The Whole Armor of God--Breastplate of Righteousne
1/10/2018

 
"Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14)

 

The Christian's armor includes the breastplate of righteousness.  Paul speaks of "righteousness" because Satan is the enemy of all righteousness. 


Paul rebuked Elymas the magician and called him a "son of the devil," indicating not only his character, but the one whom he serves. And, as a "son of the devil," that makes Satan an opponent of all righteousness" (Acts 13:10).

 

Paul looks at a Roman soldier going into battle and he says, not only is he committed to the battle he has his loins girded with his belt in order that his movement will not be hindered.  He also has his vital area protected with the breastplate.  The breastplate covers the body's main organs (heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, etc.). This piece of armor would go all the way from the base of the neck to the top of the thighs, covering all that vital area.  No Roman soldier would ever go into a battle without it. In like manner, as Christians we must put on the breastplate of righteousness to be protected in our battles with Satan.

 

Satan looks for points of weakness so he can prompt us to practice unrighteousness.  However, the apostle John wrote, "Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. (I John 3:9). The key word is "practice." 

 

After we are declared righteous by God through the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26) we must practice righteousness. The Psalmist said, "Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:172).  Jesus said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...." (Matthew 6:33).  The only way to be righteous is to follow the example of Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:21).  The apostle John is crystal clear, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (I John 2:1-6).

 

As we strive to be righteous by keeping the Lord's commandments we will fail from time to time. However, the Lord has provided for this in His promise: "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 2:1).  When we confess our sins our Advocate pleads our case and the Father forgives us as is stated, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). 

 

THE BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST

 

The blood and righteousness of Christ,

My beautiful, my glorious dress-

Beyond this world, in these arrayed,

I shall, with joy, lift up my head.

This spotless robe the same appears

When ruined nature sinks in years;

No age can change its glorious hue,

The robe of Christ is ever new.

 

When from the dust of earth I rise

To take my mansion in the skies,

His work alone shall be my plea:

"My Jesus lived and died for me."

I need not fear the Judgment Day-

No charge against me shall remain

For Jesus' blood removes my blame

From sin's tremendous curse and shame.

 

Lord, help my wand'ring heart believe

Your blood is on the mercy seat

Forever pleading innocence

For those who hide in its defense

Then join the saints, in Christ adorned,

Proclaiming now with one accord:

"The Lamb of God has ransomed us

By His own blood and righteousness."

 

  

Original words by Nikolaus Von Zinzendorf (tr. John Wesley).

Updated/additional lyrics & music by Jeff Bourque & David L. Ward.

© 2014 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues

 

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"

Walnut Street Church of Christ






Direct Page Link
Powered By
TheLordsWay.com
Click here to host your
own church web site today!