Righteousness Explored

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

Righteousness – an uncommon word in today’s irreverent world;

Righteousness – a common theme woven throughout the history of God’s people;

Righteousness – a standing of holiness in God’s eyes; of living according to God’s standards;

Righteousness – in the Old Testament was granted through a temporary forgiveness of sins through animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10:4);

Righteousness – in the Old Testament: God promised a permanent solution (Jeremiah 31:31-34) in the Jehovah Tsidkenu, “the Lord is our Righteousness” (23:6);

Righteousness – the benefits of this promise include: a new heart and a new spirit within believers that will cause them to walk in God’s ways obediently (Ezekiel 36:26-27);

Righteousness – in the New Testament: Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21);

Righteousness – in the New Testament: as God in the flesh, Jesus was incapable of sin yet suffered the penalty of death for all our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21);

Righteousness – in God’s eyes, is available to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour;

Righteousness – What difference does it make in my life, as a child of God and a believer in Jesus Christ?

1) I rest knowing that it is not by my actions that I am forgiven and made righteous, but through Christ’s death;
2) I rejoice because on judgement day I will be accepted into heaven;
3) I relish the love and compassion God showers upon me;
4) I receive the Holy Spirit with joy;
5) I rely on the Spirit to lead me on the God’s paths of righteousness;
6) I run to the Lord in times of trouble;
7) I renew my heart and mind when immersed in the Word of God, the Bible;
8) I release the need to set my own direction.

Hallelujah! “Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord is our Righteousness!” (Jeremiah 23:6)