Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness..' - Ephesians 6:14
The breastplate of righteousness is a vital part of the whole armour of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-20. This armour prepares us to engage in this inescapable spiritual battle that every Christian is destined to be involved with. In the physical realm, revisiting the imagery of the Roman soldier, the breastplate protects essential organs such as the heart and lungs, all of which when damaged could result in sudden death! Similarly, in the spiritual realm, Paul is telling us that we ought to wear the breastplate of righteousness so the enemy doesn't gain access to our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says; 'Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.'
God's extravagant love for us affords the believer a way to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We can neither earn God's forgiveness nor our salvation through human effort - this is only accomplished by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). In our own strength we can never be righteous (Romans 3:10), but we are made right by receiving the breastplate of righteousness through our relationship with Christ. There is a divine exchange when we become born again - we receive God's perfection through Jesus and the penalty for our sins are paid for, clothing us with Christ's robe of righteousness. Thus the breastplate of righteousness presents us with what we are supposed to look like now that we are children of God and our response to and application of the truth of God's word keeps our hearts rooted and protected in our new identity. Through God's word, the Holy Spirit is enabled to effectively transform our hearts, giving us a powerful defence against the stronghold of the enemy.
Paul advises us to put on the armour of God, daily. This is because our adversary is constantly at work seeking how he may catch us of guard (1 Peter 5:8). But, no matter the situation, God is ever present and ready to show himself strong on our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). It is no coincidence that the armour of God is presented starting with the belt of truth (v14), then the breastplate of righteousness (v14) the peace of the gospel (v15) and so on. The significance is clear - the truth of God's word puts us at right standing with Him (righteousness) and our continual response to this gift of righteousness guards our hearts and minds in Christ for our spiritual victory.
Father, thank you that we have the righteousness of God in Christ.
Help us to walk daily with you through your word so that our hearts are protected against the attacks of the enemy, in Jesus' name, amen.
Comments