The Breastplate of RIghteousness
"And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" Philippians 3:9
Even on my darkest day, I am the righteousness of Christ!
Years ago, my wife and I experienced a profound transformation when we grasped and surrendered to our identity in Christ. This Biblical truth revolutionized our lives, igniting a new level of spiritual growth. We learned to love one another from our renewed hearts in Christ, a love that was genuine and profound.
One crucial element of the Armor of God that we came to understand intimately is the Breastplate of Righteousness. This breastplate serves as a shield for our most vulnerable area—our heart, the seat of our feelings and emotions. It provides a secure barrier, preventing us from being wounded or succumbing to the fear of rejection.
Our acceptance comes from being right with God, now and forever. We are alive with the righteous life of Christ. Once and for all, Jesus has removed our sin and guilt (Romans 8:1, II Corinthians 5:21). When we believe this and rejoice in it, Satan's accusations will glance off our "breastplates" and fall away. The Word of God tells us we already have that piece of armor on in Ephesians 6:14b: "…and having on the breastplate of righteousness". Another translation reads it this way: "…and the body of Armor of God's righteousness". This righteousness, this armor, is a powerful weapon in our spiritual warfare, one that we can wear with confidence and strength.
In Christ's time on earth, no Roman soldier would go into battle without his breastplate, a tough, sleeveless armor covering his whole torso. The purpose of the breastplate is to protect the vital organs, including the heart. In Jewish thinking, the heart represents the mind, will, and emotions. The mind and emotions are two areas where satan most fiercely attacks believers. The enemy will attack to wound our hearts with condemnation and accusation, leading to despair. If we trust ourselves for our righteousness, we are left defenseless. We must cover ourselves with the righteousness of Christ!
Here are some points to consider:
Three Ways That Satan Attacks
1. Accusations (Revelation 12:10) – Despair comes from believing what Satan says rather than what God says about my righteousness in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
2. Condemnation (Romans 8:1) – Satan condemns me to keep me from coming to Jesus for help and repentance.
3. Spiritual Pride and Legalism (Romans 10:3) – trusting in my righteousness, which is rooted in the pride of our flesh.
When we sin, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those in Christ! Yes, we need to acknowledge our sins, and Jesus is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). We can stand with Christ's righteousness around us like a breastplate. Satan has nothing to accuse us of because we are made righteous in Christ. We can now have a clear conscience before God and Man (Acts 24:16). This is the essence of true freedom.