The breastplate of righteousness is part of the armour that God has given us; to enable us to overcome the deceptions, accusations and intimidations of the devil. Through Jesus Christ, God has inferred righteousness on us; we have been cleansed from sin, justified and made right with God by grace through faith.
Romans 4:6-8 NLT
“[6] David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: [7] “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. [8] Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”
THE LORD REBUKES SATAN
The simple truth is that if God justifies us and counts us as righteous, Satan loses his right to accuse us. If we have been made right with God and He has accepted us, and is at peace with us, satan’s accusations against us do not hold in the courts of heaven.
Romans 8:31-33 NLT
“[31] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? [33] Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one-for God himself has given us right standing with himself.”
The Book of Zechariah gives us an awesome and perfect picture of how the enemy loses his grip and power over us, when God we are accepted by God and made righteous by Him.
Zechariah 3:1-5 NLT
“[1] Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Joshua. [2] And the LORD said to Satan, “I, the LORD, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” [3] Joshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. [4] So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Joshua he said, “See, I HAVE TAKEN AWAY YOUT SINS, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” [5] Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the LORD stood by.”
The LORD rebuked the accuser, satan and took away his right to accuse and attack Joshua; by cleansing him from his sins and restoring his garments of righteousness and holiness. Hallelujah! God has done the same for us through Jesus Christ, and we need to be grounded in this knowledge.
Ephesians 1:4 NLT
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
Romans 8:1 NLT
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
However, we are not to take our righteousness for granted and just live anyhow. If we are to live and walk in victory over the accuser, then we must apply the principles of righteousness in every area of our lives.
Zechariah 3:6-7 NKJV
“[6] Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, [7] “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.”
The LORD cautioned Joshua to walk in His ways and keep His commandments. Although God has imputed righteousness on us, He also requires us to bear the fruits of righteousness in thought, conduct, lifestyle, actions and deeds, by living in obedience to His word.
For Further Reading: Zechariah 3; Romans Chapters 6 to 8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 1:10-11; Philippians 4:8-9; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 12:11; James 3:18; Psalm 72:3
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
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