"...having on the Breastplate ofRighteousness;"
How do we put on the Breastplate of Righteousness?
Is it done by being the best, most obedient, Christians we can be according to the Word of God--by living, as much as possible, holy lives (as the scriptures command)?
The answer is no--a thousand times NO.
There are those who think this is possible though, and the scriptures denounce them as being in rebellion against God, because they go about attempting to establish their own righteousness and, because of that, refuse to submit to the righteousness that only God can provide.
Let's talk about this group for a moment (not referring to any particular sect or denomination but to general practices whoever the description may fit).
In Colossians 2:20-23 we read about some who are described as living by a set of man made rules (that is anything not specifically found in scripture), and even though they believe they are practicing godly self control (which we should all do), they are, in reality, worshipping their own will power.
The Prophet Isaiah said, "There is none righteous." Not even one. The very best righteousness, we can produce, is as a filthy (soiled--menstruous) rag, Isaiah 64:6.
Not a pretty picture is it?
But that's what the Bible says. So how in the world can we put on something the scriptures are clear that we can never, no matter how hard we try, attain?
There is one way--only one way--and that is through the awesome sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the only sinless man who ever lived.
As a perfect, sinless, man, he took the punishment that should have been ours--every bit of it.
Because he did that, the Bible says we are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
If we have made the decision to belong to Jesus Christ, when God looks at us, then he sees only Jesus (Colossians 3:3). That's what it means to be Hid in Christ.
If that is the case, if we have truly been given the righteousness we need, through the sacrifice of Christ, then why are we commanded to put on something the scriptures say we already have?
Could it be, because we forget that fact?
It is critical that we remember it, for in the heat of the battle, our enemy--the accuser of the brethren--loves to remind us of what sinful wretches we are. But if we listen to the accuser--we will be defeated by destructive emotions of guilt and shame.
The Word of God says, "Be STRONG in the Lord...." How do we put on that strength? The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. But how can we be full of joy and strong in the Lord if we are wallowing in unbelief and sin concerning the righteousness we have been freely given by our Savior?
We must remember that fact and TRUTH are not always synonymous.
Yes, the fact is that we are sinful. But the TRUTH is... (remember the first piece of armor that must be in place, Truth?) that the blood of Jesus Christ has covered our sin, and through him, by some unfathomable miracle, we are made clean and righteous.
So, "Come, let us reason together saith the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
If that is the case, if we have truly been given the righteousness we need, through the sacrifice of Christ, then why are we commanded to put on something the scriptures say we already have?
Could it be, because we forget that fact?
It is critical that we remember it, for in the heat of the battle, our enemy--the accuser of the brethren--loves to remind us of what sinful wretches we are. But if we listen to the accuser--we will be defeated by destructive emotions of guilt and shame.
The Word of God says, "Be STRONG in the Lord...." How do we put on that strength? The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. But how can we be full of joy and strong in the Lord if we are wallowing in unbelief and sin concerning the righteousness we have been freely given by our Savior?
We must remember that fact and TRUTH are not always synonymous.
Yes, the fact is that we are sinful. But the TRUTH is... (remember the first piece of armor that must be in place, Truth?) that the blood of Jesus Christ has covered our sin, and through him, by some unfathomable miracle, we are made clean and righteous.
So, "Come, let us reason together saith the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
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