The helmet of salvation in Ephesians 6:17 is referred to as the hope of salvation in 1 Thessalonians. Paul is recognizing that our salvation is a past, present and future reality. The point is that God’s gift of salvation, the fullness of which we yet await, is the vital piece of protective armor. Christ wore the helmet as the Savior and we wear the helmet as the saved who have our hope in the consumption that will accompany His return.