PUTTING ON CHRIST "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:11-14, NKJV) Devotion 21 of 33 UNDER THE LAW Under the Law, the service of God required the putting on of certain attire. The priest had to "put on his linen garment" (Lev 6:10). Aaron was required to "put on the holy linen coat," "linen breeches," a linen girdle," and a linen mitre," or turban (Lev 16:4). When he made "the atonement," he was required to "put on the linen clothes" (Lev 16:32). The person who was a "high priest among his brethren," upon whose head the anointing oil had been poured, was "consecrated to put on the garments" related to that ministry (Lev 21:10). UNDER THE NEW COVENANT Life in Christ is also attended with certain requirements – things that are to be "put on." I want to stress that these are not optional. – Tomorrow:
" . . . put ON . . . "
This is something we do – an assignment from heaven that is not to be ignored. "PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT!" This is not a suggestion. It is not an activity for the more advanced in Christ Jesus. This is something necessary for survival. It is essential to doing the will of God and pleasing Him. The "armor of light" is to "put ON."
Frequently these words – "put on" – are used in Scripture.
Kings "put on their robes" before sitting upon their thrones (1 Kgs 22:10). They also put them on when entering into kingly activities (1 Kgs 22:30). Queens "put on" "royal apparel" (Esth 5:1). Ezekiel described priests as those who wore certain garments when they ministered (Ezek 42:14,19). Soldiers were described as those who were "able to put on armor" (2 Kgs 3:21). When godly men lamented, they "put on" sackcloth (Esth 4:1). The "mantle" of Elijah fell upon Elisha, signifying he would take his place (2 Kgs 2:13).
Divinely appointed activities often required the putting on of certain attire. Priests "put on" priests clothing. Kings "put on" kings clothing. Soldiers "put on" armor, or military overdress. God was schooling His people concerning the necessity of attire for the soul! The prophets spoke of the spiritual attire that would be provided in the day of salvation. "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem" (Isa 52:1). The Lord Jesus Himself was depicted as wearing certain garments. "For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak" (Isaiah 59:17).
Our text shouts, "Put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12). Those who have been "baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal 3:27). They are also to "put on the new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), and "the whole armor of God" (Eph 6:11). As "the elect of God," they are to "put on . . . bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering" (Col 3:12). And, as a covering over all of these, they are to "put on charity" (Col 3:14). Solemnly they are admonished to "put on the breastplate of faith and love" (1 Thess 5:8), and "put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 13:14).
These are not mere suggestions, or goals toward which we are to strive. They represent absolute Divine requirements. There is no acceptable alternative action. In keeping with this manner of the Kingdom, we are to "put on the armor of light." God has provided it, and we are to put it on. He will not put it on us, but will enable us to put it on.
By "ON," the Spirit means it is to be associated with our persons. The protection afforded by the armor is to be realized. This is not something to be incorporated in a theological position or a church creed. It is not a subject to be debated, as to whether or not it is really necessary. The "armor of light" is to be appropriated and used as it is intended. It is not to be put on the shelf of neglect or traded for the paltry things of this present evil world.
When we come into Christ, this armor is well within our reach. It is not beyond us. Salvation has qualified us to procure it, and the Divine will demands that we so do. This armor will do you no good unless you put it "ON." If it is not with you, it will not protect you. But if you will put it "ON," it will bring to you all of the protection for which it is intended.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You in Jesus Christ for providing armor that is well suited for my condition. Grant me grace to put it on, and keep it on.