Orderliness

As evangelical Christians, we are very concerned about salvation being made available to others. But, we often get it backwards.

We find what we’re looking for in the Bible without paying close enough attention to details. Take the following scripture for example:

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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV)

What’s first on the list? Truth

Followed quickly by: Righteousness

Then we get to the: Preparation of the gospel of peace

All that before we get to: Faith

Penultimate is: Salvation

Even before the Word of God

Looking at that perspective, I’ve come to understand that unless we look upon the Word of God as Truth, it has no value. Unless Faith is built on Truth, it has no value. Establishing Truth, then, takes precedence.

To have Righteousness, one must be aware of unrighteousness. The difference between truth and lie, right and wrong, good and evil.

Then we’re ready for preparation of the gospel of peace. It’s not just good news that comes from scriptures, peace for humanity is available, but usually tossed away.

Then we’re ready to build our faith – which comes to us: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

Before we bury ourselves into the word of God, the sword of the Spirit, we reach the helmet of salvation.

Follow the instructions and we’ll be able to answer Christ’s question to the disciples:

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:15-16 KJV)