Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, girdles were essential garments, often used to secure clothing and provide support for physical activity. They were typically made of leather or cloth and were worn around the waist. In a spiritual context, girdles symbolize readiness, strength, and preparation, particularly in the pursuit of righteousness and truth.The concept of girdles is metaphorically significant in the Scriptures, especially when discussing the righteousness of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, uses the imagery of a girdle to describe the armor of God: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed" (Ephesians 6:14). Here, the "belt of truth" is akin to a girdle, signifying the foundational role of truth in the believer's life, which is intrinsically linked to the righteousness of Christ. The righteousness of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing that believers are justified and made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not of their own making but is imputed to them through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah, saying, "Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist" (Isaiah 11:5). This passage highlights the inherent righteousness and faithfulness of Christ, depicted as a girdle that secures and defines His divine nature. In the New Testament, the righteousness of Christ is further expounded upon by the Apostle Paul, who writes, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). This exchange underscores the transformative power of Christ's righteousness, which believers are called to "put on" as a garment, much like a girdle, to live a life that reflects His holiness and truth. The girdle, as a symbol of readiness and strength, also calls believers to be prepared for spiritual warfare. The righteousness of Christ equips them to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, as they are clothed in His truth and righteousness. This spiritual armor is not merely defensive but empowers believers to actively pursue a life of holiness and obedience to God's commands. In summary, the girdle, as a biblical symbol, represents the readiness and strength found in the righteousness of Christ. It is a call for believers to embrace the truth and righteousness that Christ provides, enabling them to stand firm in their faith and live lives that honor God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 11:5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Gifts of the Present Christ Commandments to Women. A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ... Article xxvii (xiii): of Monastic Vows. A Solemn Deprival For the Candid and Thoughtful The Universality of Prayer Self-Denial A view of God's Glory A Present Religion Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusSubtopics Girdles used for Girding up the Garments when Walking Girdles used for Girding up the Garments when Working Girdles used for Holding Money Girdles used for Strengthening the Loins Girdles used for Suspending the Inkhorn Girdles used for Suspending the Sword Girdles used for Taken off when at Rest Girdles: Faithfulness of Christ Girdles: Given as a Reward of Military Service Girdles: Given as a Token of Friendship Girdles: Made for Sale by Industrious Women Girdles: Made of Twined Linen With Blue Purple Girdles: Righteousness of Christ Girdles: Worn by Priests About the Breasts Related Terms |
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