“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate 
of righteousness in place“

Ephesians 6:14 

–

November 7, 2025  

Armor is only effective if it is properly in place. A breastplate in place is front and center. This is where the perfect righteousness of Christ we have received as believers rests, front and center. It is a significant part of our identity in Christ. 

What does it mean to stand firm with the breastplate of righteousness in place? Because we are engaged in a spiritual battle, our protective armor is not composed of metal and leather. Rather it consists of God’s grace freely extended to us. We are not capable of defending ourselves, but as believers we have been clothed with the perfect righteousness of Christ. This perfect righteousness gives us ready access to the living God. We have confidence to confess our failures knowing we have a defender in Jesus who advocates for us. 

Faith in our Savior Jesus Christ humbles us to confess sin in recognition of our flawed nature, and motivates us to turn from sin in repentance. Our lives are imperfect but our righteousness (through Jesus) is pristine and complete in the sight of God. Therefore, we operate from a position of spiritual strength, not of our own making but granted by God.  

Satan can bring up our shortcomings as accusations, and other people can be critical of us. Our shortcomings cannot be denied. But because we have the perfect righteousness of Christ, we can state with assurance that we are forgiven by God. This allows us to move forward in freedom from guilt, undeterred from continuing to follow Jesus, albeit imperfectly but by faith in Him alone. 

There is no greater gift we could ever receive than the righteousness of Christ. It is a free gift that no one could ever merit. It is our receipt of what Jesus Christ deserved, in exchange for Christ receiving what we deserve. It is not too good to be true because it is true, and it is our ultimate good.  

 Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What does being clothed in the righteousness of Christ say about our identity in Christ?  
  • How does operating from a position of spiritual strength granted by God encourage you?  
  • How could you in turn encourage a brother or sister in Christ with this understanding?  

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, November 7: 2 Kings 20; Hebrews 2 
  • Saturday, November 8: 2 Kings 21; Hebrews 3 
  • Sunday, November 9: 2 Kings 22; Hebrews 4