“For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” Romans 10:2-3
The foundation of the Christian walk is understanding righteousness. Righteousness means being able to stand in the presence of God without fear , condemnation or inferiority. This is because a person who has been born again has actually received a brand new life that is created in the likeness of Christ; Christ actually lives in the person. The person might not acknowledge it or acknowledge it but fail to take advantage of it. God's will however is for us to acknowledge this gift of God called righteousness.
The opening scripture clearly shows us that there are two kinds of righteousness in the bible. One is "self righteousness" and the other one is "God's righteousness". One is by self effort to impress God and the other is by submission to what Christ has already done and this one is a gift(given without works but by faith in Jesus ). There are many people who love God but are living frustrated lives because they are trying to do right without Him. They are establishing their own righteousness instead of submitting to the righteousness of Christ.
Some people cut themselves, try to pray more , confess their faults more , some even go to the extent of killing themselves in an attempt to accomplish what God has already done. These spend a lifetime battling with sin, continually in a war. No , righteousness is a gift.
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.” Romans 3:21
Can you see that ? Apart from the law means without considering the law , God's righteousness has been revealed. Your obedience does not make you righteous, your faith in Jesus made you righteous.
If this righteousness was given to you without any good work , this means no amount of bad works can take this righteousness away. It is a gift.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” Romans 5:17
The disobedience of Adam made every person on the planet a sinner. This sinner is not just a wrongdoer but is by nature a child of the devil. By the obedience of one man , Jesus Christ , the gift of God's righteousness has been made available to all who believe. God would be unrighteous to judge the world on the account of Adam's failure so to prove His justice ; He gave His son as a gift. Thank God for His love.
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
When you sin, you don't need judgement, you need more grace. This is too good to be true but that's the gospel.
So , God's grace (that favor that endeavors to do you good and make you happy) will reign in your life according to your level of understanding righteousness. This is a foundation for the Christian victory walk.
Remember: You are the righteousness of God.
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