Righteousness

As a young teen growing up, I heard the words "none is righteous," and trust me when I say that those words haunted me for long. This thought prevailed because the scriptures used by the ministers I had the opportunity to hear at the time achored this thought on what they knew in part. I ThankGod for these ministers where I worshipped, and I cannot blame anyone of them, for what they shared was what they in turn were taught. But, it is intriguing, because even though preceding and later verses came with clarity; whenever I began to read a chapter I knew had such verse(s), I was blinded to its truths.

 

What I am about to say is not alien, but it was the understanding of this that began opening my eyes to Jesus' finished works on the cross, and it is simply this, “Righteousness is a gift.” Romans 5: 17 says, “for if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through 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.” But those who are sin conscious as outlined in Romans 3: 20 have their mindset patterned according to the curse that befell the first man which brought condemnation. The devil uses this ignorance of theirs to make believers think that righteousness has to be attained through works. Not that I said this to judge anyone for we all grow daily, but I discovered that this thought traps christians and makes those who are without this understanding think they are unworthy of God’s grace, but Romans 4:2 – 3 says, “2. If, in fact Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boost about but not before God. 3. What does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness’” so there it is, you do not work for a gift. 

This gift was not Abraham's alone for Romans 4: 23 – 24 says, “23. The words ‘it was credited to him (Abraham) were not written for him alone, 24. But also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Not my words but scripture, and all it takes for a believer to receive this precious gift is to have faith.

Now, I am not saying we Christians should be lazy, for Paul said to timothy, "train yourself to be godly" and Jude admonishing in Jude 20 said, "... build up your most holy faith ...", for I agree that if we must grow to understand biblical truths, we must spend time in God's presence. It is in his presence we receive clarity.

From the beginning of this write-up, I have emphasized that this gift of righteousness is given to believers. So one many ask, “what if I have not dedicated my life to God and I want this gift?” well, it is simple, firstly, I encourage you to come to Jesus Christ by saying the prayer below and mean it from your heart to God.

“Heavenly Father, I receive the forgiveness of my sins based on your sacrifice on the cross, I believe within my heart that Jesus died for my sin, and you raised Him from the dead. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord therefore I am saved and I am born again child of God. Thank you for saving me in Jesus name. Amen”

If you have said this prayer, then congratulations! Next is to go to a bible believing church nearest to you, and personally study as well as, equip yourself with the word of God, and by faith receive God’s gift of righteousness.

Confidently enjoy the week ahead.

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