Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Breastplate of Righteousness

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Breastplate of Righteousness" is a critical element in the spiritual armor described by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. This metaphorical armor is part of the broader "Armor of God" that believers are encouraged to don in their spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. The breastplate, in particular, symbolizes the righteousness that protects the heart and soul of the believer.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the Breastplate of Righteousness is found in Ephesians 6:14: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place" . This passage is part of a larger exhortation in Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul instructs Christians to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Symbolism and Significance

In the context of Roman military attire, the breastplate was a crucial piece of armor that protected a soldier's vital organs, particularly the heart. Spiritually, the Breastplate of Righteousness serves a similar protective function for the believer. It represents the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers through faith, as well as the practical righteousness that believers are called to live out in their daily lives.

Imputed Righteousness

From a theological perspective, the Breastplate of Righteousness first and foremost signifies the imputed righteousness of Christ. This is the righteousness that is credited to believers by faith, as articulated in passages such as Romans 3:22: "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . This imputed righteousness is foundational for the believer's standing before God, providing assurance and security in the spiritual battle.

Practical Righteousness

In addition to imputed righteousness, the Breastplate of Righteousness also calls believers to a life of practical righteousness. This involves living in obedience to God's commands and reflecting the character of Christ in one's actions. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:11, believers are to be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" . This practical righteousness serves as a defense against the accusations and temptations of the enemy.

Spiritual Warfare

The Breastplate of Righteousness is essential in the believer's spiritual warfare. It guards the heart against the attacks of the enemy, such as guilt, shame, and condemnation. By standing firm in the righteousness of Christ and pursuing a life of holiness, believers can resist the devil's schemes and remain steadfast in their faith.

Application for Believers

For Christians, putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness involves both a recognition of their position in Christ and a commitment to live out that position in daily life. It requires a reliance on the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness and a dedication to spiritual disciplines that foster growth in holiness. By doing so, believers are equipped to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition, confident in the righteousness that protects and sustains them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Armour of God
... he writes to soldiers, and their lives to warfare. ... that if his armour was God's armour,
God alone ... all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.' Those who ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... this end that we risk our lives in the warfare of this ... your thoughts, you must then
put on the armour of fasting ... die and rest in the sleep of the saints (and I ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... For such are the bowels of the saints, that they ... armour, for we have a heavy warfare
to wage ... the Ecclesiastical dress, but with the spiritual armour, which the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

A Discourse
... intended as a type of the Christian warfare, is left ... defensively, it had a tower,
it had armour; its tower ... lie upon the pillars, or the truth upon the saints. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Holy War,
... of faith, the helmet, the breastplate, the two ... who have been engaged in a similar
warfare. ... and Nonconformists, commented upon the Christian's armour and weapons ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm