Alt: Pastor John Bradshaw preaching about righteousness by faith, emphasizing the importance of God’s love and Christian love.
A child’s struggle with a seemingly insurmountable math problem can offer a powerful analogy for the spiritual journey. Just as a teacher guides a student, so too does God guide us towards understanding His love and the path to righteousness. This journey often begins with recognizing our own limitations and seeking guidance, much like a six-year-old grappling with complex equations.
The Gift of Righteousness: Not Earned, But Received
The Bible clearly states that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). This raises a crucial question: how can flawed humans, inherently prone to sin, achieve righteousness in God’s eyes? The answer lies not in our own efforts, but in accepting the gift of Christ’s righteousness through faith.
Alt: An open Bible displaying the scripture about righteousness by faith, highlighting the central theme of God’s love and Christian love.
Our attempts at self-righteousness, like Adam and Eve’s fig-leaf coverings, are insufficient. They are tainted by our inherent imperfections. True righteousness, the kind that grants us access to heaven, is not earned through meticulous obedience to the law, but received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith: The Key to Unlocking God’s Love and Righteousness
Even in seemingly flawed ideas, there can be a grain of truth. While obedience to God is essential, trying to earn our way to holiness through sheer willpower is a misguided approach. Our righteousness, compared to God’s, is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We are fundamentally flawed, yet God offers a way out through His love and grace.
This escape route from the maze of sin is not found through our own striving, but through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. The question then becomes: how do we experience this righteousness of Christ? Philippians 3 offers the answer: through faith.
Justification: Declared Righteous Through Christ
The concept of justification, often debated among theologians, essentially means to be considered righteous in God’s sight. While some interpret it as a legal declaration of innocence, others emphasize the ontological transformation that occurs through regeneration. Perhaps the middle ground lies in recognizing that justification involves both pardon and cleansing, a process of becoming righteous while acknowledging the ongoing need for growth and maturity in our faith.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican: A Lesson in Humility
Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates the true nature of righteousness. The Pharisee, boasting of his outward piety, missed the mark. The publican, humbly recognizing his sinfulness and pleading for mercy, was justified. This demonstrates the power of humility and recognizing our need for God’s grace. It is through acknowledging our imperfections that we open ourselves to receiving God’s love and the gift of righteousness.
Abraham’s Example: Righteousness Through Belief
Abraham’s story provides a powerful example of righteousness by faith. He believed God’s promise, even when it seemed impossible, and this belief was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3). His unwavering faith, despite his own limitations and the seemingly insurmountable circumstances, serves as a testament to the transformative power of belief.
Receiving the Gift: Embracing God’s Love and Righteousness
Salvation is not earned through our efforts, but freely given through God’s grace. It is a gift to be accepted, not a prize to be won. As Paul writes in Romans 10:9, confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. This simple act of faith unlocks the door to God’s love and the righteousness of Christ.
Alt: A person praying, symbolizing the acceptance of God’s love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Too often, we complicate the process of receiving salvation, seeking assurance through our own works rather than trusting in God’s promise. But the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the gift of salvation is ours. It is not about achieving perfection, but about embracing the journey of growth and transformation through faith, clinging to Jesus every step of the way.
Conclusion: Living in the Light of God’s Love
Christian love, rooted in Agape, embodies God’s unconditional love and emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Understanding this love is crucial to navigating the Christian life. Just as a teacher patiently guides a student, God guides us on our spiritual journey. He doesn’t discard us because of our flaws, but nurtures our growth, empowering us to live in the fullness of His love and righteousness. Let us embrace this gift by faith and continue to grow in the grace of God.
