The Armour of God (Part 2) - The Breastplate of Righteousness

How does God feel about you right now? Often, our answer reverts to a works mindset. This leads to either self-despair when we sin, and self-righteousness when we do good. We look to ourselves, which is pride.

Satan tries to keep us from knowing Christ, either initially or further. It is impossible to stand unless we put on the breastplate of righteousness. However, we must not put on the wrong breastplate of self-righteousness.

The breastplate was used to protect the most vital organs of the soldier. Likewise, the spiritual breastplate protects our hearts, which we must guard. (Prov 4:23)

But first we are to put on the belt of truth. The breastplate we put on must be based on truth of the Bible. Paul is talking about Christ's righteousness. Isa 59:17 – We can't deliver ourselves; God must bring us salvation, and He puts on the breastplate of righteousness. Our inherent righteousness is insufficient. The breastplate in Eph 6 is the same oneGod puts on in Isa 59.

This is imputed righteousness. We have no righteousness that meets God's qualifications, as we must be perfect as He is. We need someone to credit their righteousness to our account. If we believe in Christ, His righteousness is accounted to us; our sin is accounted to Him. (2 Cor 5:21) As with Joshua in Zech 3:1-4, God removes our old rags and gives us a new one: Christ's righteousness.

Phil 3:3ff – As a Pharisee, Paul had the wrong breastplate of righteousness: his worthless works. But now his old self-righteousness is removed and Christ's is imputed. What God demands, God supplies for us in Christ. Matt 11:28, those weary with labour can find rest in Christ.

Focus on Him!