Ephesians 6:14
“Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”
We are working our way through the spiritual armor. The words, stand firm, are given three times through this passage. That’s the goal. The phrase “the evil day”, refers to the wave that comes out of no where and can be very destructive. These are rare, but will come a few times in our lives.
The armor helps us daily. The breastplate covers our hearts. This is our core. An injury to the heart rocks us. It needs protection.
We are not righteous unto ourselves. Jesus died for our sins and makes us righteous. We will sin. When we do so, He cleanses us. (I John 1:9).
Jesus gives us an explanation in John 13:10, ‘Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.”’ When we are in Christ, we are righteous forever. Our sin doesn’t erase that. However, our sin does dirty our feet. He will cleanse that. Those aren’t damning sins.
Romans 8:1 is a verse that I adhered to constantly for years, “There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” I would recite that when I felt guilt. It was difficult, but after years of guilt, it sank in. God is for us.
This is important to know, as the devil constantly tries to condemn us. His lies are, “You’re not a christian”, “You’re like Judas”, “You never meant it, now you’re falling away”. Not true. We are righteous in Christ.
In a few verses Paul calls the devil’s lies flaming arrows. Without the breastplate, they spear us through. We feel the guilt, but we remind ourselves that we are forgiven. In time, we barely feel it.
Understanding Jesus’ work on the cross is key. We are righteous in Him forever. Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son. Such an enormous work on the cross. Thank You for the breastplate of righteousness. Thank You that we can shrug off the condemnation.