The Defensive Armor
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Guarding the Heart
Description
The breastplate protected the soldier's vital organs, particularly the heart. Righteousness serves as the believer's breastplate, guarding against Satan's accusations and attacks. This includes both imputed righteousness—Christ's righteousness credited to believers through faith—and practical righteousness—holy living that gives the devil no foothold. When Satan accuses, believers stand in Christ's perfect righteousness; when he tempts, they resist through righteous conduct that keeps conscience clear and provides no opening for his attacks.
Key Verses
And having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love.