Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Philippians 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Over the past several weeks, we have looked at many different Scriptures concerning the foundational and necessary teaching of faith righteousness in the New Testament. This subject, primarily discussed in the books of Romans and Galatians (although found through out The Bible), is essential to having right relationship with God; to understanding the rest of God’s Word; and to living in victory. Let’s get into The Word and learn some more about faith righteousness.

In Romans chapter 4, Paul brings our attention to Abraham, and points out some incredible things. 1. Only ungodly people qualify for salvation (vs.5). I’m not saying you should stay living ungodly lives, but it’s only those that recognize that they are ungodly that will ever put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Self righteous, prideful people populate Hell everyday. They won’t humble themselves and admit they need a Savior.

2. In vs. 6-8, we see the blessedness of the person who has been made righteous through faith. Their iniquities are forgiven, their sins are covered (Isa 55:7, 2Cor 5:19, 1Jn 2:12); God will not impute sin to them (credit sin to their “account”). This is one of the most awesome truths in The Word of God! How incredibly blessed is the person who has been made righteous through faith! Your sin; past, present, and future; has been paid in full (Col 2:13-14, Rev 1:5)! Jesus took care of it! He paid the price for every single sin that had been, or would ever be, committed. I cannot express to you how glorious this is in words. You get a revelation of this truth, and your relationship with God will sore to new heights you didn’t think were possible.

3. In vs. 9-13, Paul makes the point that Abraham was declared righteous before he was ever circumcised. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, a work ordained by God. However, Abraham was not declared righteous after he did this work. No, it was before the work; when he simply believed. Abraham was justified by faith; and we see in vs. 23-25, that this was written in God’s Word not just for Abraham’s sake. It was written for you and me! We are declared righteous by our faith, just like Abraham was! What an awesome promise!

In Romans 5:17-21, Paul explains that just as you were declared unrighteous by being born the first time (because of Adam’s sin); even so, now are you declared righteous from being born the second time. We fell by Adam, we’re made alive by Jesus. Death in Adam, life in Jesus. Judgment in Adam, Grace and mercy in Jesus. Before you were born again, your righteous deeds did not make you righteous. Your nature still remained the same. You were still a fallen sinner. In the same way, when you come to Christ and are born again, your unrighteous deeds do not change your nature. You are still born of God; you are still the righteousness of God in Christ. To sin is no longer your nature. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever sin again, but your nature is to be clean, like a cat. A pigs nature is to be filthy. What nature do you have?

In Romans 9:30-10:4, we learn an astonishing truth. Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, when you put saving faith in Him. Israel stumbled at this fact. They just couldn’t believe all these Gentiles could be right with God by just believing on Jesus. They’re mind said “No, no, no! You must be circumcised; keep the Sabbath; the feast days; the dietary laws; the new moons; etc.” (See Col 2:16-17, Heb 9:10, 13:9, 1Tim 4:1-5, Gal 4:9-11, Rom 14).

But Paul said they were ignorant of God’s righteousness; the righteousness which comes by faith in Jesus. They were trying to establish their own righteousness, which Paul understood was an impossible task (Phip 3:8-9). Lord willing, I will finish this teaching up next week. Until then, rejoice in The Lord!