The Breastplate

A Roman soldier heading into battle knows one exposed chest wound could end everything. The breastplate would be used to protect his most valuable organs. Paul uses this metaphor to explain the kind of protection that believers need to withstand the battles of life. The breastplate of righteousness protects their hearts, the deepest part of a believer’s spiritual life. Because of Jesus, they are declared both not guilty and perfectly righteous. This righteousness is not gained because of anything done on their own, but because of the work of Jesus on the cross and faith in him (Philippians 3:8-9)...