We have come to a firm understanding of the girdle of truth that pointed us to Scripture as a key ingredient in the armament. Now we look at the breastplate. It too stands in relation to the OBJECTIVE Word of God unlike many scholars who move it to being SUBJECTIVE.

Figure: We might compare it to a vest of brass or steel that is overlapped to cover and protect the lungs, heart, and the liver. The physical being a picture of the spiritual reality! As with the belt of truth that allows us to stand in the battlefield of lies so it is with the breastplate. This righteousness is objective (although there is a subjective element as we walk) that we have wear as it guides all our vital organs like bowels of mercy in our feelings and emotions. When our emotions are un-tethered from the Word of God they become subjective and we have nothing sure to hold on to. Paul says "I am justified!" Not subjective righteousness that fails but the objective Word that says "I am justified!"

The application: We ask what ways the devil comes to us to make us think we are unrighteous. Where does he peddle to us that we are not righteous? He accused the brethren in the old testament but can no longer dispute the sacrifice any longer and now instead of debating he takes the battle to us personally and strikes at the heart and soul with divisions with our emotions! That is why we cannot give in to our feelings. He comes to us and says "you are not a child of God! Look at the things you are capable of....that there is punishment for these things" even though it has all been paid for! Visit people or someone who is depressed or in depression and you will see that you have to convince them that they are righteous and good in the eyes of God. We pick up the breastplate of righteousness and say "I am righteous and I am justified in the blood of my Lord and Savior!"

Advantage: We then have peace with God! Total and utter peace. We are all wearing the breastplate of righteousness of God and the devil cannot plunge the sword and spear into the child of God. We are never without sin and readily confess that...and sometimes it is very bad sin...but the truth is we are justified, righteous, and completely forgiven of God for all of our sins that we confess to Him and one another. We are forgiven of God for all of our sins and righteous before Him and we have peace!