As we continue today on our journey to be able to fight the battles of life that wage against us, we will look at an element in our Armor that is vital to success. Without righteousness, we cannot win even the tiniest of battles. It is the first piece we would receive when we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins. His righteousness is applied to us. Having His righteousness is the only way we can have eternal life.
Ephesians 6:14 “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”
In ancient times, wars were fought with swords, spears, and arrows. It was important for the soldier to wear gear that could withstand the piercing of a sword and deflect a flying arrow. Especially, in the vital areas. The breastplate was to protect those areas that could cause immediate death if a weapon were to penetrate it.
During Paul’s time, the breastplate worn by Roman soldiers was usually made of iron and would have been very heavy, but very effective in covering and protecting the vital organs of the body. It consisted of overlapping pieces of metal with connecting front and back sections. On the shoulders, there would be rounded pieces holding the front and back together. It also rested on the hips so that the entire weight would not have been on the shoulders. Overlapping pieces allowed for a little flexibility to move the upper body.
Paul uses the analogy of the breastplate to righteousness because it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that covers us, and allows us to stand in God’s presence. It is his righteousness that allows us to gain eternal life. On our own, we could never win the battle over sin. Isiah paints a picture that allows us to see our righteousness compared to Christ.
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
To be righteous simply means to be in right standing with God. When he forgives us, we are justified and free of condemnation. Righteousness is imputed and given freely to us because Jesus paid our sin debt. This gives us the right to stand before God as if we were sinless. Righteousness is not only imputed to us but to live a life pleasing to God. This is a gift, not something we can earn.
This righteousness delivers and protects us from eternal death. It will direct our paths so that we have a better life here on this earth, and it will allow us to gain a perfect life in the eternal realm of Heaven.
Proverbs 11:4-6 “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.”
If you have never put on this breastplate of righteousness you are not protected from Satan here or in the hereafter. The first step is to admit that you are a sinner and without Christ, you have no hope of eternal life.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”
We are all guilty!
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
We all deserve death in hell. That is the wages we earn. Because of God’s holiness sin cannot enter heaven. Because of His justice, the price for sin must be paid. Yet, because of His love, he made a way.
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
That word commendeth means He demonstrated his love by giving His Son in our place. It took sinless perfection to be the sacrifice. Only Jesus met these standards.
Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
It’s that simple, and yet profound. We too can have protection. Satan will shoot every weapon our way that he has in his arsenal. However, when we put on the “breastplate of righteousness” we are protected.
Are you covered? If not, this defensive weapon is available for you also. If you already have the breastplate of righteousness, you need to check it out and make sure there are no gaping holes that have opened a vital area to Satan. Undealt with sin will leave us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan. Is your breastplate shiny and all polished up? Does it reflect God and His word in you? If not get busy. Repair it with the prayer of repentance and the desire to obey. Suit up and be ready for the battle that is coming your way.
