The righteousness of God in Christ Jesus

      The righteousness of God in Christ Jesus is a foundational truth in Christianity, signifying that believers are made right with God not by their own efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is rooted in the idea that righteousness is not something humans can achieve on their own; rather, it is a gift from God granted to those who believe in Jesus.

1. Understanding Righteousness

      Righteousness refers to being in right standing with God. In the Old Testament, righteousness was closely associated with obedience to the Law of Moses. However, no one could perfectly uphold the law, making complete righteousness unattainable through human effort.

      In the New Testament, righteousness is revealed as something that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:10 states, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” This underscores the need for divine intervention in making humanity righteous.

2. Imputed Righteousness Through Christ

      The concept of imputed righteousness is central to understanding how believers are made righteous before God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

      This verse highlights a divine exchange:

● Jesus, who was sinless, took upon Himself the sins of the world.

● In return, believers receive His righteousness.

      This righteousness is not earned but credited to those who trust in Christ. It means that when God looks at a believer, He sees the righteousness of Jesus, not their past sins.

3. Justification by Faith

      The doctrine of justification by faith teaches that people are declared righteous not by works but by faith in Christ. Romans 3:22 states, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

      Paul further explains in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Justification brings peace with God and restores the broken relationship caused by sin.

● Faith, Not Works

      Many people believe righteousness must be earned through good deeds. However, Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

      Righteousness is a gift from God, not something people can attain through their own efforts. While good works are important, they are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.

4. Living in Righteousness

      Receiving righteousness in Christ is not just a theological concept but a transformative experience. When believers understand their righteousness in Christ, they:

● Walk in confidence – They know they are accepted by God (Romans 8:1).

● Live victoriously over sin – They no longer live in guilt but in grace (Romans 6:14).

● Produce good works – Not to earn righteousness but as a response to God’s love (Ephesians 2:10).

A New Identity in Christ

      Paul expresses this beautifully in Philippians 3:9: “And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”

      When someone becomes a Christian, they receive a new identity in Christ. They are no longer defined by their past sins but by Christ’s righteousness.

5. Righteousness and the Kingdom of God

      Jesus emphasized seeking righteousness in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

      This means that when believers prioritize God’s righteousness—living in obedience, faith, and love—God provides for their needs.

      The righteousness of God in Christ Jesus is a profound truth that transforms lives. It is not based on human performance but on divine grace. Through faith in Jesus, believers are justified, given a new identity, and empowered to live holy lives. This righteousness grants peace with God, freedom from guilt, and a confident hope for eternal life.

      Understanding and embracing this truth allows believers to walk in God’s grace, knowing that their righteousness is secure in Christ.