In the 15th chapter of Genesis we are told that Abram believed God and God counted it to him for righteousness. Abram didn’t earn righteous standing with God, he simply believed and trusted God and God bestowed it upon him. God hasn’t changed and it remains the same today. When we believe God and truly put our trust and our faith in Him, He sends righteousness our way.
What is righteousness? Basically it is whatever conforms to the revealed will of God. It is whatever has been appointed of God to be acknowledged and obeyed by man. We can see from this definition that it is more than just a verbal declaration but involves commitment and obedience. To be righteous means God is not prejudiced towards you or that He stands in judgment against you. Ezekiel 3:20 tells us that righteous standing with God can be lost.
Isaiah 32:17 says: “ And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Peace, quietness and assurance are the fruit or rewards of righteousness but as we see in this verse it is also a work. The devil will fight against it, the world will deny its place but through obedience in God’s Word, it will come.
Although righteousness is bestowed by God and is not given in stages, its value, power and worth comes as we grow in faith, for Romans 1:17 says: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Righteousness is a lifestyle and as we hear the Word of God in our spirit and receive it in our hearts; it is revealed to us as we grow. If someone gave you an airplane it would certainly be yours, but that doesn’t mean you know how to fly it. There it is ready to function as it was designed but its benefit to you isn’t released yet. It will be revealed to you day by day or month by month. If you do not develop your knowledge about flying, you won’t reap the benefits of your aircraft.
The only way you can reap the benefits of righteousness is to have it revealed to you by the Spirit of God. Read the Word, apply its teachings and principles and as the Holy Ghost quickens it into your spirit, you will be blessed and changed by what God has given to you. First, you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior or you are not going to know the peace, quietness and assurance that comes through God’s righteousness. Ask Jesus into your heart and begin to be blessed with His righteousness.
Maranatha!
