After fastening the Belt of Truth, the next essential piece of armor is the Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).
A Roman soldier’s breastplate covered his chest and vital organs, especially the heart. Without it, even a small strike could prove fatal. In the same way, righteousness is the protective covering God gives us to guard our spiritual heart against the enemy’s attacks.
There are two dimensions to this righteousness:
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Imputed Righteousness (the gift of God): The moment we believe in Jesus Christ, His righteousness is credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is not something we earn by good works, but a free gift of grace. This righteousness ensures that when God looks at us, He sees us justified in Christ. Without this, we could never stand before God.
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Practical Righteousness (daily living): Beyond the gift, we must also walk righteously. This means choosing holiness in our daily lives—fleeing sin, pursuing obedience, and living uprightly. A soldier may own a breastplate, but if he doesn’t wear it, he is still vulnerable.
Satan often attacks the heart through condemnation, guilt, temptation, and accusations. He whispers: “You are not worthy. God cannot forgive you. Your past defines you.” But when your heart is protected with the breastplate of righteousness, you can boldly say:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).
“The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
Remember, righteousness is both a gift to be received and a lifestyle to be lived. The believer who wears this breastplate cannot be destroyed by shame, fear, or guilt, because his heart is covered by Christ’s finished work.
✨ Reflection: Are you wearing your breastplate today, or have you left your heart exposed to bitterness, immorality, or compromise? Put it on by faith, and walk in holiness.
🔥 Prayer Point: Lord, thank You for clothing me with Your righteousness. Help me to walk in holiness daily and keep my heart guarded from every attack of the enemy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.