Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: should Have on the Breast-Plate of

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In the Christian faith, righteousness is a fundamental attribute that believers are called to embody. It signifies a state of moral purity and alignment with God's will. The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in Scripture and is often associated with the armor of God, particularly the breastplate of righteousness.

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 pieces of armor, he specifically mentions the breastplate of righteousness: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place" (Ephesians 6:14). This imagery draws from the Roman soldier's armor, where the breastplate protected the vital organs, symbolizing the protection of the believer's heart and soul through righteousness.

Righteousness, in this context, is not merely a personal moral quality but a divine attribute imparted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. It is both imputed and imparted righteousness. Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness of Christ credited to the believer's account, as Paul writes in Romans 4:5: "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" . This righteousness is a gift of grace, received through faith, and is foundational to the believer's standing before God.

Imparted righteousness, on the other hand, involves the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, enabling them to live in accordance with God's standards. This aspect of righteousness is a process of sanctification, where the believer grows in holiness and moral integrity. Paul emphasizes this in Philippians 1:11, where he speaks of being "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" .

The breastplate of righteousness serves as a metaphor for the believer's defense against spiritual attacks. Just as a physical breastplate guards the heart, righteousness protects the believer from the accusations and deceptions of the enemy. It is a call to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, marked by integrity, justice, and holiness.

Furthermore, the call to wear the breastplate of righteousness is a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ. As new creations, Christians are called to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). This new identity empowers believers to resist sin and pursue a life that honors God.

In summary, the breastplate of righteousness is an essential component of the spiritual armor that believers are instructed to wear. It signifies both the imputed righteousness of Christ and the ongoing work of sanctification in the believer's life. By embracing this righteousness, saints are equipped to stand firm in their faith and live in a manner that reflects the holiness of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... vigorous in the measure in which faith is vivid, but it should follow, not ... and white,'
which is the heavenly and final form of the righteousness of Saints. ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity ... of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, Philadelphia, we ... been sufficiently large, we should have written ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

Ephesians vi. 14-17
... all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and on ... saith, that God hath
"put on righteousness as a ... breastplate, it cannot be that he should fear the ...
/.../homily xxiv ephesians vi 14-17.htm

Appendix.
... for grace and mercy is to His saints and visitation ... good things doth he acquire the
fruit of righteousness. ... man in Thy wisdom that he should have dominion over ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

The Fourth Season,
... these things ought not so to be; saints should be of ... The emperor threatening that
then he should die; he ... in my power to die with constancy." Righteousness is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... "The poor saints" that were ... armour of God," including "the breastplate of righteousness,
the shield ... we find him saying""I would ye should understand, brethren ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... it was not consistent with law that one prisoner should insult another ... are robed
in Christ's fine linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, are caught ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... 1. In the matter of justification, the saints are complete ... and even so Jesus, our
Sun of Righteousness, is only ... If an angel should fly from heaven, and inform ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

The Obscure Apostles
... He is all their strength, wisdom, and righteousness. ... must be found in an apostle
was that he should have been in ... 'This honour have all the saints.' Christ is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the obscure apostles.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... If you are more generous than other saints, if you ... the Lord also consider how he
should sustain his ... with the right hand of my righteousness." Christian, take ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm