The Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Key Verse:

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

— Ephesians 6:14 (NKJV)

Introduction

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, uses the imagery of a Roman soldier to describe the believer’s spiritual defense against the enemy. Among the six elements of the "armor of God," the breastplate of righteousness plays a crucial role in guarding the most vital organ—the heart.

Just as a physical breastplate protects a soldier's chest from arrows and swords, the spiritual breastplate protects the believer’s spiritual heart—the center of emotion, identity, conviction, and will—from the deadly blows of sin, guilt, and accusation.

1. Understanding Righteousness

A. Imputed (Justifying) Righteousness — Our Position in Christ

This righteousness is not our own; it is given to us by God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that justifies us before God and is the basis of our salvation.

“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 (NKJV)

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

This imputed righteousness is unshakable. It silences the enemy’s accusations and gives us boldness before God.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”

— Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

B. Practical (Sanctifying) Righteousness — Our Daily Living

While imputed righteousness secures our salvation, practical righteousness is how we live it out.

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

— 2 Timothy 2:19 (NKJV)

“Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”

— Romans 6:13 (NKJV)

Practical righteousness is not about earning God’s love but responding to it. It involves making choices that reflect God's holiness in our speech, conduct, thoughts, and priorities.

2. Why the Breastplate of Righteousness Matters

A. It Guards the Heart

The heart is the command center of life. Proverbs tells us:

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

— Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

Satan often attacks through:

Temptation

Condemnation

Deception

Accusation

Without the protection of righteousness, we are vulnerable. But with it, we can stand firm.

B. It Silences Accusations

The enemy is called the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). He tries to remind us of past sins, failures, and shortcomings. But when we wear the breastplate of righteousness, we remember:

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

— Romans 8:33 (NKJV)

Wearing righteousness allows us to stand not in our perfection, but in Christ’s perfection.

C. It Strengthens Our Witness

Righteousness isn’t just defensive—it’s also a testimony to others. When we live rightly, we reflect the character of God.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

Living righteously guards our integrity and empowers our message.

3. How to Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness

A. By Faith in Christ

We must start with faith in Jesus. No amount of good works can earn this breastplate—it is a gift from God.

“...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us...”

— Titus 3:5 (NKJV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

— Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

B. By Daily Surrender

We must walk in righteousness daily through choices, habits, and attitudes.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

— 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)

This includes:

Repentance when we sin (1 John 1:9)

Obedience to God’s Word (Psalm 119:9)

Living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

4. Examples of the Breastplate in Action

Joseph fled from temptation (Genesis 39), showing righteousness in action.

Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1), wearing the breastplate even in a hostile culture.

Jesus Himself, though tempted in every way, remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15), demonstrating the power of righteousness.

Conclusion

The Breastplate of Righteousness is a vital part of our spiritual armor. It is both a gift we receive through faith in Christ, and a responsibility we walk out daily in obedience.

Let us:

Rest in the righteousness of Christ.

Reject the lies and accusations of the enemy.

Reflect God's righteousness in our daily lives.

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

— Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)