“Stand firm then, with the . . . . breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14)

In our struggle against evil, we are given righteousness to protect our heart. In this battle we are given the righteousness of our Savior. This is because we are sinners and unrighteous, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). On the cross Jesus took our sin in order for us to be brought to righteousness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) In the armor of God, we are given a breastplate to protect our heart. This is important because in the Great Commandment of God, we are to love Him will all our heart. “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Our love for God comes to us because He first loved us. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Jesus tells us a story concerning our righteousness and our humility before Him.  “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

As sinners we come to God humbly seeking His salvation and He responds with love, forgiveness and righteousness. We are now His own and through His righteousness we are able to stand against our enemy. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) When we stand in Christ’s righteousness, we find the strength we need. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

With our heart protected by Christ’s righteousness, we are able to love God, we are able to love God’s people, and we are able to love those who need Christ. This is not only the Great Commandment, but the second one as well, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) It is also the disciple’s commandment. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

When we stand in Christ’s righteousness, we know that it is by grace we stand and can offer to others the love of God that they may come to Him and His righteousness.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block