Christian Footware

We are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). This can be taken two different ways. It can mean that the gospel is the basic truth on which we stand or that we should be prepared to go and share the gospel with others. I would see these as going together. They involve being prepared by knowing and understanding the gospel. And while the belt of truth in general holds the armor on, it is the gospel on which we stand. This is the truth of the coming of Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Galatians 3:7-14; 2 Timothy 1:8-11). This gospel is the basis of the Christian faith, from which we are not to turn away (Galatians 1:8,9; Romans 1:16,17; Colossians 1:21-23). It is also the message that we proclaim (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Peter 3:15). This gospel is not some new moral system but the fact that God became man to accomplish our salvation (2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 2:24,25). This is what we need to base our lives on, and this is what we should proclaim. And in doing so, we stand against demonic powers. By trusting in God's grace rather than our good works. And by proclaiming the message that frees others from Satan's power. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. But in either case, we should be prepared by having our feet firmly planted on the gospel that brings peace. Peace with God (Romans 5:1; 14:17; John 14:27) and peace with others (Ephesians 2:14; 4:1-3; James 3:17,18).