FRIDAY January 14, 2022

Christ Our Righteousness

...and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:9-10

Paul brought biblical truths right into perspective. He discovered that the Law only served to prove that we are all sinners: There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God (Romans 3:10-11). The prophet Isaiah records that our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, we cannot trust in our works or ourselves; we can only trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Paul had been a self-righteous Pharisee. What are self-righteous people like? They trust in themselves––in their own good works. Paul strongly said, “No–no-no! You cannot be saved by works.” As Christians, the righteousness we have is not our own. It is received positionally by receiving Jesus Christ into our hearts through repentance. We accept Him as Lord and Savior by faith. The Scriptures tell us––the righteousness which is from God by faith. The grace of God has come into our lives.

People cannot be saved by how many times they attend church, or how much they give in offerings, or by good deeds. We are saved by grace: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). In your relationship with Christ, there is now no more condemnation (Romans 8:1); there is no legalism (Colossians 2:11-15); it is purely a love relationship with Jesus Christ.

How do we get to know Christ in the power of His Resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings? It is through personal experience. How does it happen? As you reckon the old man to be dead (Romans 6:1-4). It is a death to our flesh––our carnal desires––by living the crucified life.

The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.
~Charles Spurgeon~

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