We are continuing to take a very practical look at how to wear the armor of God from Ephesians 6. If you've been following along, you know that we began by looking at why we need spiritual armor, and last week, we explored the belt of Truth—our foundation for everything else.

If you missed either of those posts, I encourage you to go back and read them. And remember, these are my thoughts and opinions! Join our private Savor Community Facebook group and share your thoughts and insights. 

This week, let's continue in Ephesians 6:14 which says: 

".... and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"

What Is Biblical Righteousness, Really?

For many people, it can be a little difficult to actually define "righteousness". I have often heard it  described as "being in right standing with God," or "being in a right relationship with God." Personally, I tend to think of the definition as living life according to God's moral law—His standards, His Truth, His way of doing things. That is why it is so important to have God's Truth as our foundation. But there is more to it—biblical righteousness comes not from our actions, but from God through our faith in Jesus alone (Romans 3:21-24). 

Whose Righteousness Are We Wearing?

Because we are not yet perfect, our own righteous acts are not enough to defend us against the enemy. So when we talk about wearing the breastplate of righteousness, we are actually holding up the righteousness of Christ to protect us—righteousness purchased for us by Jesus on the cross—not our own good works. 

In Philippians 3:9, Paul writes:

“... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” 

Living Under the Covering of Righteousness

We wear the breastplate in our daily life by seeking God and His righteousness above all else. We acknowledge His Truth and desire to live according to His commands. When we fail, His righteousness covers us against the enemy, but it does not give us a free pass to live any way we choose.    

Here are a few verses that stand out to me as I think about righteousness:

• Matthew 5:20
  “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

• 2 Corinthians 5:21
  “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

• Romans 10:4
  “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

• Proverbs 21:3
  “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

The longer we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, the more we begin to develop a lifestyle of practicing God’s Truth and living by His Word. We become more Christlike, but without the righteousness of Christ, we are never fully covered.