Exercise
Loving Jesus is not icing on the cake of Christianity. John Piper
When someone says, “Just Give Me Jesus?” What do they mean? When they say, “I just love Jesus.” Why do they say it? Why do they love Jesus? Why do you and I love Jesus? Have you given it much thought?
Righteousness a gift of grace!
Only Empty Words
Many times Jesus is just a safety net, only called on when the kingdom we have set up starts to fall or our idols start to rock.
We can wear t-shirts and have coffee mugs that say I love Jesus, and they do make a proclamation, but that proclamation can be empty words and actions.
The apostle Paul gives an example of this very thing in Romans 9:30-31 and Romans 10:1-4.
Israel, some of Israel, had a zeal for God, but it was not by knowledge.
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3.
What is Righteousness?
Dictionaries define righteousness as “behavior that is morally justifiable or right.” Such behavior is characterized by accepted standards of morality, justice, virtue, or uprightness. The Bible’s standard of human righteousness is God’s own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behavior, and every word. Thus, God’s laws, as given in the Bible, both describe His own character and constitute the plumb line by which He measures human righteousness. Quoted From Got Questions
Our Righteousness Measured Against God’s
When we measure our righteousness against that of God’s recorded in the Scriptures we fall short. We do not measure up. If we, like some of the Jews mentioned in Romans, try to work in our power, morality or goodness we are not truly saved.
We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, and that a gift of God.
What is Faith?
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen. Definition found in Hebrews 11:1.Faith trusts in and relies on who God is and His un-revocable promises.Faith trusts in the righteousness of Christs which secures our salvation.
Righteousness a Gift of Grace From God
The righteousness of God is a free gift in which He imputes the righteousness of Christ to us. Righteousness is a gift of grace that comes through faith and is received not worked for.
Misguided, misdirected ideas, and feelings lead to destruction.
Israel tried to establish their own righteousness by keeping the letter of the Law, not believing in and trusting by faith.
Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness. In other words, Christ is our righteousness.
No working,
No relying on self to establish or own righteousness.
It is for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1″
The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God!
Look at how Martin Luther responded when the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God enlightened his heart.
At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words. There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that which the righteous lives by the gift of God, namely by faith.”
Have you been working to establish your righteousness? I pray, not! Look to Christ and by faith rest in His completed work on the cross. His righteousness is a gift of grace.
This post goes along with our in-depth Bible Study in the book of Romans.
PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE: HOW TO BE A WOMAN SHAPED BY GOOD THEOLOGY
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