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"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness."

Text: Ephesians 6:14

THE BREASTPLATE

This piece of armour offers protection from the shoulders to the loins. It is good to discover more about this piece of armour called the breastplate.

1. Standard issue

The Roman army gave all its soldiers a metal breastplate to protect them when they engage the enemy.

2. Special personal acquisition

There were some who went beyond standard issue. Some soldiers who could afford it actually wore a “chain mail”. This equipment was very costly and thus not standard issue. It was supposed to be impenetrable to sword thrusts.

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

What should we think about when we consider the word “righteousness”? Two thoughts come readily to mind.

1. Imputed righteousness

Paul wrote about this extensively in his writings. The following text taken from the Epistle to the Philippians illustrates this fundamental truth that Paul constantly emphasized.

And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness,
Which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ,
The righteousness which is from God by faith.
PHILIPPIANS 3:9

a) This is righteousness imputed by God to all believers.

b) This imputed righteousness is given through the Lord Jesus.

c) It is possible only when one finds faith in the Lord Jesus as Saviour.

2. Personal Righteousness

What then is “personal righteousness”?

a) It is a lifestyle characterized by righteousness.

b) However, this righteousness cannot bring about salvation.

c) Personal righteousness should naturally result from a proper and full comprehension of imputed righteousness. Every believer must seek to be conscious of the fact that he is a “new man which was created in true righteousness and holiness” (Cf. Ephesians 4:24).