Christ our righteousness
The priorities of God should be followed by all. God knows why He puts some things first and others later. So only those who obey can be able to be the blessing of following God’s order. Jesus told us plainly that we should seek two things first. He spoke of His Kingdom and His righteousness.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Most of us have heard messages on the Kingdom of God. But few have heard messages on the kind of righteousness which God wants us to have as Christians. Others have just understood it vaguely to mean holiness. But, holiness and righteousness are totally different.
For example if I give a Christian the following questions, almost 90% of Christians will fail.
- By what righteousness are we saved?
- We are saved by the righteousness of Christ. True or false?
- We are saved by our own righteousness. True or false?
- We are saved by God's righteousness. True or false?
- We are saved by faith in the righteousness of Christ. True or false?
The answer is all are false!
Lets examine the Word of God and see why all are wrong and that the answer is not found in any of the options above.
There are four kinds of righteousness in the Bible.
- Human’s righteousness
- God’s righteousness
- Christ’s righteousness.
- Believers’ righteousness
Human effort to please God makes up the human righteousness; it is also called righteousness of the law. It can never be accepted by God. It is like filthy rags before God.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6).
The scripture says by the deeds of the law no man shall be justified.
We need to achieve to God’s righteousness, but we have no strength to achieve to it. We need God to help us to be able to reach His standard. So God has provided a solution in Christ.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
In Christ
Jesus came here on earth and was born here. He walked on earth and pleased God. His walk and work perfectly pleased God. This was the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness qualified and enabled Him to be the Saviour of the world. I really honour the Lord for this great achievement. This was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who qualified to open the seals of God. No other human being has ever achieved such qualifications. When Christ died and rose again from the dead God made Him to be our righteousness.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Putting on Christ
Hence as Christians do not join Christ at His birth but only at the cross, we are planted with Him at His death and so can we have resurrection power at His resurrection.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6: 5)
We are not saved by putting faith in the righteousness of Christ but by having faith in Christ because God had made Him to be our righteousness.
As many as were baptized in Christ they have put on Christ. This is the righteousness of the believer. Christ is our righteousness.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
Christ as our righteousness is constant
We can not be more righteous than Christ. Hence one can grow in character, in holiness, spirituality and all forms of maturity but he or she can not grow in righteousness. Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. Our position of approach before God remains the same. This is the solid rock where we all stand; all other ground is sinking sand. The devil can not accuse you when you stand on the ground that Christ is your righteousness.
I have found that when believers are asked if their thirst and hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) has brought them to the place where the consider the righteousness which God had provided for us in the New Testament, its only a few who seem to understand the impact of it on our walk with God. The Holy Spirit came to convict is concerning this righteousness.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8)
When Paul reasoned even with politicians he based his arguments on the same pillars. This made then to tremble and where pushed to made a decision.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25)
We should understand that Christ alone is our righteousness.
Believe and accept Christ to be your righteousness by faith and thank God for Him. You are complete and perfect in Him. Amen.
