Breastplate of Righteousness

When we begin a conversation about righteousness it will inevitably lead to discussion about faith and works, the law and grace.  This is no small theological topic. 

 

We learn several foundational truths about righteousness when studying the Word of God:

1. Righteousness isn't external works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:1-13)
2. No one is righteous other than Christ (Romans 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 64:6)
3. Christ becomes our righteousness when we believe (Philippians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 4:3, Romans 8:1-4, Romans 10:4)
4. We are called to seek, grow, train and pursue righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:25, Psalms 15:1-5, Isaiah 51:1, Hosea 14:9, 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Timothy 6:11,  2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 15:9, etc)

Righteousness is, at it's core, a heart issue, and the breastplate naturally protects the heart. The act of putting on the breastplate of righteousness protects us in three ways:

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. - Romans 13:14

Firstly, when we put our faith in Christ Jesus, his righteousness is imputed to us and our faith in him is counted as our own righteousness.  We are "putting on Christ". Christ's righteousness fulfils God's just punishment for sin and frees us from bondage to sin.  We are free men who no longer have to fulfil the desires of the flesh. 

 

Secondly, as also written in Romans 13, we are to "make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts".  If our faith is true faith, if we believe in Him then we will follow Him, we will seek Him, we will obey His commands, not as proof of our faith but as the inevitable fruit of it.  We will pursue righteousness because Christ is righteous and we want to know Him and imitate Him.  We will mortify sin because it repulses us the way it repulses a righteous God and because we see the terrible consequences sin has on the body of our blessed savior! 

The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O LORD, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls. At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; - Isaiah 26:7-9

Thirdly, righteousness protects us because our obedience pleases the Father.  When we walk in faith, truth, and righteousness the Lord will bless us. He straightens our paths, He guides our feet, He delivers us from trouble and from the evil one.  (Psalms 106:3, Psalms 37:6, Matthew 5:6, Hosea 10:12, )