Messiah, 209

~ Messiah Would Wear the Breastplate of Righteousness ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him.  For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak” (Isaiah 59:16-17).

The Messiah  

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  Christians are told, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14b).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

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(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Our Whole Armor, 3of9

~ Breastplate of Righteousness ~

“Put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14b).  

What a strategic piece of armor—among other things it protects the heart and lungs.  Any wound to the heart or lungs has a high probability of being fatal. 

In the era in which Paul wrote, this breastplate was made of toughened tanned animal skins.  These lightweight yet effective guards were relatively comfortable and allowed the soldier flexibility of movement while providing protection.  The breastplate included leather thongs around the waist area which were tied to loops that were part of the Belt of Truth (the first item of armor to be put in place). 

The heart in Biblical imagery is not just physical but includes our mind, our thinking, our emotions, and therefore our affections.  Just as  physically we are dead without a properly functioning heart, so also spiritually.  Humans are dead spiritually if their hearts are not affectionate towards Jesus Christ and His work on their behalf.   Meanwhile our lungs involve our breathing.  Our heart and lungs are both absolutely vital for life to be sustained.  Breathing reminds us of how the Word of God is “God breathed” and of the Holy Spirit living within us. 

The righteousness we are to put on is Christ’s.  “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14).  “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).  “Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10). 

Jesus Christ is our model and He also put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.  “For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head” (Isaiah 59:17).  If our Lord, the only Righteous One, felt it necessary to put on this breastplate, how much more do we need to!  We are to put this righteousness on by faith.  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 

The breastplate is particularly useful in close combat.  His righteousness guards our hearts and our thinking when Satan, the master deceiver, hurls accusations and charges at us.  When we walk in the protection of God’s righteousness, we have secured ourselves from Satan’s attacks.  The world, our fallen nature, and our ego (1 John 2:16) all attack our hearts by influencing our affections.  Our heart’s affections are prone to wander.  Jesus warned us for example, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41a).  Part of the Good News is that by wearing the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness we can win the battles and live obediently for the glory of God, knowing that ultimately He will win the war. 

Remember we are only righteous in God the Father’s eyes when we have put on the breastplate of His Son’s righteousness.  None of us has any merit or righteousness of our own.  However, when we consciously put on the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness, we are being transformed into the image of God’s Son (2 Corinthians 3:18) and consequently will think right in all areas and are protected from all enemies. 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) Do you need open heart surgery (spiritually)?  In what condition is your heart?  Is your heart fully right with God?  Is your Christianity ancient history or current events?  (2) The breastplate of righteousness – Jesus Christ is our righteousness!  I am righteous in God the Father’s eyes because of God the Son’s work for me on the Cross. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).