As followers of Christ, we are called to put on the armor of God, a metaphorical representation of the spiritual tools necessary to-live a life that honors God and withstands the attacks of the enemy. Among the various pieces of armor, the breastplate of righteousness holds a vital position, serving as a symbol of our righteous standing before God and our commitment to living a life that reflects His character. So, what does putting on the breastplate of righteousness mean, and how can we apply this concept to our daily lives?
Understanding the Breastplate of Righteousness
In Ephesians 6:14, the apostle Paul writes, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” The breastplate, also known as the thorax, was a vital piece of armor in ancient times, covering the chest and protecting the vital organs. Similarly, the breastplate of righteousness serves as a spiritual shield, protecting our hearts and souls from the corrupting influences of sin and the attacks of Satan.
The concept of righteousness in this context is not about our own moral achievements or self-righteousness. Rather, it is about the righteousness that comes from God, imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ. As Romans 3:22-24 states, “The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
The Imputation of Righteousness
In essence, the breastplate of righteousness signifies our justification before God, made possible through the finished work of Christ on the cross. When we put on this breastplate, we are acknowledging that our righteousness is not based on our own merits, but on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, which has been imputed to us through faith.
This concept is further emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which states, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Here, we see that Christ took on our sin, and in exchange, we receive His righteousness. This exchange is the foundation upon which our righteous standing before God is based.
The Fruit of Righteousness
While the breastplate of righteousness primarily represents our justification before God, it also has implications for our daily lives. As we wear this breastplate, we are called to live a life that reflects the righteousness of God. This means that our actions, words, and thoughts should be guided by the principles of God’s righteousness, rather than our own selfish desires or the influences of the world.
Applying the Breastplate of Righteousness
So, how can we apply the breastplate of righteousness to our daily lives? Here are some practical ways to put on this vital piece of armor:
Recognize Your Righteousness in Christ
The first step in putting on the breastplate of righteousness is to recognize and acknowledge your righteous standing before God. This means understanding that your righteousness is not based on your own merits, but on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Take time to meditate on Scripture, focusing on passages that emphasize your justification before God. As you reflect on these passages, allow the truth of God’s righteousness to sink deep into your heart, and let it guide your actions and decisions.
Live a Life of Integrity
The breastplate of righteousness is not just a symbolic representation of our justification; it also calls us to live a life of integrity, reflecting the character of God in our daily lives. This means being honest, transparent, and faithful in our relationships, and seeking to honor God in all that we do.
Seek accountability from fellow believers, and be willing to ask for help and guidance when you struggle with sin or temptation. By living a life of integrity, you will be better equipped to resist the attacks of the enemy and stand firm in your faith.
Stand Against the Enemy’s Attacks
The breastplate of righteousness is also a vital piece of armor in our spiritual warfare against the enemy. When we put on this breastplate, we are better equipped to stand against the temptations and attacks of Satan.
Practice spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and meditation, and seek to grow in your understanding of God’s Word. By doing so, you will be better prepared to resist the enemy’s attacks and stand firm in your faith.
Conclusion
The breastplate of righteousness is a powerful symbol of our righteous standing before God, and a vital piece of armor in our spiritual warfare against the enemy. By recognizing our righteousness in Christ, living a life of integrity, and standing against the enemy’s attacks, we can effectively put on this breastplate and live a life that honors God.
As you reflect on the breastplate of righteousness, remember that it is not just a symbolic representation of your justification; it is a call to live a life that reflects the character of God. By putting on this breastplate, you will be better equipped to stand firm in your faith, resist the attacks of the enemy, and live a life that honors God.
| Verse | Scripture |
|---|---|
| Romans 3:22-24 | The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:21 | For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. |
Remember, the breastplate of righteousness is not just a piece of armor; it is a symbol of our righteous standing before God, and a call to live a life that reflects His character. By putting on this breastplate, you will be better equipped to stand firm in your faith, resist the attacks of the enemy, and live a life that honors God.
What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?
The Breastplate of Righteousness is a piece of spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:14, where Paul writes, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” It’s a vital part of the armor of God, designed to protect believers from the enemy’s attacks and help them stand firm in their faith.
In essence, the Breastplate of Righteousness represents the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to believers through faith in Him. It’s a reminder that our righteousness doesn’t come from our own works, but from the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, we’re acknowledging our dependence on God’s righteousness and committing to live a life that honors Him.
How does the Breastplate of Righteousness protect us?
The Breastplate of Righteousness protects us from the enemy’s accusations and condemnation. Satan loves to remind us of our past sins and failures, trying to make us feel unworthy and unloved. But when we wear the Breastplate of Righteousness, we’re shielded from those attacks, knowing that we’re clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We’re no longer defined by our past mistakes, but by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.
Moreover, the Breastplate of Righteousness also guards our hearts against the temptation of pride and self-righteousness. When we focus on our own efforts to be good, we can become puffed up and proud, forgetting that our righteousness is a gift from God. The Breastplate of Righteousness keeps us humble, reminding us that our righteousness is not our own, but a reflection of Christ’s character in us.
How do I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness?
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness is not about doing something to earn it; rather, it’s about acknowledging and accepting the gift of righteousness that’s already been given to us. When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive His righteousness as a free gift (Romans 3:24). To put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, we simply need to remember and confess our faith in Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross.
In practical terms, putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness involves meditating on God’s Word, prayer, and worship. As we focus on God’s character and promises, we’re reminded of our true identity in Christ and empowered to live a life that honors Him. By putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness, we’re declaring our dependence on God and committing to reflect His righteousness in our daily lives.
Can I lose the Breastplate of Righteousness?
The Breastplate of Righteousness is a permanent gift from God, and it’s not something we can lose. Once we’ve put our faith in Jesus, we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit, and our salvation is secure (Ephesians 1:13-14). However, we can neglect or forget to wear the Breastplate of Righteousness, leaving ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
When we’re not intentional about putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness, we can become discouraged, feeling like we’re not good enough or that God is distant. But the truth is, God’s righteousness is always available to us, and we can choose to wear it again by refocusing on His character and promises. By doing so, we’ll be reminded of our true identity in Christ and empowered to live a life that honors Him.
How does the Breastplate of Righteousness relate to other parts of the armor?
The Breastplate of Righteousness is closely linked to other parts of the armor of God, particularly the Belt of Truth and the Shield of Faith. The Belt of Truth represents the foundation of our faith, while the Breastplate of Righteousness represents the application of that truth in our lives. The Shield of Faith, which protects us from the enemy’s flaming arrows, is also connected to the Breastplate of Righteousness, as our faith in God’s righteousness enables us to deflect the enemy’s attacks.
Together, these pieces of armor work in harmony to help us stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. The Belt of Truth provides the foundation, the Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts, and the Shield of Faith deflects the enemy’s attacks. By wearing the full armor of God, we’ll be equipped to live a life that honors Him and resists the enemy’s attempts to discourage and defeat us.
Can I wear the Breastplate of Righteousness for someone else?
While we can certainly pray for and support others, we cannot wear the Breastplate of Righteousness on their behalf. The Breastplate of Righteousness is a personal gift from God, given to each believer through faith in Jesus. It’s not something that can be transferred or worn by someone else.
However, we can encourage and disciple others to wear the Breastplate of Righteousness themselves. By sharing the Gospel and teaching others about their true identity in Christ, we can help them understand and accept the gift of righteousness. As they put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, they’ll be empowered to live a life that honors God and resists the enemy’s attacks.
How does the Breastplate of Righteousness impact my daily life?
Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness has a profound impact on our daily lives. When we’re reminded of our true identity in Christ, we’re more likely to live a life that honors Him. We’ll be motivated to make choices that reflect His character, such as forgiving others, loving our neighbors, and standing up for justice.
Moreover, the Breastplate of Righteousness gives us confidence and boldness in our faith. We’ll be more likely to share the Gospel with others, knowing that we’re no longer defined by our past mistakes, but by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. As we wear the Breastplate of Righteousness, we’ll experience a sense of peace, freedom, and joy, knowing that we’re secure in Christ and empowered to live a life that glorifies Him.