05/25/2020
How often do we, as believers, look at ourselves in satisfaction, and then, leaning back at the table, say “I am righteous Father!”? It is so easy to compare who we are with who we once were, or to stand others up next to us and judge ourselves by their actions and think we are righteous, but we are fooling ourselves. No, our righteousness is judged by God alone, and by a standard that only He can set, but there is hope, mercy, salvation, and grace through Jesus Christ... righteousness on which we can claim no personal ownership, and yet can receive in full.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
Romans 3:10 KJV
We read the stories of the Israelites who Moses led out of captivity, and how they were fed by the hand of God, and even more, they were given water, protected, provided for, saw His miracles, and were taught to worship... all by God. Yet even in this personal daily interaction with the Lord they sinned time and time again. God Himself recognized them as a stiffnecked people, and told them that their righteousness was not why He would give them Canaan... the Promised Land.
“Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”
Deuteronomy 9:6 KJV
Then, many years later, God sent His Son, the Messiah Jesus Christ. In the fullness of time He sent Him, that by His righteousness mankind could be redeemed... but without that gift, that grace, that redemption, we are still unworthy, sinners, and unrighteous. Without being clothed with belief, and faith in Jesus we have no claim on righteousness for ourselves... we are modern day Israelites... trekking, and sinning in the wilderness.
“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;”
Romans 3:21-23 KJV
Just as by the sin of Adam all men became the vessels of sin, so it is by Jesus that all have been emptied once more, cleansed, purified, and filled with the righteousness of God. None of this is by our own doing, but by God’s perfect grace alone. We have no claim to the righteousness that we might carry.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:1-2 KJV
So those who are proud of their righteousness, their place in the Church, their walk of faith, or any good thing that they might do, should fall to their knees begging forgiveness, because none of these things are possible except through Jesus Christ, and all glory for them belongs to God alone. Instead, we should judge neither ourselves, nor others, for judgements is God’s alone, and thank God day and night for His grace which flows through Jesus, and pours over us.
“And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
Luke 16:15 ESV
So, are we sinning again by claiming we are righteous, and being confident in our own ability to have earned it? Are we judging ourselves to be above others, or honoring ourselves by assuming possession of the glory that is God’s alone to receive? Well, it is time for us to wallow in reality, and humility. It is time to place our mouths to the ground and pray for forgiveness. It is time to ask God, and all those who we have lorded our false righteousness over, for forgiveness.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your patience with us as we learn to worship you, obey your commandments, believe in our Redeemer Jesus Christ, accept through Him your gift of grace, and realize that we were sinners before we met Him, and that without His righteousness we would be unrighteous even now. Forgive us Holy Father for those times when we become proud of our Faith, and righteousness... gifts from you over which we have no claim of ownership or right to be proud. Forgive us for mistreating those around us by making them feel less as we haughtily judged them. Forgive us Lord, and teach us not to judge, lest we be judged. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose mercy and grace cleanses us, and who redeems us by the blood of your Son Jesus. Hear our prayers as we thank you for your watchful eye, and for knowing our heart so that we can receive your correction, and the proper application of your salve to our sinful nature. We praise your name Father, for saving us, leading us into your righteousness, and because yours is the name we will receive as your children. This is your day, and we will rejoice in it. In your Joy we will celebrate the grace, and righteousness you shower down upon us, and give you all the glory forevermore.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.”
Romans 3:23-27 ESV
Rich Forbes