Armor of Light

"Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 8:12b

At first glance it seems rather nonsensical to use the words "armor" and "light" in connection with the same thing. The former is solid and heavy as can be. The latter is, as far as physicists can derive, either a wave or a particle in any case less than solid.

In this case, however, the Apostle is enjoining you to be adorned with the light which is Christ; the same Christ who spoke with the Father at creation and said "let there be light" and Who is now risen from the dead having made atonement for your sin.

He serves as armor because He preserves you in the Faith, keeping you from entertaining and acting upon thoughts that would draw you away from Him who loves you with an everlasting love. This Christ, Who is the Light of the World, has no other business than to save you from the darkness of sin and death.

For this reason, His righteousness, applied to you in every way He bespeaks it, serves as protection against evil lusts and their consequences. It even absolves you as the life of repentant faith carries on from one day to the next.

Repentant faith does not take up the deeds of darkness, but rejects them and lays them aside. At the same time, it is mindful of how Christ Jesus is going the full measure from start to finish, by way of His passion and resurrection and preaching, to bring you into a blessed eternity.

The Apostle calls upon you with urgency to do this, because the work of redemption for all of creation in Christ Jesus has taken place precisely as God foretold through the prophets: by the Seed of the Woman who defeats sin, death, and the devil.

How are you going to put on this armor of light? By daily contrition and faith, all wrought by your Creator who has baptized you into His Name and very being.

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