Medium: Antique Hand Carved Mesquite Wood Box Mounted on Reclaimed Wood, Handmade Walnut-Stained Paper, Milk Paint, Roman Era Miniature Bronze Sword, Shield, Helmet, Breastplate, And Belt Buckle; 14W X 28H X 3D

Artist Statement: This piece depicts a metaphor about the full armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18 that reminds Christians about the reality of spiritual battle and describes the protection available to them. The reality is that we are in a constant spiritual struggle whether we are aware of it or not. In 1 Peter 5: 8-9 it says:

“Practice self-control and stay alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour, resist him, standing firm in faith, knowing that his brothers throughout the world are enduring the same kind of suffering.”

In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul reminds Christians that we are facing an ongoing intense spiritual war and must be prepared with the proper protection. It is an intense struggle, but God does not leave us defenseless. Paul talks about the armor of God, the tools He gives his followers so that we can overcome the attacks of Satan.

The title of this piece, “Put On The Full Armor of God,” and its design, all of the separate pieces of armor contained in one box, illuminates the vital importance that though six types of armor are individually mentioned, it is one piece of armor, not several. And we must carry it in its totality if we are to be fully equipped to face all the attacks of the devil. We do not wear the helmet today and tomorrow the shield. Good military soldiers put on all the pieces of armor when they go out to battle and we, as good soldiers of the Gospel, must do the same. Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used fully and worn daily, it provides constant protection against the enemy's onslaught. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the armor he has given us. By using all the weapons that God has provided, we are protected and ready for battle. That is how we will resist the forces of evil until we are with Jesus for eternity.

Finally, in verse 17 Paul concludes his list with the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God. It is no accident Paul ends his list with the Word of God, as Holy Scripture is foundational to hearing from God. The altered bible draped from the box of armor in this piece illustrates the undergirding effect of Holy Scripture. Every soldier knows there must be open lines of communication to their Commander. God provides instructions for us through His Word. In verse 18 Paul ends his message by speaking to the importance persevering prayer. With the full armor of God and prayer, we can be ready for whatever the enemy throws at us.

The title of this piece, “Put On The Full Armor of God,” and its design, all of the separate pieces of armor contained in one box, illuminates the vital importance that though six types of armor are individually mentioned, it is one piece of armor, not several. And we must carry it in its totality if we are to be fully equipped to face all the attacks of the devil. We do not wear the helmet today and tomorrow the shield. Good military soldiers put on all the pieces of armor when they go out to battle and we, as good soldiers of the Gospel, must do the same.

Paul concludes his list with the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God. It is no accident Paul ends his list with the Word of God, as Holy Scripture is foundational to hearing from God. The altered bible draped from the box of armor in this piece illustrates the undergirding effect of Holy Scripture. Every soldier knows there must be open lines of communication to their Commander. God provides instructions for us through His Word.

For price and purchase information email Jim Baker at SacredStructures.org

Jim Baker's Sacred Art Structures are available as wall hangings, pedestal pieces, and reliquaries and are available for purchase through his website: SacredStructuresArt.com