The Breastplate of Righteousness
How to Guard our Hearts and to Overcome Demonic Accusation
Solomon kneels in prayer in his chamber, tears streaking down his face. The words of the Lord echo in his ears, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.” The pain of loss within him rising as the shame of his actions laid bare before the God of his people.
The imagery of guarding one's heart is profoundly illustrated in the life of King Solomon, whose wisdom and wealth became legendary, yet whose downfall was tragically rooted in a failure to heed his own advice. As a young king, Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God granted his request, making him the wisest man of his time (1 Kings 3:5-12). Under his leadership, Israel flourished, and he penned timeless proverbs that reflected divine insight, including the poignant command in Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Yet, despite his wisdom, Solomon's life became a cautionary tale. Over time, his heart strayed from God. He married foreign wives, contrary to God's commands, and allowed their idolatrous practices to infiltrate his kingdom. The man who once built the magnificent temple for Yahweh in Jerusalem began constructing altars to false gods like Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:4-8). This spiritual compromise corroded his relationship with God, leading to a fractured kingdom and personal disillusionment.
Solomon’s failure to guard his heart vividly underscores the importance of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6 to put on the "breastplate of righteousness." Just as Solomon's unguarded heart became vulnerable to the seductions of power, wealth, and idolatry, so too are believers today susceptible to spiritual attacks if their hearts are not protected. The breastplate of righteousness provides divine armor to guard against such vulnerabilities, shielding believers with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Solomon’s story is a reminder of the stakes: the heart is the wellspring of life, and when left unguarded, it becomes a gateway for ruin.
What does it truly mean to guard our hearts, and why is this so critical for our spiritual survival? How does the righteousness of Christ become our ultimate defense against the unseen forces that seek to corrupt and destroy? And how can a piece of ancient Roman armor reveal timeless truths about the battle every believer faces? These questions beckon us to explore the profound connection between the heart, righteousness, and the divine protection that Paul calls the "breastplate of righteousness." As we delve into the historical and spiritual dimensions of this imagery, we uncover the answers that are not only compelling but vital to understanding how to stand firm in the face of the enemy.
The Roman Breastplate: Lorica Segmentata
Design and Function
The Roman lorica segmentata was an advanced form of body armor used primarily by Roman legionaries during the early Imperial period (27 BCE–284 CE). The term "segmentata" derives from the segmented nature of the armor, which consisted of overlapping iron plates that covered the torso. The Greek term for such a breastplate is thorax (θώραξ), signifying its role in protecting the thoracic cavity. The armor was designed with a balance of mobility and defense, allowing soldiers to engage effectively in battle while being shielded from critical injuries.
The lorica segmentata was typically composed of the following components:
Shoulder Plates: Curved iron pieces covering the shoulders and upper chest.
Girdle Plates: Horizontal bands encircling the chest and back.
Fastenings and Leather Straps: These secured the plates together, allowing for adjustability and comfort.
Padding: A tunic or padded undergarment was worn beneath the armor to prevent chafing and to absorb impact.
The lorica segmentata was particularly effective in guarding the thorax, where vital organs such as the heart and lungs are located. This emphasis on protecting the heart parallels Paul's spiritual analogy, as the heart is central to both physical life and the biblical understanding of human will and emotion.
Symbolism in Paul's Writing
Paul's audience, familiar with Roman military equipment, would have immediately understood the significance of the breastplate as a defense against deadly blows. By comparing righteousness to a breastplate, Paul underscores its role in guarding the believer's most vital spiritual organ: the heart.
Righteousness as God's Protection
God's Righteousness, Not Our Own
Paul specifies that the breastplate represents righteousness, but it is essential to distinguish between human and divine righteousness. Human righteousness, according to Isaiah, is "like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6), insufficient to withstand the spiritual forces of darkness. In contrast, the righteousness of God, imparted through Christ, is flawless and impenetrable.
This divine righteousness is not earned by human effort but is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." This imputed righteousness protects believers from the accusations and condemnation of Satan, described as the "accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10).
Guarding the Heart
In the biblical worldview, the heart is the seat of life, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." The heart, as the wellspring of life, must be protected from the corrupting influences of sin, doubt, and spiritual attack.
Paul's analogy implies that the believer's heart is under constant assault. The forces of darkness aim to infiltrate and corrupt, using temptation, guilt, and despair as weapons. The breastplate of righteousness serves as a divine safeguard, ensuring that the believer's heart remains secure in the truth and grace of God.
Righteousness and the Heart
A Transformative Connection
Righteousness and the heart are deeply interconnected in Christian theology. The heart, in its natural state, is described as deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). However, through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, the believer's heart is regenerated and aligned with God's righteousness.
Ezekiel prophesied this transformation, declaring that God would remove the heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). This new heart, infused with righteousness, enables believers to live in obedience to God's commands and to reflect His character in their daily lives.
A Defense Against Accusation
The righteousness of Christ not only transforms the believer's heart but also acts as a defense against spiritual accusation. Satan's primary tactic is to accuse and condemn, aiming to undermine the believer's confidence in their standing before God. However, the breastplate of righteousness assures believers that their acceptance before God is based not on their performance but on Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death.
Romans 8:33-34 affirms this truth: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
The Christian Perspective on Righteousness
Imputed Righteousness
From a Christian perspective, the believer's righteousness is entirely dependent on Christ. This concept, known as imputed righteousness, means that Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to the believer's account. Just as Abraham's faith was "credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), so too is the believer justified through faith in Christ.
This imputation is foundational to the doctrine of justification, which declares the sinner righteous before God. This legal declaration is made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which satisfies the demands of God's justice and extends His mercy to the repentant.
Sanctification: Living Out Righteousness
While justification imputes righteousness, sanctification involves the believer's progressive growth in righteous living. The breastplate of righteousness not only defends against external attacks but also empowers believers to pursue holiness. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dynamic: "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose."
This dual aspect of righteousness—imputed and lived out—ensures that the believer is both protected and equipped to advance in their spiritual journey.
Practical Application: Guarding the Heart
The Enemy's Strategies
The heart's vulnerability makes it a primary target for spiritual attack. The enemy employs various strategies, including:
Temptation: Drawing the heart away from God through sinful desires.
Condemnation: Instilling guilt and shame to weaken the believer's assurance.
Deception: Introducing falsehoods to corrupt the heart's understanding of truth.
The breastplate of righteousness neutralizes these threats, providing the believer with confidence in God's promises and strength to resist temptation.
Living in Righteousness
To guard the heart effectively, believers must actively live out the righteousness of Christ. This involves:
Faith: Trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Obedience: Aligning one's actions with the example of the life of Jesus Christ.
Prayer and Scripture: Strengthening the heart through communion with God and the study of His Word.
By embracing these practices, believers ensure that their hearts remain steadfast and secure in God's righteousness.
Conclusion
The breastplate of righteousness, as described by Paul in Ephesians 6, is a profound symbol of the believer's spiritual defense. Drawing from the imagery of the Roman lorica segmentata, Paul illustrates the vital role of righteousness in guarding the heart against spiritual assault. This righteousness, imputed by Christ and lived out in obedience, serves as both protection and empowerment.
Let us not follow in the example of King Solomon who failed to guard his heart and was shipwrecked. Instead, let us follow in the path of Jesus and by his righteousness guard our hearts above all else.
In a world rife with spiritual challenges, the breastplate of righteousness offers believers the assurance of God's unchanging love and the strength to stand firm. By guarding their hearts with divine righteousness, Christians are equipped to withstand the enemy's schemes and to live as faithful witnesses to the gospel of Christ.
Have you ever found yourself striving to live by your own righteousness—attempting to earn God’s favor through your deeds or relying on your own strength to withstand the challenges of life? If so, consider laying down that burden and instead putting on the righteousness of Christ. Take a moment to pray, surrendering your heart to Him and embracing the divine protection and grace that He freely offers.
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that my own righteousness is not enough. I have tried to stand firm on my own strength, to guard my heart with my own efforts, and I have fallen short. I confess my need for You, Lord, and for the righteousness that only comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank You for the gift of His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection, which makes me right with You. Today, I put on the breastplate of righteousness, not my own, but Yours. Guard my heart, Lord, from the lies, temptations, and accusations of the enemy. Protect me from pride, fear, and doubt, and fill my heart with Your truth, peace, and love.
Help me to live in obedience to Your Word, not out of fear but out of love and gratitude for what You have done for me. Transform my heart to reflect Your holiness and guide my steps so that my life may bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Bibliography
Barclay, William. The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. Westminster John Knox Press, 1976.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Ephesians. Moody Publishers, 1986.
O’Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians. Eerdmans, 1999.
Stott, John R. W. The Message of Ephesians. InterVarsity Press, 1979.
Witherington, Ben. Paul’s Narrative Thought World: The Tapestry of Tragedy and Triumph. Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.
Wright, N. T. Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Fortress Press, 2013.
Yoder, Perry. Shalom: The Bible's Word for Salvation, Justice, and Peace. Evangel Publishing House, 1987.
Arnold, Clinton E. Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul’s Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1992.
Ferguson, Sinclair. The Whole Armor of God. Crossway, 2015.
Footnotes
1 Kings 3:5-12
Proverbs 4:23
1 Kings 11:4-8
Ephesians 6:14-17, NKJV.
Isaiah 64:6, NKJV.
2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV.
Revelation 12:10, NKJV.
Proverbs 4:23, NIV.
Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV.
Ezekiel 36:26, NIV.
Romans 8:33-34, NIV.
Genesis 15:6, NKJV.
Philippians 2:12-13, NIV.