Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 1. The righteousness which is here meant. A powerful work of God's Spirit in the regenerate, whereby they endeavour to approve themselves unto God and man, by performing what God's law requires. 2. The fit resemblance of righteousness to a breastplate. It guards the vital parts, and preserves a man from being mortally wounded or killed outright. 3. How righteousness is put on. By the right practice of true repentance. 4. The benefits of righteousness. (1) It keeps us from being mortally wounded; for so long as we retain a true purpose and faithful endeavour answerable thereto, we shall never give ourselves over to commit sin. (2) It brings great assurance of our effectual calling, and spiritual union with Christ, yea, even of our eternal election and salvation. Application: 1. Learn we what is true righteousness, that we trust not to a counterfeit breastplate and be pierced through while we think ourselves safe. 2. Acquaint we ourselves with the use, end, beauty, benefit, and necessity of righteousness, that we may be the more desirous to get it if we have it not; or, if we have it, the more careful in keeping it fast on, and close to us. 3. Let a daily examination be made of our life past, that of all our former unrighteousness we may truly and soundly repent; and with the true evidences of our former righteousness, our conscience may be comforted in the day of trial. 4. Let there be a holy resolution for the time to come, to walk on in the way of righteousness, without turning to the right hand or to the left. For the better performance of this holy resolution - (1) Put on righteousness with all the parts thereof. (2) Remove all impediments at the first, and give no place to the devil. (3) Wax not weary, but be constant. (William Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; |
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