BREASTPLATE

For He put on righteousness as a BREASTPLATE, and a helmet of salvation on his head… – Isaiah 59:17a

The second element in our Spiritual Armor is the BREASTPLATE of Righteousness (Eph.6:14b). The belt of truth precedes the breastplate: you safeguard yourself by spending time absorbing God’s truths and then apply them through obedient action. The breastplate was the Roman soldiers’ weapon of defence for the enemies’ targets – the heart and lungs! Pierce the heart or lungs and death is imminent. What kind of warrior will go into battle without a breastplate? The opponent was trained to pierce the breastplate with his dagger or sword. The warrior, before the battle, would examine the breastplate carefully, to ensure that it was not in disrepair. The breastplate came in two parts – one to cover the breast and the other the back to protect the body’s vital organs. It often extended even down to the legs: “Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist” (Isa.11:5).

Righteousness is essential to spiritual warfare. The Christian warrior’s foundation and security is in the redemptive work of Christ. We are protected behind the great truth and reality that judgement for our sins fell upon Christ; and that He bore the penalty for our sins. We can rest in faith, and make war in confidence that our sins have been paid for, and exchanged with His righteousness: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us…Righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). Positionally, we became righteous the day we gave our lives to Christ; but practically and progressively, we need to remain and walk in His righteousness: “Little children, let no one deceive you, He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1Jh.3:7).

You need to put on the breastplate of righteousness. That is, you need to examine yourself to see that you are in Christ so that your heart does not condemn you: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God” (1Jh.3:21). You must have a heart free of condemnation as you approach God, stand before Him, and face the enemy (Rom.8:1-2). A heart under condemnation lacks the confidence and strength necessary to face and overcome the devil. A heart free of condemnation faces battles with the breastplate intact, in assurance of victory. There are no broken or torn places that would give the enemy possibility of penetration. Much like a protective covering, obedience guards you from harm. The devil prowls around seeking to deceive and destroy (1Pet. 5:8). Therefore, you must “suit up” daily in the armor that comes from choosing God’s way in your conversation and conduct. When you properly protected, Satan’s arrows of lust, doubt, or fear will never penetrate.

The breastplate of righteousness is not humanly fabricated: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom.3:10). No man can weave his own breastplate or earn his own salvation. Righteousness is imputed by the grace of God (Eph.2:8). The breastplate is issued by the Captain of the Army: “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom.3:24). You must receive it as a gift, maintain it as a steward, put it on, and keep it in top shape as a warrior (Rom.6:13). Maintain the breastplate of righteousness by righteous acts. Make no room for the enemy. As you put it on, you can confidently engage the adversary of your soul, assured that he cannot penetrate it, condemn, injure or destroy you.

In the Old Testament, the high priest had the breastplate put upon him (Lev.8:8). In it were the Urim and Thummim, representing all the wisdom and knowledge of God. Not only is the heart protected, but in it are wisdom, counsel, and knowledge of God. You do not have to stumble through life in doubt and darkness. The breastplate ensures that you operate in supernatural insight. Rejoice and stand fast in the righteousness of Christ, but never neglect personal righteousness. Should you err, take immediate steps to repair the armor: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jh.1:9).