The Gift of Righteousness

Introduction

In this segment of My Thoughts, we will attempt to understand the purpose of the Mosaic Law, better known as the law. It is critical for our relationship with God and what makes us righteous without becoming self-righteous. Let us start with the law. He gave the law for two reasons:

  • That you would have the knowledge of sin (Romans 7:7-12).
  • Recognize your need for a Savior.

Our main comes from Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

The Law and Sin

In Romans 4:15, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.” What this means is without the law, there would be no sin. For example, if there is no law on how fast you can drive on a particular road then Law Enforcement Officers cannot stop you and give you a ticket. In simple terms, no law equals no sin. No recognition of sin equals no need for a Savior!

The law was given to bring us to the end of ourselves so that in our desperation, will see our need for Jesus. Because of the law, no one can say they are not a sinner, and no one can say they do not need Jesus. That is the purpose of the law. It was not designed to make you godly, but to expose your ungodliness.

Satan, the Law, and You

What Satan wants to do is keep the law over your head 24/7/365 so that you constantly feel condemned and guilty. That is how he keeps you trapped in a cycle of defeat. Satan is the master legalist who constantly reminds you of how unworthy you are of God’s blessings. Known also as the accuser, here are some of his common attacks:

  • Do you call yourself a Christian? You are a hypocrite!
  • Forget about praying. God will never listen to your prayers.
  • Look at your life. How dare you step into church?

These are all lies! Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Satan is using the law to make you conscious of all your shortcomings. Through Jesus Christ, you are no longer under the condemnation of the law. Satan has been disarmed by the power of the cross!

You Are the Righteousness of God

2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who know no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus, who knew no sin, was condemned on your behalf on the cross. Through Jesus Christ, you are now made righteous apart from the works of the law.

Romans 8:10, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit of life because of righteousness.” Proves right standing with God thanks to what Jesus did on the cross and not what we can or could do to earn right standing with God.

So, when you hear the voice of the accuser condemning you, remind yourself that you are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. Declare it out loud! Come on, say it with me three times, each time louder than the first:

  • I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ!
  • I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ!
  • I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ!
Conclusion

Righteousness is a gift. It is not a reward for perfect obedience to the law because the law does not provide righteousness (Galatians 3:21). You are clothed today not in your own righteousness, which is self-righteousness, but with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. God sees you as righteous as Jesus Himself. This is your permanent, eternal standing before Him because of what Christ has done for you.

When you are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, any obstacle that tries to obstruct you from living your life to the fullest, whether it’s an addiction, sickness, fear, or depression, must go! Why? Because you are the righteousness or in right standing with God through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

I am Dale Van De Bogart and I approve of this message!

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