Ephesians 6:14 – “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14 (NLT)
In ancient times, the breastplate was an essential part of a Roman soldier’s armour. It covered the chest and torso, protecting the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Without it, even the slightest strike could be fatal. To wear it was to be ready for battle.
In the same way, believers are given spiritual armour, one piece of which is the breastplate of righteousness. But what does this mean for us, and how does it protect us in the battles of life?
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen powers of darkness. This shows that the armour we need is not physical but spiritual. The enemy often attacks us through thoughts and lies that distort our identity in Christ and our understanding of God. These thoughts sound like: “You’re too far gone to be saved”, “This contradiction in your life will never be overcome.” They aim to shake our convictions and lead us away from the truth (2 Corinthians 10:5).
This is why Paul uses the imagery of the breastplate. Righteousness is our defence. It is not something we earn but a gift given by God through faith (Ephesians 2:8). When we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we stand firm against the lies of the enemy because we know who we are in Christ: justified and accepted, not because of our works but because of His grace.
Abraham is a perfect example. God declared him righteous before he was circumcised, not based on his actions, but on his faith (Romans 4:11-12). Likewise, our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus (Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16).
Just as no Roman soldier would dare enter battle without his breastplate, we cannot face spiritual battles without righteousness guarding our hearts. Knowing that Christ has made us righteous protects us from condemnation and keeps us rooted in God’s love (Romans 5:8-9). This is how, after doing all, we can stand firm (Ephesians 6:13).
God has equipped us with this armour by giving us righteousness as a gift. Our part is to put it on daily to remind ourselves of this truth and let it guard our hearts. When we do, we are not fighting for victory but from victory, standing strong in the security of Christ.
Say this: I declare that I am secure in God’s love and justified by faith, not by works. I am strengthened to stand firm in every battle, knowing I am covered by Christ’s righteousness. Glory to God!
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 28–29, Romans 12