The second piece in this series of armor is the "breastplate of righteousness." This would have been made from hard and durable materials like metal or tough leather sewn together. The breastplate covered everything just below the neck down to the naval, extending as far as each side. It's purpose is simple: to protect the vital organs from a forward attack.
Note that the breastplate did not protect against rear attacks, because a good soldier kept the enemy always before their face. Should the soldier turn away and attempt to retreat, they left themselves vulnerable to a sword or arrow.
In the Biblical realm, the breastplate is made of "righteousness." This word, dikaiosynē most literally means "a condition acceptable to God," or "right with God." While we recognize "there is none righteous" in and of themselves (Romans 3), 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows us that we can be made the righteousness of God. Just as Ephesians 6 suggests, we can wear HIS righteousness.
Why would righteousness be a breastplate? Because sin's primary target will be the seat of your emotions, the source of life. Sin targets the heart. Holiness is the ultimate protection against sins of the heart. But there's a catch: It only protects from the front. Keep moving forward.
Righteousness is not a cloak we put on once. It is a daily fight, and death to self. It is a city of refuge and impenetrable wall save a personal choice to remove oneself from its protection. In order to utilize its strength a soldier must face the battle head on. Turning a blind side to the enemy even for one second opens your life up for extreme danger. All too often we flirt with the enemy, and though it seems harmless and safe - sin always brings death.
Righteousness is the second piece of our armor. When you wear a right relationship with the Lord your heart will always be safe. Don't take off the armor. Always work to keep it on. Face your sin. Kill it. The devil flees only by resistance. (James 4)
The truth makes free. Righteousness is safe.
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