Topical Bible: Faith: Protection of, Illustrated: A Breastplate

◄ Faith: Protection of, Illustrated: A Breastplate ►

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In the biblical context, faith is often depicted as a protective element in the life of a believer, akin to a piece of armor. This imagery is vividly illustrated in the metaphor of the breastplate, a crucial component of a soldier's armor designed to shield the heart and vital organs from attack. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, employs this metaphor to convey the protective power of faith in the spiritual life of Christians.

Ephesians 6:14 · In his letter to the Ephesians, 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 is associated with righteousness, which is intrinsically linked to faith. Righteousness, as understood in the Christian tradition, is not achieved through human effort but is imputed through faith in Jesus Christ. Thus, faith acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding the believer's heart against spiritual assaults.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 · Paul further elaborates on this concept in his first letter to the Thessalonians: "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" . In this passage, faith is directly likened to a breastplate, emphasizing its role in protecting the believer. The combination of faith and love as a breastplate suggests that these virtues work together to fortify the believer against the challenges and temptations of the world.

The breastplate metaphor underscores the necessity of faith as a defensive measure in the spiritual warfare that Christians are called to engage in. Just as a physical breastplate guards a soldier's heart from physical harm, faith shields the believer's heart from spiritual harm, such as doubt, fear, and temptation. This protective aspect of faith is not passive but requires active engagement and reliance on God's promises and truth.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of faith as protection is not limited to the New Testament. Throughout Scripture, faith is portrayed as a refuge and shield. For instance, in the Psalms, David frequently speaks of God as his shield and fortress, a theme that resonates with the protective nature of faith (see Psalm 18:2, 28:7).

The imagery of the breastplate serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role of faith in the life of a believer. It is a call to embrace faith not merely as a belief system but as a dynamic and protective force that guards the heart and soul against the adversities of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book 5 Footnotes
... the great commendation of her faith and good ... every individual person under his
protection; though he ... of the Hebrews, is greatly illustrated by Sanchoniatho's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... man by fear of God its chief protection in all ... God for good, [1045]478; this disposal
illustrated by things ... Faith, the gift of God, [1049]431, [1050]502; denied ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... He said, moreover, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Heb.10:38). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm