Some people within the body of Christ try to establish their own
righteousness. It’s called self-righteousness which comes from the law---the old
covenant. We don't have to try to establish our own righteousness though. It's
already been established for us---through God’s son, Jesus Christ.
The prophet, Isaiah, spoke about our own righteous acts.
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous
acts are like
filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and
like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6, NIV)
I previously had been blind to some truth regarding our righteousness.
Fortunately, the Lord has revealed more to me regarding our righteousness in
recent months though.
It definitely helps us to become more rooted and grounded in the word of God
but also in our relationship with Him and His love for us. (
Colossians 2:6-7;
Ephesians 3:16-19) We gain better
understanding and insight into our righteousness which comes from God which is
based on our faith in Jesus Christ.
In the Apostle Paul's letter to the people in Philippi, he spoke about
knowing the Lord and our righteousness in Christ.
"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing
worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I
consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a
righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through
faith in
Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis
of faith." (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV)
Paul told them that he didn't want to have a righteousness of his own which
comes from the law but a righteousness which comes from God on the basis of
faith in Jesus Christ. He considered his relationship with the Lord of the
utmost importance compared to anything else. He said everything else was
worthless or 'garbage'. It is so true. Nothing is more important. Nothing
compares to having a close, intimate relationship with Jesus.
He not only wanted to participate in Jesus' sufferings but also attain and
know the power of the resurrection from the dead.
"...I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection
and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and
so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11,
NIV)
Can you say the same? Do you want to know Jesus so much that you are willing
to participate in His suffering? How about becoming like Him in His death?
Lastly, do you want to attain and know the power of the resurrection?
In Paul's letter to Rome, he talked about our righteousness in Christ and
the law.
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the
works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin."
(Romans 3:20, NIV)
He also spoke about those who are righteous through faith and the promise of
God.
"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the
promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that
comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means
nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where
there is no law there is no transgression." (Romans 4:13-15, NIV)
Our righteousness comes by faith in Christ. Jesus is our righteousness.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
