We Must Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness
To truly walk in right standing with God, we must put on the Breastplate of Righteousness—a protection that only comes through Jesus' sacrifice. Righteousness is NOT something we can earn through our good works; it is a gift from God, freely given to those who believe. Without this divine covering, our efforts to be righteous fall short, but through Christ, we are made righteous and secure in our relationship with God. We can never be good enough in our own right to be righteous, which is a relief because we are assured of our place in Heaven by simply accepting Jesus as our personal Savior.
Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) says, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." This means that even our best efforts to be righteous are flawed and imperfect. Righteousness, or being in right standing with God, is understood differently by various church organizations.
People generally understand that they work and receive payment, and this idea is reflected in many religions, which teach the need for good works. I once asked someone from a different church, "If you died today, would you go to heaven?" He said he hoped to be among the 144,000 mentioned in the Bible who would make it to Heaven. I asked him why I would want his religion when I had the assurance that if I died that day, I would be in the arms of Jesus, enjoying eternity in Heaven.
It's important to understand that salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift—you cannot earn it. If you believe in your heart that God exists, that He sent His son Jesus to be punished for our sins, accept His forgiveness, and confess Jesus as Lord, you are saved! It is that simple!
According to the book of James, good works come as we cultivate our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father. While salvation is simple, living a victorious life requires studying the Bible and understanding our covenant with God. Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) warns, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must also follow the advice of 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV), "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Remember, salvation through Jesus' sacrifice is free, but living an overcoming life requires knowing our rights as God's beloved children. We must focus on God's promises and avoid letting negative thoughts, contrary to Biblical truths, take root in our minds. The enemy often sends people to plant doubt, leading us to believe lies instead of God's promises. To protect ourselves, we must put on the breastplate of righteousness by studying God's Word and following His instructions. This way, the devil's attacks will be deflected, and we will stand firm in our faith.
Declarations:
I am the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
I abide in Jesus, and He abides in me, for a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains in the vine (John 15:4-5).
I accept the provision of Jesus' sacrifice for my sins and confess Him as my Lord and Savior.
I rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance to help me keep the breastplate of righteousness firmly in place over my heart.