What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)?

Answer  
  

Ephesians 6:11–17 instructs believers in Christ to “put on the [whole armor of God](full-armor-of-God.html)” as a defense against Satan’s attacks. This armor includes the belt of truth, the [breastplate of righteousness](breastplate-of-righteousness.html), the [shield of faith](shield-of-faith.html), the helmet of salvation, and the [sword of the Spirit](sword-of-the-Spirit.html). Verse 15 says, “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The New Living Translation words it this way: “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” The gospel of peace is the message that Jesus gave to those who trust in Him (John 14:27; Romans 10:15\). It comes with the assurance from God that we are His children and nothing can snatch us out of His hands (John 10:29; 1 John 5:13\). It outlines clearly what is required to become a child of God (1 Corinthians 15:1–6; John 1:12; Romans 10:8–10\). Any other message is a false gospel.  
  

  

The word *readiness* implies constant vigilance. A victorious soldier had to be prepared for battle. He had to have studied his enemy’s strategy, be confident in his own strategy, and have his feet firmly planted so that he could hold his ground when the attacks came. A soldier’s battle shoes were studded with nails or spikes, like cleats, to help him keep his balance in combat. He knew that, if he lost his footing and went down, it wouldn’t matter how great the rest of his armor was; the enemy had him. When we are ready with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that we are continually under attack from Satan. Second Timothy 4:2 says to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”  
  

The “peace shoes” that God supplies His soldiers have two purposes: defensive and offensive. In order to defend ourselves against the “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16\), we must have confidence of our position [in Christ](in-Christ.html). We must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, regardless of how terrifying the circumstances may be (1 John 5:14\). We must understand grace without abusing it (Romans 6:1–6\), remember that our position in Christ is not based on our own abilities or worthiness (Titus 3:5\), and keep our belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness securely fastened (2 Timothy 1:12\).  
  

When Satan attacks with a flaming missile of doubt, such as “If God really loved you, He wouldn’t have let this happen,” we dig our peace shoes into the turf of God’s Word and reply, “It is written: All things work together for the good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28\). When Satan stabs from behind with “Remember what you did?” we dig in more deeply and reply, “It is written: If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9\).  
  

In addition to standing our ground, shoes are also for moving. God expects us to go on the offensive and take the gospel of peace to others. First Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Sharing our faith is one of the best ways to maintain our own sure footing. God knows that, when we are active in speaking of Him to others, we not only charge into Satan’s territory, but we dig our shoes more deeply into truth and will be much harder to dislodge. When we have “studied to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15\), we are ready to stand firm in the gospel of peace no matter what the enemy brings against us (2 Thessalonians 2:15\).  
  

