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The Credit of Christ’s Righteousness (June 26, 2024) 

“There is none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10).

 As human beings who have inherited a sinful nature, we naturally behave in a manner that is not morally justifiable or right. This innate rebelliousness puts us at odds with a righteous and just God who cannot tolerate sin. In our human helplessness, we are incapable of achieving righteousness. Thankfully, however, we were born to glorify a gracious God of love who has made a way for each of us to be reconciled or placed in right standing with our heavenly Father through His Son. Faith in Jesus Christ, who paid our sin debt on the cross, is the key to transforming human rebelliousness into divine righteousness. God credits our faith…”the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)…as righteousness.

 Because of his steadfast faith, Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, not only became the father of a great nation but was credited by God with the righteousness that is required for salvation. In reference to Abraham’s relationship with God, Genesis 15:6 says, “And he believed in the LORD; and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Just as Abraham was regarded as righteous because of his steadfast faith in God, we too are credited with Jesus’ righteousness when we trust in the sinless Son of God and accept His sacrifice for our sins! God looks at believers through the lens of Christ, seeing not our sins but Jesus’ righteousness. By faith in Christ, believers are clothed with the “garments of salvation” and covered with “the robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10)



 

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