Breastplate of Righteousness
Arlette Pollard
Revelation 15:6
A picture can speak a thousand words
Revealing truths that were once unknown
As images mark impressions
Within the depths of a man’s heart and soul
Causing wisdom to claim possession
Over untruths that had taken hold
Of men who called upon the Lord
In search of revelation to the mysteries
Spoken by prophets long ago.
Angels who art in heaven
Adorned in God’s righteous robes
Portray a picture of man’s salvation
As a revelation for all to behold.
Holy are the angels set on high
Who in harmony with God’s purposed design
Emerged from heaven’s temple doors
Bearing evidence that the risen Lord
Now reigned from God’s holy throne
And that God’s judgment would now be known
According to the righteousness
Of God’s beloved Son
The Redeemer, Savior, the Holy One.
Angels who art in heaven
Adorned with breastplates of gold
Manifest unto us the purpose of salvation
As judgment unto righteousness is made known.
“And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.” Revelation 15:6
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4
The manifold depths of revelation of God’s grace, judgment, and salvation according to the righteousness of Jesus Christ, is a mystery that even angels desire to look into. Man’s eternal purpose, which God has purposed in Christ, is still a mystery that confounds many men of this present age. Men who continue to seek after truth and justice within the darkness of unbelief, have yet to understand that to place their faith in Jesus Christ, is to gain understanding of, “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of God’s love, as the promised Holy Spirit, released from God’s throneroom in heaven, moves in power and authority within their lives.
Yet, it is God’s desire that the eyes of men’s understanding be opened to see and comprehend the great riches of His glory that is theirs through faith in Jesus Christ. And that men obtain salvation from the penalty of sin, which is death, through partaking of the living waters of eternal life, God’s Holy Spirit, which flow forth from God’s holy temple that fills the heavens. God, whose mercy endures forever, continues to send out men equipped with the truth of the riches of His glory, to those still held captive to the prince of darkness, whose cruel voice of accusation against God’s goodness continues to hold reign over those who have not obtained salvation according to faith in Jesus Christ.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:9-11
Jesus Christ, who now sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high, within the temple of the testimony that fills the heavens, judging the nations in righteousness, was once “made a little lower than the angels” so that He could taste death for every man. So that men, born of the Adamic nature, deserving of the penalty of sin, which is death, could obtain the salvation of their souls, found in the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on “the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4) Jesus Christ, unto whom God has committed all judgment, so “that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father” was obedient unto death, so that sinful men, could be justified by His blood, and saved from the penalty of sin, which is death, as they partook of eternal life, through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
On the day that the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, an angel appeared unto shepherds in the field, who were “keeping watch over their flock by night.” The angel brought “tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Though the inhabitants of the earth sat in great darkness, and in the shadow of death, the true Light of the world, whose righteousness would shine brighter than the sun, was born in the town of Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
And as an angel announced to shepherds in the field, that “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”, who would be found “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger,” there suddenly appeared a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Angels who had desired to look into the things God would accomplish through the Messiah, where men were forgiven their sins, so that they were reconciled to God, and where everlasting righteousness would reign within a kingdom built unto the Messiah, sang songs of praise unto God, as the baby Jesus lay in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
The Lord, Jesus Christ, was not born with the nature of angels, but of the seed of Abraham. So that He might be a merciful high priest in things pertaining to God, He “was made like unto his brethren”, of flesh and blood. Because God’s Spirit of Holiness would cause Him to suffer whenever encountering the fleshly, Adamic nature, He could not sin against God by giving into temptation. Yet He was still tempted in all ways that men are tempted, so that men would be made to realize that He understands the infirmities of the flesh.
Because Jesus Christ understands the infirmities of the flesh, He has compassion on those who are “out of the way.” God so loved the world that He sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, “but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17) Today, men who are born of flesh and blood are helped in overcoming the infirmities of the flesh, as they turn to God’s beloved Son in faith, and are filled with God’s sanctifying, life transforming, eternal Holy Spirit released from God’s holy temple that fills the heavens.
“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:2-4
When Jesus Christ walked upon the earth, in the likeness of man, it was said that He was “made a little lower than the angels”, so that He “should taste death for every man.” Angels, “who are ministering spirits” are not born into the world as partakers of flesh and blood, as Jesus was; nor has God ever said to any angel, “Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.” God has never spoken to any angel the words, “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool”; yet, these words have been spoken of His beloved Son.
As Jesus Christ walked the earth, in the likeness of man, it was said that He had been made a little lower than the angels. This was spoken not to exalt angels above Jesus Christ, but to help men understand the mercy of God’s longsuffering toward mankind. That the Son of God would come to the earth, and walk in the likeness of man, blameless in all His ways, yet suffering as He encountered the infirmities of the flesh, and then, in obedience to the Father, allow Himself, as a flesh and blood man, to be nailed to a cross and crucified, was a proclamation to the world, of the longsuffering and love of God, toward mankind.
Angels who desired to look into the things pertaining to mankind’s salvation, where men are reconciled to God as their sins are forgiven, so that they walk in righteousness, partakers of God’s eternal kingdom, were never intended to be priests over God’s holy people, as Jesus Christ is. Men, who are partakers of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, are not to worship angels (Colossians 2:18), but are, like the heavenly messengers who rejoiced the day Jesus Christ was born, to worship the Son, for He alone is worthy to be praised.
Jesus Christ, who sits on the right hand of God within the temple that fills the heavens, has “obtained a more excellent name than” the angels who have been created to minister unto God. It is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, “who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” It is Jesus Christ, who through His blood that was shed upon the cross, has reconciled all things unto God, things on earth, or things in heaven. It is Jesus Christ who is able to present men “holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight.” There is no other name worthy to be praised, above His holy name.
God has sent His heavenly angels to men to reveal God’s impending judgment, to announce His hand upon a situation, and to declare through words or physical appearance that God had given His approval or disapproval in a particular situation. God’s heavenly messengers have been sent of God, to speak unto men news of heavenly events that would come to pass. God’s angels have been sent of God to bring “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
As Apostle John looked upon the vision of the temple built upon the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev. 15:5-6), he saw seven angels come out of the temple. These seven angels, through their appearance, spoke volumes of God’s purpose toward mankind; and through Apostle Johns letters, this message is shared with mankind. Angels, who desired to look into things that God had purposed for mankind, were now demonstrators of the mysteries that God purposed toward mankind.
In earlier visions, Apostle John had seen men who had obtained victory over the beastly, carnal, Adamic nature, as God’s sanctifying Spirit put to death the deeds of the flesh, so that they gladly sang a song of praise unto God. Having partaken of His holiness that crucified the old man, they sang unto God with understanding and with thanksgiving. After that vision Apostle John looked and saw a vision where the temple of the testimony of Jesus Christ that fills the heavens is opened. Through this vision, a greater depth of revelation to the mystery of God’s relationship with mankind, through His beloved Son, is given.
To understand the message spoken regarding the heavenly tabernacle, it will help to understand the commandments that God had given to Moses, regarding the earthly tabernacle that housed God’s testament written on two tablets, which are the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses upon the mount.
According to the commandments that God had given to Moses, he was to build a tabernacle of testimony for the service of the children of Israel. Moses was given specific instructions on every detail that concerned the tabernacle, which housed the ark that contained God’s testimony written on stone tablets, including what the clothes the priests, who ministered before the Lord, were to wear. God required that the priests be clothed in attire that would represent His relationship with the children of Israel. For example, the breastplate that was worn by the priest, was said to represent the “breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place.”
The breastplate of judgment that the high priest was to wear, according to God’s commandment spoken to Moses, proclaimed that he, “bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.” The statute of God also required that all priests, when they came to minister in the holy place, were to wear fine linen coats, girdles, bonnets, “for glory and for beauty”, and breeches “to cover their nakedness.” In Ezekiel, we are told that the priests were to wear linen, and never wool or any other garment that would cause them to sweat. After the priests were clothed in their linen garments, they were to be anointed, consecrated and sanctified, so that they may minister unto the Lord in the priest’s office.
Today, according to what Jesus Christ has accomplished for mankind through His obedience unto death, a temple has been raised in the heavens, for the service of those who walk with faith in His holy name. Men no longer need to look to an earthly temple, in hope of being in right standing before God, so that they may experience the blessings and protection of God. Jesus Christ’s precious blood, which purged the heavens, has expanded the temple stakes, so that all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ may be blessed with “all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places in Christ.” God’s heavenly temple has been raised up to house the testimony of Jesus Christ, so that men may partake of the glory found in God’s Holy Spirit.
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” 1 Peter 2:5-6
The tabernacle built upon the testimony of Jesus Christ, is for the service of those whose faith is placed in God’s beloved Son. And as the angels in Apostle John’s vision demonstrate, those who are partaker’s of God’s heavenly temple will be “clothed in pure and white linen”, which signifies that they are to stand before God as a “holy priesthood.” God’s holy priesthood is adorned in the holiness of God, His Holy Spirit, so that they do not stand spiritually naked before God, as they willingly offer sacrifices of praise unto the King.
Those who receive the testimony of Jesus Christ, so that they are partakers of the spiritual blessings that fill God’s heavenly temple, are clothed in robes of righteousness. The robes of righteousness have been made pure and white by the blood of Christ. A man adorned in robes of the righteousness of Christ, is a man led of the Spirit of truth. When a man is led of the Spirit of truth, he will rest from his carnal, Adamic laboring, which looks to the flesh for understanding, purpose and inspiration. When men are led of the Spirit, they will no longer “sweat” as they did when walking according to the flesh, which will always be at war against the purposes of faith.
According to the old covenant, the priest was required to wear a breastplate, signifying God’s righteous judgment toward His people. The angels in Apostle John’s vision also wear breastplates, which are made of gold, as they come out of the heavenly temple. This signifies that those who are to stand as holy priests, who minister unto the Lord, are to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” (Ephesians 6:14) God’s judgment toward those, who are partakers of His heavenly temple that fills the heavens, declares that they have been made righteous by the blood of Christ. Their hearts are now aligned with the purposes of God, who is the righteous judge over all creation.
Yet the seven angels, (seven representing fullness, completion and perfection), have in their hands seven plagues. The angels reveal to us that in order for God, who is perfect and blameless in every way, to complete His decree of judgment upon the earth, He must pronounce the judgment of condemnation upon those who refuse His hand of grace, just as He has judged those who have turned toward Jesus Christ in faith, unto righteousness. Both judgments reflect the righteousness of God. Both are perfect in representing God’s position toward mankind.
God’s throne is forever and ever: “a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.” Those who love righteousness, having partaken of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, will rejoice that they have been anointed ”with the oil of gladness.” Yet, those who refuse God’s hand of grace will continue to walk under God’s judgment of condemnation. Because they do not understand who God purposed them to be in Christ, they will continue to look for purpose in the darkness, and find that peace continues to escape them. May God’s holy priesthood who, united through the Spirit, “are built up into a spiritual house”, continue to fight the good fight of faith, as they demonstrate through their lives, and through the words they speak, the good news, that Jesus Christ is the truth and the way unto eternal life.
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:12-16