continuing in wicked works instead of repenting leaves men unprepared for rebuke, chastening and destruction. Keeping on also means trusting for strength with victory ahead, presenting the Word line upon line to advantage youth, and going with hope, courage and faith strengthening fellow workers.

Being shod with preparation means new believers must be confirmed and established and educated like well-drilled soldiers who know how to meet the enemy's attacks and vanquish him, for slight knowledge from one course of lectures is not enough and to leave a few unfed and uncared for makes them targets for the enemy to open fire upon and prey for devouring wolves, so entering a field requires counting the cost and finishing the work lest striking in prematurely and leaving it half done spoil promising fields. The spiritual armor is worn while doing God's work and laid off only when that work is over, so wanting to do more for Him means keeping it on. The gospel of peace is the preparation equipping believers to stand and go forward in duty, with the gospel of Christ and its truth strengthening them amid visible and invisible foes while divine armor sustains faithful witness through affliction. Every soul must put on the gospel shoes by praying and working and setting the feet firmly on the foundation Christ laid in giving His life for the world, which calls for decided changes so no more stumbling blocks are placed before God's people, and workers are to wear this armor and serve cheerfully. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace bring joy and peace in the Holy Ghost, which those viewing matters in distorted light through prejudice and unbelief reject as inconsistent and instead put on Satan's armor to war against God's work. Perseverance also labors self-denyingly through heat, cold and frozen hands, securing means and fighting difficulties.