Breastplate of Righteousness
We have girt ourselves in the Truth of the Gospel of Grace. We stand, through the power of Christ, humble in the Grace we have been given. We are now prepared to begin putting on our armor and readying ourselves for the battles ahead.
So, what is this "righteousness" we seek? Is it following in the Law? Being perfect and without sin? Do we need a fast or a certain prayer before we put on our Breastplate?
(Rom 1:16-17
KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the
Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith.
(Rom 10:10-11 KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him
shall not be ashamed.
Again, by Grace, this is a gift from GOD, through our faith in HIM, and the Salvation given us through Jesus. We can't earn it, we can't make it for ourselves. Our Breastplate is made of the very righteousness of our Lord, not our own. We have no righteousness of our own. This is not the breastplate of Self-Righteousness, that would never defend our heart from the blows of the enemy. We stand, covered in the Blood of the Lamb.
This Breastplate is pure and unsoiled, it is the very righeousness of GOD. We wear it in awe of HIS majesty, and in respect, we care for it with all diligence. We wear it proudly, yet humbly. And in wearing it we strive to take on its nature.
(2 Cor 6:3-7 KJV) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.
If we wear the Righteousness of our Lord, we do so in total obedience and submission. We can not take up this armour lightly, but in all reverence and commitment to duty. We wear this, not to shield ourselves, but that we might be a living shield for our brothers and sisters. If we are to wear His Breastplate, we must also shoulder His Cross. We have been called to the life of a warrior and our life must be set aside. Jesus bore all for us, and through the covering of His Blood, we shall bare much for our brethren.
This is the Call of a Warrior, that we willingly die to ourselves and live for our brethren in Christ. If we are not willing to die, we shall fail. (Mat 16:24 KJV) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Are you prepared to continue in this quest? There is no looking back once you enter the fray. If you are prepared to serve Him, it is time to slip into the sandals of the Nazarene and walk with our Lord.