The breastplate of righteousness

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

When we think about the breastplate of righteousness, we must look back at the armour of a Roman soldier to understand what was meant.

A breastplate was a part of the armour that covered the torso part of the body which has vital organs in them. One of the most vital organs is the heart, which once it was hurt meant death.

The breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts and gives us protection over any fiery dart of the enemy towards our hearts. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We guard our hearts with the breastplate of righteousness so that all the lies of the enemy will not penetrate our hearts.

When we read that scripture again, we see that Jesus Christ was made sin for us. It wasn’t a process, it was a moment. He was made sin for us, so that we can become the righteousness of God. We become righteous the moment we accept Jesus into our lives. Even while we are still sorting out the sinful nature through sanctification, we are righteous. It is not what we do, it is what He has done already that transforms us into being righteous.

So today if the enemy is trying to get you to think less of yourself because he can point to some things in your life that you are still working on, just put on the breastplate of righteousness and say to the enemy, “I am not a sinner anymore, I am a saint who sometimes sins”. Jesus has made the great exchange, and we are righteous in Him.

God bless you richly as you carry on with this time of fasting and prayer and may the blessings of God rest on you.

- Henry Ita