Many times we live our lives by hope and sometimes we may even casually say that we believe. But do we? As an example, the Bible tells us that we are righteous, if we are His. However, if you ask most Christians if they are righteous they will probably say they hope so. Their feelings tell them that they are not righteous. Their lives may underscore that feeling. But, are they righteous? We can only declare that we are righteous if God and His Word tells us that we are. Otherwise, it is self-righteousness. Lets examine what the Word of God says.
Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Are you a servant of the Lord?
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If you have made Jesus the Lord of your life, His blood has cleansed you of all unrighteousness. If you are cleansed of unrighteousness, then you must be righteous. True?
So how is it then? God has stated His position. Do you believe? You see, your righteousness is not by your works or accomplishments but it is a gift of God. If you are His child, then He has made you righteous and you are part of His family. He says you are a new creature (2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new). It is just like salvation. You are not saved because you just happen to feel saved. You are saved by the sacrifice Jesus made on Calvary’s cross. It is the grace of God, not your goodness. We receive it by faith, but it is a gift of God. Ro 5:17 says: “ For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” A gift is not earned or perhaps even deserved. We did not and could not earn salvation or righteousness. They are both a gift of God through His love for us. God is not a respecter of persons. Our part is to believe and to receive. If you are a child of God, accept what the Word of God says and don’t ever declare otherwise. Your feelings will lie to you and you need to remember that the devil is the father of lies. God loves you. If you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior; not is a good time to do so. He loves you. Just like the rest of us; you will never be good enough and will never be rejected if you call upon Jesus in faith with a true heart.
Maranatha!
