WEDNESDAY September 2, 2020

The Righteousness of Faith

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
Romans 9:30-31

What does this mean? Paul was stating that the Jew was trying to live according to the Law. However, the Law of God condemned them. The Law has no power to set anyone free. Whether a person is a Jew or Gentile, salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are set free from sin: Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Down through the ages, man has objected to the doctrine of justification by faith and the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the Cross. In Christ we are made righteous. The doctrine of justification by faith contradicts the Law. Many Jews did not believe in Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. They wanted to keep to the Law. Yet the Law could not save them; it was a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. Paul explained:

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:24-25 KJV).

When Christ left this world, He sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8). We are so rich in His mercy and grace.

Here is the paradox in history. The Old Testament teaches us about the coming Messiah––Christ. Many Jews trusted in their own righteousness, and the Gentiles who came to Christ trusted in God’s righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. The Jews trusted in their works. Make that clear in your mind because that is what separates us.

The righteousness which is by faith in Christ is a loving heart and a loving life, which every man will long to lead who believes really in Jesus Christ.
~Charles Kingsley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!