The concept of the "breastplate of righteousness" as presented in Ephesians 6:14 is a vivid and powerful metaphor that the Apostle Paul uses to illustrate the spiritual armor necessary for Christians to stand firm against the challenges and temptations of life. To fully appreciate and understand how one can "put on" this breastplate, it is crucial to delve into the context of the passage, the nature of righteousness, and the practical implications for a believer's life.
Context of Ephesians 6:14
Ephesians 6:14 is part of a larger passage where Paul discusses the "Armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). This passage is an exhortation to the believers in Ephesus to be strong in the Lord and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier's armor to describe the spiritual defenses that Christians must employ. The breastplate, in particular, was a crucial piece of armor for a soldier, protecting the vital organs from attacks. Similarly, the breastplate of righteousness protects the believer's heart and soul from spiritual assaults.
Understanding Righteousness
Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is a multifaceted concept. It primarily refers to being in right standing with God. This righteousness is not something that can be earned through human effort or moral behavior but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans 3:22, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Therefore, the breastplate of righteousness is not about our own righteousness but about the righteousness of Christ that we receive by faith.
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness
To "put on" the breastplate of righteousness involves a few key aspects:
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Faith in Christ's Righteousness: The first step is to accept and believe in the righteousness of Christ. It is through His life, death, and resurrection that we are made righteous before God. This understanding is foundational because it shifts the focus from self-righteousness to the righteousness that comes from God. Paul emphasizes in Philippians 3:9, "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
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Living a Righteous Life: While righteousness is a gift, it also calls for a response in how we live. Putting on the breastplate means committing to live in a way that reflects the righteousness we have received. This involves making choices that align with God's will, pursuing holiness, and turning away from sin. In Ephesians 4:24, Paul encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
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Guarding Your Heart: The breastplate protects the heart, symbolizing the need to guard our inner life. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This means being vigilant about what we allow into our minds and hearts, such as thoughts, attitudes, and influences that can lead us away from God's righteousness.
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Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Righteous living is not achievable by human strength alone. It requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and strengthens us to live in accordance with God's righteousness.
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Community and Accountability: Being part of a community of believers provides support and accountability in our pursuit of righteousness. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Fellowship with other Christians helps us stay focused and committed to living righteously.
Practical Implications
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness has profound implications for everyday life. It affects how we interact with others, make decisions, and view ourselves. Here are a few practical ways this can manifest:
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Integrity in Relationships: Righteousness influences how we treat others, fostering honesty, kindness, and respect. It calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
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Moral and Ethical Decisions: The breastplate guides us in making choices that honor God, whether in business, family, or personal life. It challenges us to uphold ethical standards and to resist the temptation to compromise our values.
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Self-Perception and Identity: Recognizing that our righteousness is in Christ helps us to see ourselves as God sees us—loved, valued, and redeemed. It frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves and allows us to live confidently and securely in our identity as children of God.
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Resilience in Trials: The breastplate of righteousness provides strength and stability in the face of trials and spiritual battles. Knowing that we stand in Christ's righteousness gives us the courage to face challenges with faith and perseverance.
Conclusion
In summary, putting on the breastplate of righteousness is an ongoing, dynamic process that involves faith in Christ's completed work, a commitment to live according to God's standards, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is both a position we hold in Christ and a practice we live out daily. As we embrace this divine armor, we are equipped to stand firm, protected against the spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith and integrity. By clothing ourselves in righteousness, we not only safeguard our own hearts but also become beacons of God's love and truth in a world that desperately needs both.
