What is the significance of the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians 6?

In Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, he presents a vivid and compelling image of the Christian life as a spiritual battle. Within this metaphor, he describes the "armor of God," a set of spiritual tools that believers must don to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. One key component of this armor is the "breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14). To fully grasp the significance of this piece of armor, we must delve into its biblical context, theological implications, and practical applications for the Christian life.

The breastplate was a crucial piece of armor for a Roman soldier, protecting the vital organs, particularly the heart and lungs, from enemy attacks. This imagery would have been readily understood by Paul's audience, who were familiar with Roman military gear. By likening righteousness to a breastplate, Paul emphasizes the protective power of living a righteous life in Christ.

Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is multifaceted. It encompasses both the imputed righteousness of Christ, which believers receive through faith, and the practical righteousness that manifests in a believer's life through sanctification. The breastplate of righteousness, therefore, signifies both our secure position in Christ and our ongoing pursuit of holy living.

Firstly, the imputed righteousness of Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. When we place our faith in Jesus, His righteousness is credited to us. This is often referred to as justification, a legal declaration by God that we are righteous because of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Paul elaborates on this concept in his letter to the Romans: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Romans 1:17, NIV). This imputed righteousness is not something we earn but a gift from God, providing us with an unshakeable standing before Him.

However, the breastplate of righteousness also has a practical dimension. As believers, we are called to live out the righteousness we have received. This involves a daily commitment to align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with God's will. Paul exhorts the Ephesians earlier in his letter to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24, NIV). This practical righteousness is the evidence of our transformed lives and our ongoing sanctification.

The breastplate of righteousness serves as a defense against the enemy's attacks. Satan, referred to as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), constantly seeks to undermine our confidence in our standing before God by reminding us of our sins and failures. When we wear the breastplate of righteousness, we are reminded that our righteousness is not based on our performance but on Christ's finished work on the cross. This truth guards our hearts against condemnation and guilt, enabling us to stand firm in our faith.

Moreover, living a righteous life protects us from the consequences of sin. Sin has a way of entangling us and leading us away from God's best for our lives. By pursuing righteousness, we safeguard our hearts from the destructive effects of sin. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." The breastplate of righteousness helps us to guard our hearts, ensuring that we remain on the path of life and peace.

The significance of the breastplate of righteousness extends beyond individual protection; it also has a communal aspect. As members of the body of Christ, our righteous living impacts the entire community of believers. When we walk in righteousness, we contribute to the health and vitality of the church. Conversely, when we fall into sin, it can bring harm and division to the body. Paul addresses this communal dimension in Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV), urging believers to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Furthermore, the breastplate of righteousness is integral to our witness to the world. Jesus taught that our good deeds should shine before others, leading them to glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). When we live righteously, we reflect the character of Christ and draw others to Him. Our righteous living becomes a testimony of God's transformative power and a beacon of hope in a dark world.

The concept of the breastplate of righteousness also finds resonance in well-known Christian literature. John Bunyan's classic allegory, "The Pilgrim's Progress," vividly illustrates the spiritual journey of a believer. In one scene, the protagonist, Christian, dons the armor of God to face Apollyon, a fierce adversary. The breastplate of righteousness, along with the other pieces of armor, equips Christian to withstand the enemy's attacks and emerge victorious. Bunyan's portrayal underscores the importance of spiritual armor in the believer's life and the central role of righteousness in our spiritual warfare.

In practical terms, putting on the breastplate of righteousness involves a daily commitment to seek God and His righteousness. This includes regular prayer, studying God's Word, and cultivating a lifestyle of obedience and holiness. It also involves repentance and confession when we fall short, trusting in God's grace to restore us. By continually striving to live righteously, we maintain our spiritual defenses and remain steadfast in our faith.

In conclusion, the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians 6 holds profound significance for the believer. It represents both the imputed righteousness of Christ, which secures our standing before God, and the practical righteousness that we are called to live out. This spiritual armor protects our hearts from the enemy's attacks, guards us against the consequences of sin, and strengthens our witness to the world. As we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we stand firm in our faith, contributing to the health of the body of Christ and reflecting the transformative power of the gospel.