“….and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”
Ephesians 6:15 NKJV

The Roman soldiers typically wore military sandals which had heavy hobnail soles. These hobnails gave the sandals a firm footedness to avoid any slips and help the soldiers with their balance during battle. What the hobnails were to the sandals of the Roman soldiers, the gospel of peace is to our feet as Christians; we stand on the sure foundation of the gospel.

Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, there was no gospel. There was God in heaven and men on earth and that was how wide the separation between God and man was as a result of sin. Attempts were made to bridge the gap in the form of keeping the law, ordinances, and sacrifices but all to no avail. On occasion, God would come upon people for a period of time or would show up when certain requirements were met. But this was never God’s plan for man. God’s plan for man right from the beginning was communion and fellowship, then sin came along and caused a separation. That is, until Jesus came.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23

Jesus came through a virgin birth, lived a sinless life and took the punishment for sin (death). He died on the cross becoming sin so that humanity might live.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

Jesus bridged the gap and reconciled us to God by taking the penalty for sin. He brought peace to mankind.

This is the gospel. This is the good news. God coming to live with man again. God with us. No longer coming upon men for a particular task or coming for a season and leaving again but God residing in everyone. We have assurance of His presence whether we deserve it or not. Every human being who accepts the sacrifice of Jesus is reconciled to God.

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. ”
Romans 5:10 NKJV

There is no more war or enmity between God and humanity. God is not mad at you. We have peace with God through Jesus. Everyone can have peace and lead a life of peace by accepting this gift of salvation, that’s the message we ought to arm ourselves with. The gospel of peace is an armour for our feet. As we go out as Christians, we have an armour against the kingdom of darkness, and that is the gospel of peace.

Not religion. Not the law and prophets. Not traditions of men, but the gospel!