Reconciled to GodIgnorance alienates us from being reconciled to God, because we are in “OUR OWN MIND” which only results in wicked deeds (Col 1:21) because we are deceived into serving lusts and pleasures which causes us to be envious, and hateful towards others (Ts 3:3). So believers who are in their flesh cannot please God, because they have a carnal mind which is (naturally) against the things of God (Rom 8:8-7).This is why it is said that we need to “MORTIFY” our deeds of the body, through the Spirit, so our body can be dead to sin, and we can have LIFE because of (the) righteousness (of God that works in us) so that we can walk in the Spirit, and not be under condemnation because we are no longer walking in our flesh (Rom 8:13, 10, and 1).Those that are spiritually minded are peaceful, because they had their carnal mind put to death (by the work of God) so that they could have the life which lives after the things of the Spirit, because they are no longer walking after their flesh (Rom 8:6-4). Those who are NOT LEARNING HOW to “put off” their “old self” ARE corrupted through lusts, because they are deceived (Eph 4:20-22, and 18). Therefore they cannot “put on” the NEW man which God creates in them so that they could be righteous, and have the experience of true holiness (Eph 4:24) because their minds have not been renewed in the spirit (4:23).Those who are pure (have been purified by God) so they believe (because God has worked upon them) so that they would NOT have defiled minds who profess to know God, but by their disobedient deeds they show that they deny Him (Ts 1:15-16). These believers need to be sharply rebuked that they may be sound in the faith (by believing in God working upon them) and NOT in the commandments/traditions of men (of so-called faith) which turns them from all of this truth (1:13-14).Therefore if anyone is to be in Christ, they MUST become NEW people (by the work of God) so that they would not be living after their flesh, which only can live and be for “themselves” rather than living for God, who died so that they could live for Him as NEW creatures because all the old attributes (of self-serving) are gone (because of His work upon us) WITHOUT ALL OF THIS (becoming new within the work of God upon us) WE CANNOT BE RECONCILED TO GOD, AND BE GIVEN THIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR OTHERS (2 Cor 5:17-15, and 18).HAVE YOU ASKED GOD TO RECONCILE YOU TO HIM?? If so, then He can make you righteous (through learning the doctrine of grace which shows us how we can attain this approval from God See Strong’s Greek #1343) so that we can be in Him, AND live for Him (2Cor 5:20-21). All of this can be done IF we have the faith that is in POWER OF GOD, AND NOT IN THE WISDOM OF (SO-CALLED) MEN (OF FAITH) who use words that entice us (with our flesh in what we can do) rather than demonstrating the Spirit, and the power of God (that works upon us) (2Cor 2:5-4). The demonstration of the Holy Spirit teaches us through the comparison of spiritual (scriptures) with spiritual things, which is NOT in the wisdom of this world, and THIS (how the Holy Spirit teaches) is so that our faith would stand in the POWER OF GOD. (1Cor 2:13, 5-4). This instruction is in the wisdom of God, and NOT of this world, AND is a mystery, AND is hidden from those who have received the spirit of the world so these things of the Spirit are “foolish” to them because they cannot spiritually discern the things of God (1Cor 2:7:13-14, 11). It is only by hearing these things, and receiving a spirit (minister) who is of God, so that we might know all the things that can be given to us by God (2:9 & 11).Have you received such a minister who has been given the gift of the grace of God that is effectually working upon him (TO TEACH OTHERS THESE THINGS)? If so, then you know he is the least of all saints who has been given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ so that you can have understanding, AND have this mystery made known unto you (Eph 3:7-8, 4-3).CAN YOU SPIRITUALLY JUDGE THESE THINGS? (1Cor 2:15) IF NOT, Then you are only seeking to know God, so that you can instruct Him, rather than having the mind of Christ (2:16) because you are in a LOVING fellowship within the unity of the Spirit, which is at peace (Eph 3:9 & 4:4-2).
Have You Been Reconciled To God?
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QUOTE (Ztheberean @ Mar 23 2009, 03:24 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=71222
Reconciled to GodThose who are pure (have been purified by God) so they believe (because God has worked upon them) so that they would NOT have defiled minds who profess to know God, but by their disobedient deeds they show that they deny Him (Ts 1:15-16). These believers need to be sharply rebuked that they may be sound in the faith (by believing in God working upon them) and NOT in the commandments/traditions of men (of so-called faith) which turns them from all of this truth (1:13-14).Therefore if anyone is to be in Christ, they MUST become NEW people (by the work of God) so that they would not be living after their flesh, which only can live and be for “themselves” rather than living for God, who died so that they could live for Him as NEW creatures because all the old attributes (of self-serving) are gone (because of His work upon us) WITHOUT ALL OF THIS (becoming new within the work of God upon us) WE CANNOT BE RECONCILED TO GOD, AND BE GIVEN THIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR OTHERS (2 Cor 5:17-15, and 18).HAVE YOU ASKED GOD TO RECONCILE YOU TO HIM?? If so, then He can make you righteous (through learning the doctrine of grace which shows us how we can attain this approval from God See Strong’s Greek #1343) so that we can be in Him, AND live for Him (2Cor 5:20-21). All of this can be done IF we have the faith that is in POWER OF GOD, AND NOT IN THE WISDOM OF (SO-CALLED) MEN (OF FAITH) who use words that entice us (with our flesh in what we can do) rather than demonstrating the Spirit, and the power of God (that works upon us) (2Cor 2:5-4). The demonstration of the Holy Spirit teaches us through the comparison of spiritual (scriptures) with spiritual things, which is NOT in the wisdom of this world, and THIS (how the Holy Spirit teaches) is so that our faith would stand in the POWER OF GOD. (1Cor 2:13, 5-4). This instruction is in the wisdom of God, and NOT of this world, AND is a mystery, AND is hidden from those who have received the spirit of the world so these things of the Spirit are “foolish” to them because they cannot spiritually discern the things of God (1Cor 2:7:13-14, 11). It is only by hearing these things, and receiving a spirit (minister) who is of God, so that we might know all the things that can be given to us by God (2:9 & 11).
Vickie says: This time is quickly coming upon the flock of the Lord, we are going into the birth canal and through this tribulation that is coming upon this earth quickly. It appears the shepherds over God's flock are going to be struck. Zechariah 13:7-9 Awake O SWORD, against my SHEPHERD, against the MAN who IS CLOSE TO ME! declares the LORD GOD, Almighty "Strike the shepherd, and the SHEEP will be SCATTERED, and I will turn my hand against the "LITTLE ONES." In the whole land, declared the Lord, "TWO THIRDS" will be struck down and perish. Yet one third will be left in it. (tribulation)This third I will bring in to the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will CALL ON MY NAME and I will answerthem; I will say, 'They are my people, and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.' QUOTE
Have you received such a minister who has been given the gift of the grace of God that is effectually working upon him (TO TEACH OTHERS THESE THINGS)? If so, then you know he is the least of all saints who has been given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ so that you can have understanding, AND have this mystery made known unto you (Eph 3:7-8, 4-3).
Vickie says; The New High Priest, Christ, is the new teacher over us. The Holy Spirit God has given to all of us, teaches all of us all things. No SERVANT IS ABOVE HIS MASTER. We are all servants of the Living God. Those who have a noble heart and have taken this upon themselves to teach doctrines in the bible, face a great destruction if they have not known God and followed the truth and taught error to God's little flock, because God gives graciously to all the children that God's little children need not "ANY MAN" to teach them anything, the anointing will teach us all things, I John 2:27. QUOTE
CAN YOU SPIRITUALLY JUDGE THESE THINGS? (1Cor 2:15) IF NOT, Then you are only seeking to know God, so that you can instruct Him, rather than having the mind of Christ (2:16) because you are in a LOVING fellowship within the unity of the Spirit, which is at peace (Eph 3:9 & 4:4-2).
I Cor 2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things. We, God's children are the spiritual man, it is not speaking of ministers having this power over us, given to Him by God. God gives his spirit abundantly to all he dwells in. It is teachings by man who claim God and set up many doctrines that have placed divisions in the flock. And they are heading to their destruction as 2 Peter 2:1-15 speaks about it. The Levitical Priesthood, set up under the Mosaic Law was removed by Christ at His dying. We are now under the Law of Christ which is from a different tribe, Heb. 7:12. We are in a new dispensation where Christ who is the New High Priest teaches all of us directly. The overseers job is to bring to light that which he has learned from God through teaching his immediate family the way to God, then he is able to help explain it to the flock he has placed himself over. I Tim 3:1-7. For the verse says very clear: I Tim 3:1 IF ANYONE SETS HIS HEART on being an overseer, he is desiring a noble task. It is clear the desire is by the person, not being required by Christ for the church, for he is the teacher. IN Christ's words of love and life. Vickie
Reconciled to GodThose who are pure (have been purified by God) so they believe (because God has worked upon them) so that they would NOT have defiled minds who profess to know God, but by their disobedient deeds they show that they deny Him (Ts 1:15-16). These believers need to be sharply rebuked that they may be sound in the faith (by believing in God working upon them) and NOT in the commandments/traditions of men (of so-called faith) which turns them from all of this truth (1:13-14).Therefore if anyone is to be in Christ, they MUST become NEW people (by the work of God) so that they would not be living after their flesh, which only can live and be for “themselves” rather than living for God, who died so that they could live for Him as NEW creatures because all the old attributes (of self-serving) are gone (because of His work upon us) WITHOUT ALL OF THIS (becoming new within the work of God upon us) WE CANNOT BE RECONCILED TO GOD, AND BE GIVEN THIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR OTHERS (2 Cor 5:17-15, and 18).HAVE YOU ASKED GOD TO RECONCILE YOU TO HIM?? If so, then He can make you righteous (through learning the doctrine of grace which shows us how we can attain this approval from God See Strong’s Greek #1343) so that we can be in Him, AND live for Him (2Cor 5:20-21). All of this can be done IF we have the faith that is in POWER OF GOD, AND NOT IN THE WISDOM OF (SO-CALLED) MEN (OF FAITH) who use words that entice us (with our flesh in what we can do) rather than demonstrating the Spirit, and the power of God (that works upon us) (2Cor 2:5-4). The demonstration of the Holy Spirit teaches us through the comparison of spiritual (scriptures) with spiritual things, which is NOT in the wisdom of this world, and THIS (how the Holy Spirit teaches) is so that our faith would stand in the POWER OF GOD. (1Cor 2:13, 5-4). This instruction is in the wisdom of God, and NOT of this world, AND is a mystery, AND is hidden from those who have received the spirit of the world so these things of the Spirit are “foolish” to them because they cannot spiritually discern the things of God (1Cor 2:7:13-14, 11). It is only by hearing these things, and receiving a spirit (minister) who is of God, so that we might know all the things that can be given to us by God (2:9 & 11).
Vickie says: This time is quickly coming upon the flock of the Lord, we are going into the birth canal and through this tribulation that is coming upon this earth quickly. It appears the shepherds over God's flock are going to be struck. Zechariah 13:7-9 Awake O SWORD, against my SHEPHERD, against the MAN who IS CLOSE TO ME! declares the LORD GOD, Almighty "Strike the shepherd, and the SHEEP will be SCATTERED, and I will turn my hand against the "LITTLE ONES." In the whole land, declared the Lord, "TWO THIRDS" will be struck down and perish. Yet one third will be left in it. (tribulation)This third I will bring in to the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will CALL ON MY NAME and I will answerthem; I will say, 'They are my people, and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.' QUOTE
Have you received such a minister who has been given the gift of the grace of God that is effectually working upon him (TO TEACH OTHERS THESE THINGS)? If so, then you know he is the least of all saints who has been given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ so that you can have understanding, AND have this mystery made known unto you (Eph 3:7-8, 4-3).
Vickie says; The New High Priest, Christ, is the new teacher over us. The Holy Spirit God has given to all of us, teaches all of us all things. No SERVANT IS ABOVE HIS MASTER. We are all servants of the Living God. Those who have a noble heart and have taken this upon themselves to teach doctrines in the bible, face a great destruction if they have not known God and followed the truth and taught error to God's little flock, because God gives graciously to all the children that God's little children need not "ANY MAN" to teach them anything, the anointing will teach us all things, I John 2:27. QUOTE
CAN YOU SPIRITUALLY JUDGE THESE THINGS? (1Cor 2:15) IF NOT, Then you are only seeking to know God, so that you can instruct Him, rather than having the mind of Christ (2:16) because you are in a LOVING fellowship within the unity of the Spirit, which is at peace (Eph 3:9 & 4:4-2).
I Cor 2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things. We, God's children are the spiritual man, it is not speaking of ministers having this power over us, given to Him by God. God gives his spirit abundantly to all he dwells in. It is teachings by man who claim God and set up many doctrines that have placed divisions in the flock. And they are heading to their destruction as 2 Peter 2:1-15 speaks about it. The Levitical Priesthood, set up under the Mosaic Law was removed by Christ at His dying. We are now under the Law of Christ which is from a different tribe, Heb. 7:12. We are in a new dispensation where Christ who is the New High Priest teaches all of us directly. The overseers job is to bring to light that which he has learned from God through teaching his immediate family the way to God, then he is able to help explain it to the flock he has placed himself over. I Tim 3:1-7. For the verse says very clear: I Tim 3:1 IF ANYONE SETS HIS HEART on being an overseer, he is desiring a noble task. It is clear the desire is by the person, not being required by Christ for the church, for he is the teacher. IN Christ's words of love and life. Vickie
QUOTE (Ztheberean @ Mar 23 2009, 03:24 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=71222
Reconciled to GodIgnorance alienates us from being reconciled to God, because we are in "OUR OWN MIND" which only results in wicked deeds (Col 1:21) because we are deceived into serving lusts and pleasures which causes us to be envious, and hateful towards others (Ts 3:3). So believers who are in their flesh cannot please God, because they have a carnal mind which is (naturally) against the things of God (Rom 8:8-7).This is why it is said that we need to "MORTIFY" our deeds of the body, through the Spirit, so our body can be dead to sin, and we can have LIFE because of (the) righteousness (of God that works in us) so that we can walk in the Spirit, and not be under condemnation because we are no longer walking in our flesh (Rom 8:13, 10, and 1).Those that are spiritually minded are peaceful, because they had their carnal mind put to death (by the work of God) so that they could have the life which lives after the things of the Spirit, because they are no longer walking after their flesh (Rom 8:6-4). Those who are NOT LEARNING HOW to "put off" their "old self" ARE corrupted through lusts, because they are deceived (Eph 4:20-22, and 18). Therefore they cannot "put on" the NEW man which God creates in them so that they could be righteous, and have the experience of true holiness (Eph 4:24) because their minds have not been renewed in the spirit (4:23).Those who are pure (have been purified by God) so they believe (because God has worked upon them) so that they would NOT have defiled minds who profess to know God, but by their disobedient deeds they show that they deny Him (Ts 1:15-16). These believers need to be sharply rebuked that they may be sound in the faith (by believing in God working upon them) and NOT in the commandments/traditions of men (of so-called faith) which turns them from all of this truth (1:13-14).Therefore if anyone is to be in Christ, they MUST become NEW people (by the work of God) so that they would not be living after their flesh, which only can live and be for "themselves" rather than living for God, who died so that they could live for Him as NEW creatures because all the old attributes (of self-serving) are gone (because of His work upon us) WITHOUT ALL OF THIS (becoming new within the work of God upon us) WE CANNOT BE RECONCILED TO GOD, AND BE GIVEN THIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR OTHERS (2 Cor 5:17-15, and 18).HAVE YOU ASKED GOD TO RECONCILE YOU TO HIM?? If so, then He can make you righteous (through learning the doctrine of grace which shows us how we can attain this approval from God See Strong's Greek #1343) so that we can be in Him, AND live for Him (2Cor 5:20-21). All of this can be done IF we have the faith that is in POWER OF GOD, AND NOT IN THE WISDOM OF (SO-CALLED) MEN (OF FAITH) who use words that entice us (with our flesh in what we can do) rather than demonstrating the Spirit, and the power of God (that works upon us) (2Cor 2:5-4). The demonstration of the Holy Spirit teaches us through the comparison of spiritual (scriptures) with spiritual things, which is NOT in the wisdom of this world, and THIS (how the Holy Spirit teaches) is so that our faith would stand in the POWER OF GOD. (1Cor 2:13, 5-4). This instruction is in the wisdom of God, and NOT of this world, AND is a mystery, AND is hidden from those who have received the spirit of the world so these things of the Spirit are "foolish" to them because they cannot spiritually discern the things of God (1Cor 2:7:13-14, 11). It is only by hearing these things, and receiving a spirit (minister) who is of God, so that we might know all the things that can be given to us by God (2:9 & 11).Have you received such a minister who has been given the gift of the grace of God that is effectually working upon him (TO TEACH OTHERS THESE THINGS)? If so, then you know he is the least of all saints who has been given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ so that you can have understanding, AND have this mystery made known unto you (Eph 3:7-8, 4-3).CAN YOU SPIRITUALLY JUDGE THESE THINGS? (1Cor 2:15) IF NOT, Then you are only seeking to know God, so that you can instruct Him, rather than having the mind of Christ (2:16) because you are in a LOVING fellowship within the unity of the Spirit, which is at peace (Eph 3:9 & 4:4-2).
Thank you AGAIN Ztheberean - and all who post topics like this - for another meaningful and anointed lesson.We must feed the Spirit and not the flesh also.I'm reminded of a topic on another forum about addictions - such feed the flesh and being addicted is NO excuse to continue and not try VERY HARD to quit. Some there seemed to think it's acceptable and needs work as we get around to it or feel like it.As you(?) wrote, we must rebuke those in sinful error. I plan to write them after praying about it. I KNOW ADDICTION. It's NOT okay. Our bodies are the Temple of God. Almost all drugs hurt the users body and mind, and hurt OTHERS TOO - not just us!!Thanks again Brother Ztheberean and EVERYONE who feeds the sheep
here.In Christ,Jim
Reconciled to GodIgnorance alienates us from being reconciled to God, because we are in "OUR OWN MIND" which only results in wicked deeds (Col 1:21) because we are deceived into serving lusts and pleasures which causes us to be envious, and hateful towards others (Ts 3:3). So believers who are in their flesh cannot please God, because they have a carnal mind which is (naturally) against the things of God (Rom 8:8-7).This is why it is said that we need to "MORTIFY" our deeds of the body, through the Spirit, so our body can be dead to sin, and we can have LIFE because of (the) righteousness (of God that works in us) so that we can walk in the Spirit, and not be under condemnation because we are no longer walking in our flesh (Rom 8:13, 10, and 1).Those that are spiritually minded are peaceful, because they had their carnal mind put to death (by the work of God) so that they could have the life which lives after the things of the Spirit, because they are no longer walking after their flesh (Rom 8:6-4). Those who are NOT LEARNING HOW to "put off" their "old self" ARE corrupted through lusts, because they are deceived (Eph 4:20-22, and 18). Therefore they cannot "put on" the NEW man which God creates in them so that they could be righteous, and have the experience of true holiness (Eph 4:24) because their minds have not been renewed in the spirit (4:23).Those who are pure (have been purified by God) so they believe (because God has worked upon them) so that they would NOT have defiled minds who profess to know God, but by their disobedient deeds they show that they deny Him (Ts 1:15-16). These believers need to be sharply rebuked that they may be sound in the faith (by believing in God working upon them) and NOT in the commandments/traditions of men (of so-called faith) which turns them from all of this truth (1:13-14).Therefore if anyone is to be in Christ, they MUST become NEW people (by the work of God) so that they would not be living after their flesh, which only can live and be for "themselves" rather than living for God, who died so that they could live for Him as NEW creatures because all the old attributes (of self-serving) are gone (because of His work upon us) WITHOUT ALL OF THIS (becoming new within the work of God upon us) WE CANNOT BE RECONCILED TO GOD, AND BE GIVEN THIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR OTHERS (2 Cor 5:17-15, and 18).HAVE YOU ASKED GOD TO RECONCILE YOU TO HIM?? If so, then He can make you righteous (through learning the doctrine of grace which shows us how we can attain this approval from God See Strong's Greek #1343) so that we can be in Him, AND live for Him (2Cor 5:20-21). All of this can be done IF we have the faith that is in POWER OF GOD, AND NOT IN THE WISDOM OF (SO-CALLED) MEN (OF FAITH) who use words that entice us (with our flesh in what we can do) rather than demonstrating the Spirit, and the power of God (that works upon us) (2Cor 2:5-4). The demonstration of the Holy Spirit teaches us through the comparison of spiritual (scriptures) with spiritual things, which is NOT in the wisdom of this world, and THIS (how the Holy Spirit teaches) is so that our faith would stand in the POWER OF GOD. (1Cor 2:13, 5-4). This instruction is in the wisdom of God, and NOT of this world, AND is a mystery, AND is hidden from those who have received the spirit of the world so these things of the Spirit are "foolish" to them because they cannot spiritually discern the things of God (1Cor 2:7:13-14, 11). It is only by hearing these things, and receiving a spirit (minister) who is of God, so that we might know all the things that can be given to us by God (2:9 & 11).Have you received such a minister who has been given the gift of the grace of God that is effectually working upon him (TO TEACH OTHERS THESE THINGS)? If so, then you know he is the least of all saints who has been given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ so that you can have understanding, AND have this mystery made known unto you (Eph 3:7-8, 4-3).CAN YOU SPIRITUALLY JUDGE THESE THINGS? (1Cor 2:15) IF NOT, Then you are only seeking to know God, so that you can instruct Him, rather than having the mind of Christ (2:16) because you are in a LOVING fellowship within the unity of the Spirit, which is at peace (Eph 3:9 & 4:4-2).
Thank you AGAIN Ztheberean - and all who post topics like this - for another meaningful and anointed lesson.We must feed the Spirit and not the flesh also.I'm reminded of a topic on another forum about addictions - such feed the flesh and being addicted is NO excuse to continue and not try VERY HARD to quit. Some there seemed to think it's acceptable and needs work as we get around to it or feel like it.As you(?) wrote, we must rebuke those in sinful error. I plan to write them after praying about it. I KNOW ADDICTION. It's NOT okay. Our bodies are the Temple of God. Almost all drugs hurt the users body and mind, and hurt OTHERS TOO - not just us!!Thanks again Brother Ztheberean and EVERYONE who feeds the sheep
Albert Finch
Well-Known Member
Romans 10:10 - For with the heart man beleiveth unto righteousness.......
Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Paul makes two significant statements about righteousness:
1. With the heart man believes unto righteousness.
2. When we receive Jesus and we are born again, we receive "the gift of righteousness."
Righteousness is a gift. Too often we have associated righteousness with "good works." The Bible teaches good works and right conduct, but all of our good works and right conduct will never make us righteous. If good works made us righteous, we wouldn't need Jesus.
Another fallacy about righteousness is that we've thought we had to grow into some kind of "high spiritual state" to be righteous. We can grow in the Lord and we can develop spiritually, but we cannot grow in righteousness. We will never be any more righteous than we are right now!
2 Corinthians 5:17,21 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. For he hath made him (God has made Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Matthew 6:33 -- "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
In Christ we become new creatures. In Him we become the righteousness of God when we are born again (verse 21).
This righteousness we are told to seek is not right behavior, but RIGHT STANDING before God, which comes to us as a gift when we receive salvation.
Romans 4:5 -- But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
We are not righteous because of how morally upright we are.
We are not righteous because we exercise self-control.
We are not righteous because we read 10 chapters of the Bible daily.
We are not righteous because we feel righteous.
We are the righteousness of God in Christ solely because the sacrifice of Jesus made us so. When we believe this, our faith is accounted for righteousness.
If we are righteous by our deeds, we don't need faith. We also don't need faith to know that we are sinful. But we do need faith to believe and declare that we are the righteousness of God in Christ, in the midst of our struggles with temptation and sin.
At the cross, Jesus didn't just remove our sins, He also gave us His righteousness so that today, we can come boldly before the throne of God and receive freely everything that He died to give us!
Albert Finch
Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Paul makes two significant statements about righteousness:
1. With the heart man believes unto righteousness.
2. When we receive Jesus and we are born again, we receive "the gift of righteousness."
Righteousness is a gift. Too often we have associated righteousness with "good works." The Bible teaches good works and right conduct, but all of our good works and right conduct will never make us righteous. If good works made us righteous, we wouldn't need Jesus.
Another fallacy about righteousness is that we've thought we had to grow into some kind of "high spiritual state" to be righteous. We can grow in the Lord and we can develop spiritually, but we cannot grow in righteousness. We will never be any more righteous than we are right now!
2 Corinthians 5:17,21 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. For he hath made him (God has made Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Matthew 6:33 -- "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
In Christ we become new creatures. In Him we become the righteousness of God when we are born again (verse 21).
This righteousness we are told to seek is not right behavior, but RIGHT STANDING before God, which comes to us as a gift when we receive salvation.
Romans 4:5 -- But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
We are not righteous because of how morally upright we are.
We are not righteous because we exercise self-control.
We are not righteous because we read 10 chapters of the Bible daily.
We are not righteous because we feel righteous.
We are the righteousness of God in Christ solely because the sacrifice of Jesus made us so. When we believe this, our faith is accounted for righteousness.
If we are righteous by our deeds, we don't need faith. We also don't need faith to know that we are sinful. But we do need faith to believe and declare that we are the righteousness of God in Christ, in the midst of our struggles with temptation and sin.
At the cross, Jesus didn't just remove our sins, He also gave us His righteousness so that today, we can come boldly before the throne of God and receive freely everything that He died to give us!
Albert Finch
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