What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14-15, ESV)

In my younger years, I was notorious for borrowing my older sister’s clothes.

Beth always indulged me and when I donned one of her sweaters or blouses, I felt so glamorous, cool, and grown-up. 

Having an older sister was kind of like always having access to a brand-new wardrobe! 

Sara Claudia and her sister, Beth, smiling at one another in flowery dresses in 2010.

When we come to know Christ, we become “new” in a much more important way. 

As we are saved through our faith, it allows Christ to live in us, work on us, and change us.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

When my younger, preteen self would trade clothes with my older, cooler sister, it wasn’t really fair to her.

She had absolutely no desire to wear a middle schooler’s gauchos to high school. Because of her graciousness, though, she still let me raid her closet expecting nothing in return other than a gap-toothed smile and a quick “thank you!”

A rugged cross with sunshine beaming behind.

Likewise, the trade that Christ made was not fair to Him in any sense.

He died on the cross, took our sin, and in return, we gained His righteousness.

If we try to rely on our own righteousness, we will always fall short.

Living righteously means that we live in an upright manner as we resist wandering from God’s perfect path.

As humans, our imperfection means that we are bound to stray and sin.

We can never live completely righteously all the time no matter how hard we try.

This shortcoming gives perfect ammunition to the enemy, who feeds off of our weaknesses.

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, however, our sins were wiped clean and we have access to Christ’s just, upright, and righteous character to help us ward off the devil’s evil schemes.

When we look at a knight in shining armor, his breastplate is what covers all of his vital organs, such as the heart.  

This important piece of equipment provides protection that is necessary for survival. 

A bronze breastplate zoomed in.

When we don the breastplate of righteousness, our own imperfect and sinful nature is covered by Christ’s opposite characteristics. 

Thus, our heart is protected from the temptation, deceit, and evil desires of the devil.

What is a practical way to utilize the breastplate of righteousness in our everyday lives? 

Adopting and memorizing a “heart verse” is a powerful way to protect yourself from the temptations of the enemy. 

It could be a verse that reminds you of Christ’s righteousness or even a verse that speaks to your own specific sin struggle. 

Whatever you choose, keeping that verse in your mind will help you guard your heart as trials arise.