BEING FOUND IN CHRIST -- Monday:
"And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." KJV (Phil 3:9)
Here we see that Paul's attitude is immediately related to salvation. To be "found in Him" refers to the time when we will all appear "before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Cor 5:10). How we appear, or are "found," at that time is everything! As you can see, being "found in Him" is not unrelated to effort on our part! Neither, indeed, is it all automatic.
And how is it that Paul wants to be found? He knows righteousness will be the issue! Will he be righteous before God or not? There are only two types of righteousness recognized by God and both have to do with what He has initiated. The first is a righteousness that "comes from the Law." It is based upon the doing of the individual. In the energy of the human nature alone, an effort is made to do ALL the Lord has commanded, for that is what he requires. Paul has already said he excelled in natural advantage and such personal effort (vs 5-6). It was, however, all futile, every jot and tittle of it! He threw it all overboard in preference of another righteousness – one that "comes from God."
This is the righteousness announced by the Gospel of Christ. "For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" (Rom 1:17). It is a righteousness that is conferred by God "without the law" (Rom 3:21). "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe"(Rom 3:22, NIV).
The righteousness of the Law depends upon man, and MUST be given up in order to obtain the righteousness of God (which is the only acceptable righteousness). It is no wonder Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, AND His righteousness" (Matt 6:33). Those without this righteousness are, in fact, "unrighteous," and can in no way inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9). When Jesus comes again, He will find us. How we appear in HIS eyes will determine our eternal destiny. It is not possible for anything to be more serious.
Our text carefully states this righteousness is realized "through faith." That is the spiritual hand, as it was, that takes hold of the righteousness announced in the Gospel. Repeatedly, the Spirit underscores this reality. "This righteousness from God comes THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ . . . HIS FAITH is counted for righteousness . . . the righteousness that he had BY FAITH . . . the righteousness that comes BY FAITH . . . the righteousness that is BY FAITH" (Rom 3:22; 4:5,11,13; 10:6 NIV). This is righteous conferred by God because of faith.
Paul knows this is the ONLY way to be accepted by God. For God to ignore this would invalidate the death of Christ. Not only is the initial belief of the Gospel and trust in Christ required, it must be maintained. There are competing influences – religious influences – that contradict this means of acceptance. They tend to blind the eyes of the heart and cause men to live in delusion. Knowing this, Paul threw them all overboard, considering them worthless and contaminating refuse. He knew there was ONLY one way to be "found" in Christ – NOT having His own righteous, but in possession of God's righteousness. Every other way of thinking had to be abandoned – thrown overboard like contaminating "dung." Neither, indeed, is it possible for anyone else to be "found" acceptable in Christ! The rarity of this view among modern churchmen confirms its value.
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection . . . " (NKJV). How is it that Paul continued to abandon every competing influence to "know" Christ? Was this required for the fulfillment of the Apostolic office? Is this a unique attitude – a sort of superior frame of spirit obtained by a select few in the Kingdom? Indeed, if we allowed our vision to rest upon the professed church, we would be inclined to think so. But this is not at all the case. What we are reading is the Kingdom NORM – the standard for believers. Jesus has come to ensure that we can "know Him." As it is written, "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him . . . " (1 John 5:20). If Jesus came to administer such knowledge, how can anyone be accepted by Him who fails to pursue it?
Knowing Him equates to the "fellowship" of God's Son, into which we have been called (1 Cor 1:9). It is involvement with Jesus on a personal basis. This knowledge has glorious results, as described in the 25th Psalm. "The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant" 25:14).The effects of this knowledge include insight, wisdom, strength, peace, gladness, and joy, to mention a few. Confidence, assurance, and strong hope are also experienced in increasingly large measures. There comes a joyful sufficiency and contentment in all things that no philosopher is capable of imagining – "That I may know HIM!"
How will Jesus find you in "the great and notable day of the Lord?" What kind of righteousness will you have THEN? Much of your condition then, depends on your activity NOW. If you will avail yourself of God's great salvation now, energetically pressing it to know Christ, He will find you in a good state!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the open door You have given to Yourself in Christ Jesus.