RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH When it comes to what we receive from God, there is a gift that stands out above all others. It is greater than food, clothing, and shelter. It transcends financial provisions, health of body, and domestic blessing. It is "the gift of righteousness" (Rom 5:17). The remission of sin is the necessary preparation for receiving this righteousness. The gift of the Spirit is essential to its maintenance. But the righteousness itself is the point. Those who possess it are accepted by God. -- Tomorrow:
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Rom 3:21-26)
Devotion 9 of 24
A BRIEF ELABORATION
I must labor this point. God is righteous in saving us, but that is not the point of the phrase "the righteousness of God." It is not that He is simply having mercy upon us. To dwell with the Lord forever, men must be like Him. A transformation must take place in them that makes them harmonious with the God who "made" them. Those who are at a variance with the Lord will not be received by Him.
Although little is said of this in our day, this is a fundamental thread of reasoning throughout the Scriptures. From one perspective, the reason for condemnation is dissonance, or conflict, between God and man. That conflict exists in both thoughts and ways (Isa 55:8-9). It is confirmed in the ignorance of God that characterizes all who are not in Christ (Eph 4:18). It is declared in the universal indictment of humanity – "all HAVE SINNED and COME short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Unless a reconciliation is effected, and men are brought into accord with God, there is no hope of salvation.
This is why "the righteousness of God" must be more than a mere doctrinal point, or a commentary on the Person of God. It is something that MUST be experienced, possessed, and resident in us.
THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
Having established the need for having "the righteousness of God," the Spirit now addresses the means through which it is received. How is it that the righteousness of God can be received? At this point, men have often chosen to argue about the matter rather than declare the Gospel. The Spirit will not present alternative views of the subject, but will simply affirm the means by which righteousness is obtained.
The reception of this righteousness is unequivocally "through faith in Jesus Christ." The KJV reads, "which is by faith of Jesus Christ." By this, the faith Jesus had is not intended, but the faith He authors (Heb 12:2). Again, there is no point to arguing about this, it is "GIVEN" unto us "to believe" (Phil 1:29).
The reception of faith is not a one time experience. For example, Paul told the Ephesian saints he had heard of their "faith in the Lord Jesus" (Eph 1:15). Yet, in his benediction to them he said, "Peace to the brethren, and love WITH FAITH, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 6:23). In my judgment, there is a great need for such a blessing in the church of our time.
"Faith" is the possession, and "believe" is the expression of that faith. From another aspect, faith is the ability to believe – to be convinced and assured of the truth of Jesus Christ.
The preeminent focus of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In fact, the summation of God's Word is represented as "the record that God gave of his Son" (KJV), or "the witness that God has borne concerning His Son" NASB (1 John 5:10). The primary testimony of God does not concern the direction of human conduct, but the Person of His Son. No individual will spiritually advance until his attention is placed upon the Son of God, the very heart of Divine witness.
Faith in Christ is a persuasion that He is precisely the One God has declared Him to be. HE is the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). HE is the One who is bringing us to God (1 Pet 3:18). HE has reconciled us to God (2 Cor 5:18). HE has destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14). HE has plundered principalities and powers (Col 2:15). HE is the head of all things for the church (Eph 1:22-23). HE is presently mediating the New Covenant (Heb 12:24). HE is interceding for us at this time (Heb 7:25). HE will come and receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we be also (John 14:3). These are not mere points of doctrine, but realities to be embraced by the heart.
Faith involves persuasion and confidence. As it is written, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1, NASB). Faith is convinced that what God has "promised, He was able also to perform" (Rom 4:21). It embraces the declaration of the Gospel with both hands.
This perfectly accords with the rest of Scripture. The focus of real faith is Christ Himself. Thus Paul answered the question "What must I do to be saved?" with these words: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). God is proclaimed as the Justifier of "the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom 3:26). Justification is pointedly said NOT to be by the works of the Law but "by faith in Jesus Christ" (Gal 2:16). The promise of God is realized "by faith in Jesus Christ" (Gal 3:22). As we approach the Lord, boldness and access are realized "through faith in Him" (Eph 3:12). Paul articulated the appointed quest of all believers. It was to be "found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith" (Phil 3:9).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the gift faith, and its effectiveness to appropriate Your righteousness.