Post by mommadee48 on Jul 6, 2021 15:20:11 GMT -5
HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE GIFT?
I felt I needed to talk about this, that God placed on my heart to write:
The gift of righteousness. Many people talk about it, have referred to it in teachings and conversations, or have heard others make mention of it; but still, some Christians struggle in understanding of the matter. My hope is that by the end of this letter the definition of the gift of righteousness will be so clear, my friend, that we will no longer be confused about the way that God looks at us- that is, in Christ.
First, let's begin by stating what righteousness doesn't mean. All too often I hear that righteousness simply means living right before God, virtuous, honorably, or morally correct. " LET US TAKE A DEEPER LOOK INTO THIS TOPIC".
The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines righteousness as "morally correct behavior or a feeling that you are behaving in a morally correct way". From a Biblical perspective, however, "God's Righteousness"-does not mean "right living, being an honest man or women, a good person, or morally correct behavior" at all. If it did, that would mean we are in control-that we are the deciding factor, and our choices affect the way that God looks at us. This is not in line with God's word or his redemptive plan. 'RIGHTEOUSNESS IS OUR POSITION IN CHRIST'.
"FOR GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF, NO LONGER COUNTING PEOPLE'S SINS AGAINST THEM". (2Corinthians 5:19 ) (NIV).
"FORHE HATH MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM". (2 Corinthians 5:21) (KJV).
"(CHRIST HAD NO SIN, BUT GOD MADE HIM BECOME SIN SO THAT IN CHRIST WE COULD BE RIGHT WITH GOD".(Corinthians 5:21) (ERV).
Notice these verses are referring to righteousness as a legal 'POSITION" that we have with God because of Jesus. It has nothing to do with decisions that we make as it is a position, not a way of living. Think of it like this: a man is a man because he was born a man-his actions aren't what make him one.
What concerns me is that not ALL CHRISTIANS seem to grasp the key make up of their redemption (referring to what God did in and through Christ, the cross, and the resurrection). The final product can be viewed as two pieces: the "LEGAL" and the "VITAL".
1) THE LEGAL-meaning what God accomplished through the finished work of the cross.
2) THE VITAL-how His work is relevant to us and how we can appropriate the benefits and apply them daily.
A solid knowledge of this is so important that if we mess the understanding of our redemption, then we'll surely not enjoy the place that we have as a child of God.
Let's first begin by looking into the Old Testament and take a brief glimpse at what consequences sin had on man's relationship with God. We know that Adam walked and communed with God before the fall in the Garden of Eden. Things changed once he took matters into his own hands and WILLFULLY disobeyed God.
HOW DID THIS LOOK?
1) Adam and Eve became self-conscious as well as sin-conscious. (Genesis 3:7-8,22).
2) Peace and joy left as fear now entered. (Genesis 3:8-10).
3)They were driven out of the Garden of Eden. ( Genesis 3:23-24).
4) Death was now working in them. ( Genesis 2:17; 3:4,7; Ephesians 2:1,5).
5) At this point, they needed a Savior- a mediator who would bridge the gap which sin had created.
"BUT YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED YOU FROM YOUR GOD; YOUR SINS HAVE HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM YOU, SO THAT HE WILL NOT HEAR". (Isaiah 59:2) (NIV).
Because of Man's choice for disobedience, something great was lost: the life, nature, and position that he had in God. In turn, Adam's rebellion set the plan of redemption into action, which God had prepared before the foundation of the world. The only way back into God's presence would be through sacrifice; the sacrifice being that of an animal would only temporary cover mankind's sin until the true sacrifice would be offered some thousands of years later. (Compare Genesis 3:25-26). (TPT).
"WO HE COVERED OVER THE SINS OF THOSEWHO LIVED PRIOR TO JESUS' SACRIFICE. AND WHEN THE SEASON OF TOLERANCE CAME TO AN END, THERE WAS ONLY ONE POSSIBLE WAY FOR GOD TO GIVE AWAY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STILL BE TRUE TO BOTH HIS JUSTICE AND HIS MERCY- TO OFFER UP HIS OWN SON". (Romans 3:25-26).(TPT)
What this meant was that the relationship Adam and Eve once had with their Creator was now lost. In fact, due to sin, mankind was so insecure, afraid, and guilty of betrayal that he could never enjoy the presence of God under the present situation.
Could this place of intimacy ever be restored?
What would bridge this gap that now existed between the Creator and his creation?
Was there someone who could "fix" the sin problem and provide a way back into the presence of God?
If we fast forward around 2500 years, we find God instituting the Law, the Priesthood, and the Tabernacle. At this point, no one was permitted to stand in the presence of God other than the high priest-that being once a year on the Day of Atonement and not without sacrifice. Only on this day was the high priest allowed into the Holy of Holies. The life of an animal would have to be taken and its blood was to be sprinkled upon the mercy seat, the lid of the ark of the covenant, which resided inside the Holy of Holies.
"THEN SHALL HE KILL THE GOAT OF THE SIN OFFERING, THAT IS FOR THE PEOPLE, AND BRING HIS BLOOD WITHIN THE BAIL, AND DO WITH THAT BLOOD AS HE DID WITH THE BLOOD OF THE BULLOCK, AND SPRINKLE IT UPON THE MERCY SEAT, AND BEFORE THE MERCY SEAT: AND HE SHALL MAKE AN ATONEMENT FOR THE HOLY PLACE,BECAUSE OF THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE MIDST OF THEIR UNCLEANNESS. AND THERE SHALL BE NO MAN IN THE TABERNACLE OF THE CONGREGATION WHEN HE GOETH IN TO MAKE AN ATONEEMENT IN THE HOLY PLACE, UNTIL HE COME OUT , AND HAVE MADE AN ATONEMENT FOR HIMSELF, AND FOR HIS HOUSEHOLD, AND FOR ALL THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL". (Leviticus 16:15-17). (KJV).
The mercy seat upon which the blood was sprinkled was a type of Christ. Jesus, who is our mercy seat, would one day become the atoning sacrifice and would appease the courts of heaven, thus bridging the gap between God and mankind.
If we skip about another 1500 years, we come to the New Testament where we discover God's solution. No longer would humanity be estranged from their God, because the void that caused the separation was about to be dissolved.
CAREFULLY notice the following verses:
1) "WHOM GOD HATH SET FORTH ( JESUS) TO BE A PROPITIATION THROUGH FAITH IN HIS BLOOD". (Romans 3:25) (KJV)>
2) "JESUS' GOD-GIVEN DESTINY WAS TO BE THE SACRIFICE TO TAKE AWAY SINS, AND NOW HE IS OUR MERCY SEAT BECAUSE OF HIS DEATHON THE CROSS". (Romans 3:25) (TPT)
3) "AND HE IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS: AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY, BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD". (1 John 2:2) (KJV).
4) "HE IS THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS, AND NOT ONLY FOR OURS BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD". (1 John 2:2 (TPT).
The Strong's Dictionary defines "propitiation" as "an atoning victim, or ( specifically) the lid of the Ark ( in the Temple): mercy-seat". The Greek word for this is "hilasterion". Because of Jesus, the sin problem has been forever settled. God said, " FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE" (Hebrews 8:12). He has obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice upon the cross and the blood the he shed has cleansed our conscious forever (Hebrews 10:22).
What religion has taught down through the ages is that man gains favor with God through his good works (i.e., through his righteous acts) and moral correctness ( i.e. by making good or godly choices in life). Though right living is the right choice to make, there's a vast difference between self-righteousness and attempting to live in a morally-correct way, versus the righteousness which God has given to us a free gift. Once God extends his hand of grace, there is nothing we can do in our power to claim the credit. Though many people/Christians still attempt to do this- that is, gain God's favor through good works and righteous living- the scriptures are very clear concerning this.
"THEREFORE, BY THE DEEDS OF THE LAW THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT". (Romans 3:20) (KJV).
"FOR BY THE MERIT OF OBSERVING THE LAW NO ONE EARNS THE STATUS OF BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD". (Romans 3:20) (TPT).
We cannot make ourselves righteous by doing righteous deeds as righteousness is based on Jesus' doing, not ours. Anytime we think that we're earning the grace or the gift of God through actions, then we have removed it from grace and have instituted the program of works, So, it's vital for our Christian walk. as well as imperative for an effective prayer life, that we truly gain a clear Biblical understanding of righteousness.
If we take another look at Romans 3, it's obvious that God's righteousness, which he freely offers to all, was NOT referring to "right living or moral correctness, "but rather A LEGAL POSITION THAT WE HAVE BECAUSE OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS!"
" AND WHEN THE SEASON OF TOLERANCE CAME TO AN END, THERE WAS ONLY ONE POSSIBLE WAY FOR GOD TO GIVE AWAY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STILL BE TRUE TO BOTH HIS JUSTICE AND HIS MERCY- TO OFFER UP HIS OWN SON. SO NOW, BECAUSE WE STAND ON THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS, GOD DECLARES US RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES!" (Romans 3:26) (TPT).
"SO OUR CONCLUSION IS THIS: GOD'S WONDERFUL DECLARATION THAT WE ARE RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES CAN ONLY COME WHEN WE PUT OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, AND NOT IN KEEPING THE LAW".
(Romans 3:28) (TPT).
Given the following verses, is there any indication that righteousness- God's righteousness- simply means right living or has any bearing on our lifestyle?
After all, if God's righteousness is dependent upon anything we do, the JESUS died in vain.
" BECAUSE ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD'S WORDS, HIS FAITH TRANSFERRED GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS INTO HIS ACCOUNT. WHEN PEOPLE WORK, THEY EARN WAGES. IT CAN'T BE CONSIDERED A FREE GIFT, BECAUSE THEY EARNED IT. BUT NO ONE EARNS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS. IT CAN ONLY BE TRANSFERRED WHEN WE NO LONGER RELY ON OUR OWN WORKS, BUT BELIEFVE IN THE ONE WHO POWERFULLY DECLARES THE UNGODLY TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES. IT IS FAITH THAT TRANSFERS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS INTO YOUR ACCOUNT!" (Romans 4:3-5) (TPT).
Because God's righteousness is offered to us freely as a GIFT and can NEVER be EARNED, it is considered a grace of God; therefore, the only way to access God's grace is through faith NOT by works.
"BY WHOM ALSO WE HAVE ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE WHEREIN WE STAND". (Romans 5:2) (KJV).
Notice in Romans 3, Abraham believed God's word of promise (i.e., that Sarah would have a child) and his FAITH is what accessed the grace of God. In this instance, we see that God's righteousness was "transferred" into his account. Once again this is brought out in ROMANS 4:22 (TPT): " SO NOW YOU SEE WHY ABRAHAM'S FAITH WAS CREDITED TO HIS ACCOUNT AS RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD".
The same holds true for salvation-" FOR BY GRACE WE'VE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH, AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES- ITIS THE GIFT OF GOD". (Ephesians 2:8)
The good news today, friend, is that this same GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS our to be received.
"AND THIS DECLARATION WAS NOT JUST SPOKEN OVER ABRAHAM, BUT ALSO OVER US. FOR WHEN WE BELIEVE AND EMBRACE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT OUR LOED JESUS BACK TO LIFE, PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE CREDITED TO OUR ACCOUNT AS WELL"> (Romans 3:23-24) (TPT).
"OUR FAITH IN JESUS TRANSFERS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS TO US AND HE NOW DECLARES US FLAWLESS IN HIS EYES". (Romans 5:1) (TPT).
Friend, in a nutshell, the righteousness that was given to us as a gift from God, because of what Christ has done for us, means that we can now stand in His presence without the sense of guilt, inferiority, condemnation, rejection, or feeling inadequate. It is a LEGAL POSITION that we were born into whenever we were born-again. He created the new man inside righteous- i.e., upright before god, declared not guilty-a new creation. (Ephesians 4:24; 2Corinthians 5:17). So the next time you hear someone say, "RIGHTEOUSNESS MEANS RIGHT LIVING OR MORAL CORRECTNESS", remember that because of Calvary, that statement is THE FURTHEST THING FROM THE TRUTH.
Jesus is YOUR righteousness- YOUR atoning sacrifice- the reason YOU have peace with God. You'll never be any more righteous than the day you were saved! YOUR actions have no bearing because it was a GIFT given to YOU by the heavenly Father and paid in full by the blood of JESUS! YOU can't earn it and certainly don't deserve it- but it is YOURS.
Have YOU received the gift?
Remember YOU are loved, by the cross.
I felt I needed to talk about this, that God placed on my heart to write:
The gift of righteousness. Many people talk about it, have referred to it in teachings and conversations, or have heard others make mention of it; but still, some Christians struggle in understanding of the matter. My hope is that by the end of this letter the definition of the gift of righteousness will be so clear, my friend, that we will no longer be confused about the way that God looks at us- that is, in Christ.
First, let's begin by stating what righteousness doesn't mean. All too often I hear that righteousness simply means living right before God, virtuous, honorably, or morally correct. " LET US TAKE A DEEPER LOOK INTO THIS TOPIC".
The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines righteousness as "morally correct behavior or a feeling that you are behaving in a morally correct way". From a Biblical perspective, however, "God's Righteousness"-does not mean "right living, being an honest man or women, a good person, or morally correct behavior" at all. If it did, that would mean we are in control-that we are the deciding factor, and our choices affect the way that God looks at us. This is not in line with God's word or his redemptive plan. 'RIGHTEOUSNESS IS OUR POSITION IN CHRIST'.
"FOR GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF, NO LONGER COUNTING PEOPLE'S SINS AGAINST THEM". (2Corinthians 5:19 ) (NIV).
"FORHE HATH MADE HIM WHO KNEW NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM". (2 Corinthians 5:21) (KJV).
"(CHRIST HAD NO SIN, BUT GOD MADE HIM BECOME SIN SO THAT IN CHRIST WE COULD BE RIGHT WITH GOD".(Corinthians 5:21) (ERV).
Notice these verses are referring to righteousness as a legal 'POSITION" that we have with God because of Jesus. It has nothing to do with decisions that we make as it is a position, not a way of living. Think of it like this: a man is a man because he was born a man-his actions aren't what make him one.
What concerns me is that not ALL CHRISTIANS seem to grasp the key make up of their redemption (referring to what God did in and through Christ, the cross, and the resurrection). The final product can be viewed as two pieces: the "LEGAL" and the "VITAL".
1) THE LEGAL-meaning what God accomplished through the finished work of the cross.
2) THE VITAL-how His work is relevant to us and how we can appropriate the benefits and apply them daily.
A solid knowledge of this is so important that if we mess the understanding of our redemption, then we'll surely not enjoy the place that we have as a child of God.
Let's first begin by looking into the Old Testament and take a brief glimpse at what consequences sin had on man's relationship with God. We know that Adam walked and communed with God before the fall in the Garden of Eden. Things changed once he took matters into his own hands and WILLFULLY disobeyed God.
HOW DID THIS LOOK?
1) Adam and Eve became self-conscious as well as sin-conscious. (Genesis 3:7-8,22).
2) Peace and joy left as fear now entered. (Genesis 3:8-10).
3)They were driven out of the Garden of Eden. ( Genesis 3:23-24).
4) Death was now working in them. ( Genesis 2:17; 3:4,7; Ephesians 2:1,5).
5) At this point, they needed a Savior- a mediator who would bridge the gap which sin had created.
"BUT YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED YOU FROM YOUR GOD; YOUR SINS HAVE HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM YOU, SO THAT HE WILL NOT HEAR". (Isaiah 59:2) (NIV).
Because of Man's choice for disobedience, something great was lost: the life, nature, and position that he had in God. In turn, Adam's rebellion set the plan of redemption into action, which God had prepared before the foundation of the world. The only way back into God's presence would be through sacrifice; the sacrifice being that of an animal would only temporary cover mankind's sin until the true sacrifice would be offered some thousands of years later. (Compare Genesis 3:25-26). (TPT).
"WO HE COVERED OVER THE SINS OF THOSEWHO LIVED PRIOR TO JESUS' SACRIFICE. AND WHEN THE SEASON OF TOLERANCE CAME TO AN END, THERE WAS ONLY ONE POSSIBLE WAY FOR GOD TO GIVE AWAY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STILL BE TRUE TO BOTH HIS JUSTICE AND HIS MERCY- TO OFFER UP HIS OWN SON". (Romans 3:25-26).(TPT)
What this meant was that the relationship Adam and Eve once had with their Creator was now lost. In fact, due to sin, mankind was so insecure, afraid, and guilty of betrayal that he could never enjoy the presence of God under the present situation.
Could this place of intimacy ever be restored?
What would bridge this gap that now existed between the Creator and his creation?
Was there someone who could "fix" the sin problem and provide a way back into the presence of God?
If we fast forward around 2500 years, we find God instituting the Law, the Priesthood, and the Tabernacle. At this point, no one was permitted to stand in the presence of God other than the high priest-that being once a year on the Day of Atonement and not without sacrifice. Only on this day was the high priest allowed into the Holy of Holies. The life of an animal would have to be taken and its blood was to be sprinkled upon the mercy seat, the lid of the ark of the covenant, which resided inside the Holy of Holies.
"THEN SHALL HE KILL THE GOAT OF THE SIN OFFERING, THAT IS FOR THE PEOPLE, AND BRING HIS BLOOD WITHIN THE BAIL, AND DO WITH THAT BLOOD AS HE DID WITH THE BLOOD OF THE BULLOCK, AND SPRINKLE IT UPON THE MERCY SEAT, AND BEFORE THE MERCY SEAT: AND HE SHALL MAKE AN ATONEMENT FOR THE HOLY PLACE,BECAUSE OF THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE MIDST OF THEIR UNCLEANNESS. AND THERE SHALL BE NO MAN IN THE TABERNACLE OF THE CONGREGATION WHEN HE GOETH IN TO MAKE AN ATONEEMENT IN THE HOLY PLACE, UNTIL HE COME OUT , AND HAVE MADE AN ATONEMENT FOR HIMSELF, AND FOR HIS HOUSEHOLD, AND FOR ALL THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL". (Leviticus 16:15-17). (KJV).
The mercy seat upon which the blood was sprinkled was a type of Christ. Jesus, who is our mercy seat, would one day become the atoning sacrifice and would appease the courts of heaven, thus bridging the gap between God and mankind.
If we skip about another 1500 years, we come to the New Testament where we discover God's solution. No longer would humanity be estranged from their God, because the void that caused the separation was about to be dissolved.
CAREFULLY notice the following verses:
1) "WHOM GOD HATH SET FORTH ( JESUS) TO BE A PROPITIATION THROUGH FAITH IN HIS BLOOD". (Romans 3:25) (KJV)>
2) "JESUS' GOD-GIVEN DESTINY WAS TO BE THE SACRIFICE TO TAKE AWAY SINS, AND NOW HE IS OUR MERCY SEAT BECAUSE OF HIS DEATHON THE CROSS". (Romans 3:25) (TPT)
3) "AND HE IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS: AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY, BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD". (1 John 2:2) (KJV).
4) "HE IS THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS, AND NOT ONLY FOR OURS BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD". (1 John 2:2 (TPT).
The Strong's Dictionary defines "propitiation" as "an atoning victim, or ( specifically) the lid of the Ark ( in the Temple): mercy-seat". The Greek word for this is "hilasterion". Because of Jesus, the sin problem has been forever settled. God said, " FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE" (Hebrews 8:12). He has obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice upon the cross and the blood the he shed has cleansed our conscious forever (Hebrews 10:22).
What religion has taught down through the ages is that man gains favor with God through his good works (i.e., through his righteous acts) and moral correctness ( i.e. by making good or godly choices in life). Though right living is the right choice to make, there's a vast difference between self-righteousness and attempting to live in a morally-correct way, versus the righteousness which God has given to us a free gift. Once God extends his hand of grace, there is nothing we can do in our power to claim the credit. Though many people/Christians still attempt to do this- that is, gain God's favor through good works and righteous living- the scriptures are very clear concerning this.
"THEREFORE, BY THE DEEDS OF THE LAW THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT". (Romans 3:20) (KJV).
"FOR BY THE MERIT OF OBSERVING THE LAW NO ONE EARNS THE STATUS OF BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD". (Romans 3:20) (TPT).
We cannot make ourselves righteous by doing righteous deeds as righteousness is based on Jesus' doing, not ours. Anytime we think that we're earning the grace or the gift of God through actions, then we have removed it from grace and have instituted the program of works, So, it's vital for our Christian walk. as well as imperative for an effective prayer life, that we truly gain a clear Biblical understanding of righteousness.
If we take another look at Romans 3, it's obvious that God's righteousness, which he freely offers to all, was NOT referring to "right living or moral correctness, "but rather A LEGAL POSITION THAT WE HAVE BECAUSE OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS!"
" AND WHEN THE SEASON OF TOLERANCE CAME TO AN END, THERE WAS ONLY ONE POSSIBLE WAY FOR GOD TO GIVE AWAY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STILL BE TRUE TO BOTH HIS JUSTICE AND HIS MERCY- TO OFFER UP HIS OWN SON. SO NOW, BECAUSE WE STAND ON THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS, GOD DECLARES US RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES!" (Romans 3:26) (TPT).
"SO OUR CONCLUSION IS THIS: GOD'S WONDERFUL DECLARATION THAT WE ARE RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES CAN ONLY COME WHEN WE PUT OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, AND NOT IN KEEPING THE LAW".
(Romans 3:28) (TPT).
Given the following verses, is there any indication that righteousness- God's righteousness- simply means right living or has any bearing on our lifestyle?
After all, if God's righteousness is dependent upon anything we do, the JESUS died in vain.
" BECAUSE ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD'S WORDS, HIS FAITH TRANSFERRED GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS INTO HIS ACCOUNT. WHEN PEOPLE WORK, THEY EARN WAGES. IT CAN'T BE CONSIDERED A FREE GIFT, BECAUSE THEY EARNED IT. BUT NO ONE EARNS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS. IT CAN ONLY BE TRANSFERRED WHEN WE NO LONGER RELY ON OUR OWN WORKS, BUT BELIEFVE IN THE ONE WHO POWERFULLY DECLARES THE UNGODLY TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN HIS EYES. IT IS FAITH THAT TRANSFERS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS INTO YOUR ACCOUNT!" (Romans 4:3-5) (TPT).
Because God's righteousness is offered to us freely as a GIFT and can NEVER be EARNED, it is considered a grace of God; therefore, the only way to access God's grace is through faith NOT by works.
"BY WHOM ALSO WE HAVE ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE WHEREIN WE STAND". (Romans 5:2) (KJV).
Notice in Romans 3, Abraham believed God's word of promise (i.e., that Sarah would have a child) and his FAITH is what accessed the grace of God. In this instance, we see that God's righteousness was "transferred" into his account. Once again this is brought out in ROMANS 4:22 (TPT): " SO NOW YOU SEE WHY ABRAHAM'S FAITH WAS CREDITED TO HIS ACCOUNT AS RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD".
The same holds true for salvation-" FOR BY GRACE WE'VE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH, AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES- ITIS THE GIFT OF GOD". (Ephesians 2:8)
The good news today, friend, is that this same GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS our to be received.
"AND THIS DECLARATION WAS NOT JUST SPOKEN OVER ABRAHAM, BUT ALSO OVER US. FOR WHEN WE BELIEVE AND EMBRACE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT OUR LOED JESUS BACK TO LIFE, PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE CREDITED TO OUR ACCOUNT AS WELL"> (Romans 3:23-24) (TPT).
"OUR FAITH IN JESUS TRANSFERS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS TO US AND HE NOW DECLARES US FLAWLESS IN HIS EYES". (Romans 5:1) (TPT).
Friend, in a nutshell, the righteousness that was given to us as a gift from God, because of what Christ has done for us, means that we can now stand in His presence without the sense of guilt, inferiority, condemnation, rejection, or feeling inadequate. It is a LEGAL POSITION that we were born into whenever we were born-again. He created the new man inside righteous- i.e., upright before god, declared not guilty-a new creation. (Ephesians 4:24; 2Corinthians 5:17). So the next time you hear someone say, "RIGHTEOUSNESS MEANS RIGHT LIVING OR MORAL CORRECTNESS", remember that because of Calvary, that statement is THE FURTHEST THING FROM THE TRUTH.
Jesus is YOUR righteousness- YOUR atoning sacrifice- the reason YOU have peace with God. You'll never be any more righteous than the day you were saved! YOUR actions have no bearing because it was a GIFT given to YOU by the heavenly Father and paid in full by the blood of JESUS! YOU can't earn it and certainly don't deserve it- but it is YOURS.
Have YOU received the gift?
Remember YOU are loved, by the cross.