THREE KEY ELEMENTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
The nature of God has manifold descriptions, and one of such is that which demonstrates His rightness and perfection. God just can’t be wrong, because He is God. He’s the yardstick for measuring what is right; the reference for rightness. In everything and all situations, He’s perfect, just and right. That’s His character!
Secondly, righteousness is the nature of God that’s imparted to the human spirit to produce in him the rightness of God. Righteousness is a gift, and when God imparts a human spirit with it, that person will immediately have the rightness of God in his or her heart and just know what is right.
Thirdly, righteousness gives or produces right standing. Right standing is that ability to stand before God without condemnation or inferiority. No ordinary man can stand before God until God gives him the ability to stand in His presence and talk with Him without fear, inferiority, or condemnation.
Someone might ask, what if I feel condemned or inferior before God? That you feel a sense of guilt, condemnation or inferiority in the presence of God doesn’t mean you’re guilty, condemned or inferior. Let me tell you what to do if you feel overwhelmed by such negative emotions: get into the Word of God and begin studying and meditating on the Word. Before long, the Word will rid you of those wrong emotions of the senses.
The Word of God is a cleanser (John 15:3); it builds your faith and confidence (Acts 20:32). Also remember what the Bible says: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20). God’s Word is greater than your emotions. It imparts to you the truth about who you are. That knowledge destroys every sense of guilt, condemnation, or inferiority, and inspires the confidence of the Spirit in you. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of righteousness. I rejoice because I have your nature in me, which produces rightness in me and gives me the ability to stand before you without fear, condemnation or inferiority. Your Word imparts to me the confidence of the Spirit, and I walk in the boldness and assurance that come from knowing that my righteousness is of you. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, Romans 8:1-4
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 6:10-24, Isaiah 31-32
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Titus 1:1-16, Jeremiah 49
