Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "breastplate" is often used figuratively to convey spiritual truths and moral principles. The breastplate, a piece of armor covering the chest, symbolizes protection and righteousness in the spiritual realm. This imagery is primarily drawn from the context of ancient warfare, where the breastplate was essential for safeguarding a soldier's vital organs during battle.Breastplate of Righteousness The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, employs the metaphor of the breastplate to describe the spiritual armor of a Christian. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place" . Here, the breastplate represents righteousness, a key attribute that protects the believer's heart and soul from spiritual attacks. This righteousness is not self-derived but is imputed through faith in Jesus Christ, enabling believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Breastplate of Faith and Love In another epistle, Paul uses the breastplate metaphor to highlight the virtues of faith and love. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, he writes, "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet" . Here, faith and love are depicted as protective armor, essential for living a life that reflects the light of Christ. Faith serves as a shield against doubt and fear, while love binds the believer to God and others, fostering unity and strength within the body of Christ. Breastplate in the Old Testament The concept of the breastplate also appears in the Old Testament, particularly in the description of the high priest's garments. The high priest wore a breastplate adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). While this breastplate was a literal piece of the priestly attire, it carried significant symbolic meaning. It represented the high priest's role as an intercessor for the people, bearing their names before the Lord. This imagery foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers. Symbol of Divine Protection Throughout Scripture, the breastplate serves as a symbol of divine protection and moral integrity. It underscores the importance of living a life characterized by righteousness, faith, and love. By donning this spiritual armor, believers are equipped to withstand the trials and temptations of the world, secure in the knowledge that they are guarded by the power of God. In summary, the figurative use of the breastplate in the Bible emphasizes the necessity of spiritual readiness and the virtues that safeguard the believer's heart. It is a powerful reminder of the protection afforded by a life rooted in Christ and the transformative power of His righteousness. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 59:17For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation on his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 6:14 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Library Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ... The Teacher Come from God and the Teacher from Jerusalem - Jesus ... Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ... Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. The Second Commandment From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does it mean to resist the devil, and why will resistance cause the devil to flee? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Breastplate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Breastplate for Soldiers: Bright and Shining Breastplate for Soldiers: Made of Iron Breastplate for the High Priest: Form and Dimensions of Breastplate for the High Priest: Made from the offering of the People Breastplate for the High Priest: Materials of Breastplate of the High Priest Breastplate: A Part of Defensive Armour Breastplate: A Part of the High Priest's Dress Breastplate: Armor for Soldiers Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Breastplate: for High Priest: Freewill offering of Materials For Breastplate: for High Priest: Made by Bezaleel Breastplate: for High Priest: Worn by Aaron Breastplate: had Names of the Tribes Engraved on Precious Stones Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Defence of Faith and Love Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Defence of Righteousness Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Righteous Judgment of Christ Breastplate: Inseparably United to the Ephod Breastplate: The Urim and Thummim Placed In Breastplate: Worn As a Memorial Related Terms |
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