THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW

[Revealing the futility of justification by works]
By Goodlife Edet

a. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 10: 3 – 4)

b. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall [be] no one justified in His sight. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witness by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe …” (Romans 3: 20 – 22)

Our Righteous Works: Filthy Rags Before God

Isaiah 64: 6 clearly puts that our works of righteousness doesn’t make us credible before God. Paul, in the first text above talked about Israelites (in his letter to the churches in Rome) and the futility of their righteous works.

They went about trying to establish their own righteousness.

Does it mean they tried to invent some new set of rules? No. All they did was follow every law by every inch, and depending on these practices as the means of being right with God. This was cumbersome.

Yet, man could not meet up with the righteous standards of God by his works. This brought problems that severally resulted in destruction of lives. The righteousness of the law saves no one. Not even a follower of the Law.

Justification is Only in Christ Jesus

The second text boldly states, ‘therefore by the deeds of the law, no one shall be justified’. What are the deeds of the law? You may ask.

They are all the practices and effort put in by you and I daily to please God (and make us look worthy for blessings, miracles, favour and even eternal Life); your regular church attendance, your alms giving, your tithe and giving, your kindness towards others, your obedience to the commandments of the Lord, your kind practices of civil and religious obligations. These are the works of righteousness.

Please note: God DOES NOT discourage it. Rather, the Word says that these (righteous works) does not save. Remember the men Jesus talked about in Luke 18:10 – 14 and Matthew 7: 22 – 23 ?

They listed their works before the Lord, yet they lost out. Their hopes were in their works of righteousness. Do not be tempted into doing same.

Introducing the Righteousness in Christ Jesus

Go ahead with your good works. God rewards them, both in this life time, and in eternity. But depend on the righteousness Jesus acquired for you in salvation.

Hang on the ‘righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all that believe’. (Romans 3: 22)

Christ met all requirements of the Father, and He became the legal and most qualified to please Him. Therefore by Jesus, all who trust on his saving grace, are righteous before the Father. Walk and work in this righteousness. God bless you.

[Goodlife Writes]

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