The breastplate is worn over the torso and protects the vital organs including the heart. When we are saved, we must believe from the heart to get Christ’s righteousness.
Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Protection
The breastplate is the worn over the torso to protect the vital organs, including the heart and lungs. A shot to this area could mean quick death. The breastplate is equivalent of modern armor plates in bulletproof vests. When some takes a shot to this area, the armor can stop the bullet. The breastplate can take the brunt of the force instead of the body. The breastplate also keeps the bullet or sword from piercing our skin. The breastplate in the end can save your life.
Righteousness
In the case of a breastplate made of righteousness like we receive when we are saved, the righteousness of Christ keeps the effects of sin from killing us. When someone gets saved, Christ takes their sin upon Him. In exchange, He gives them His righteousness. Just like the breastplate absorbs the power of the sword or bullet, so Christ absorbs the power of sin on our soul. Salvation is a spiritual breastplate that protects the soul.
Faith and Love
I Thess 5:8 also talks of the breastplate of faith and love. God “loved” the world enough to send His Son. You also need to believe on Christ by faith. Love and faith are connected to salvation. When we are saved, Christ gives us the faith to believe. He also sheds the love of God abroad in our heart. The breastplate gives us both. Faith and the love of God will protect you in this life and the next. They will protect the heart as well.
Heaven or Hell
A breastplate of righteousness will ultimately protect the vital organs. Christ’s righteousness is all you need to get into heaven. Your righteousness will just send you to hell. Are you going to by faith trust the breastplate of righteousness Christ gives or are you going to trust your own righteousness which will send you to hell?
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