Topical Bible: Righteousness: Christ: Put On, As Breast-Plate

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In the Christian theological framework, righteousness is a central theme that is intricately connected to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The concept of righteousness as a breastplate is vividly illustrated in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, where it is depicted as an essential part of the believer's spiritual armor.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Among the various pieces of armor, he specifically mentions the "breastplate of righteousness." Ephesians 6:14 states, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."

This metaphorical use of the breastplate signifies protection and defense. In the context of a Roman soldier's armor, the breastplate was crucial for safeguarding the heart and vital organs. Similarly, the breastplate of righteousness serves to protect the spiritual heart of the believer, guarding against the attacks of sin and temptation.

Christ as Our Righteousness

The righteousness that believers are called to put on is not of their own making but is the righteousness of Christ Himself. This is a righteousness that is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in his letter to the Philippians, where he expresses his desire to "be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith" (Philippians 3:9).

This imputed righteousness is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's atoning work that believers are justified and declared righteous before God. This righteousness is not merely a legal standing but also empowers believers to live holy and upright lives.

Practical Implications

Putting on the breastplate of righteousness involves both a positional and practical aspect. Positionally, believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which assures them of their standing before God. Practically, it calls for a life that reflects the character and holiness of Christ. This involves a daily commitment to live in obedience to God's commands and to pursue moral integrity.

The breastplate of righteousness also serves as a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ. It is a call to live out the new life that has been granted through the Holy Spirit, resisting the temptations and deceptions of the enemy. As believers put on this breastplate, they are equipped to stand firm in their faith, confident in the righteousness that comes from God.

Conclusion

The imagery of the breastplate of righteousness encapsulates the profound truth of the believer's union with Christ. It underscores the necessity of relying on Christ's righteousness for both justification and sanctification. As believers adorn themselves with this spiritual armor, they are empowered to live victoriously in a world that is often hostile to the ways of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:17
For 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... It is to be put on, primarily, by faith. It is given in Christ to simple belief ... He
that hath faith thereby has the righteousness which is through faith in Christ ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
... Afterwards on your breast; that having put on the breast-plate of righteousness,
ye may stand against the wiles of the devil [2437] . For as Christ after His ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxi on the mysteries.htm

October 25. "Now it is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep. Let us ...
... Let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ. ... Not our own works or righteousness, but the
person and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave us His very ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 25 now it is.htm

Epistle Lv. To the People of Thibaris, Exhorting to Martyrdom.
... resist the threats of the devil: let us put on the breastplate of righteousness,
that our ... fortified, that the conquering tongue may confess Christ its Lord ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lv to the people.htm

On the Interior Man
... in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. ... as above; in the psalm: and his tongue
speaks righteousness. ... are the interior man; in the apostle: put on the ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/vi on the interior man.htm

An Awful Contrast
... blemish and without spot, that he might put away the ... matter, and if ye have ever
denied Christ's Deity, or ... done when men prefer their own righteousness to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/an awful contrast.htm

How Great are the Benefits Conferred on Man through the Advent of ...
... Then, those who have put faith in necromancers, receive from ... The trumpet of Christ
is His Gospel ... peace, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and taking ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter xi how great are the.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the eclipse ... Perhaps thou hast scarce a
house to put thy head in ... taken possession of heaven in my head, Christ; he sits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... The gates are the sacred scriptures or righteousness or the ... The foundation is Christ
or faith; in the apostle: for no one can put another foundation ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book ix on jerusalem and.htm

The Work of Christ.
... Hence the teaching that the righteousness of His life is ... we have an advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous ... us to restore our souls, to put us back ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm