2 kinds of righteousness
There is God kind of righteousness which is established by the finished work of Christ on the cross. God’s kind of righteousness is built on love and faith in the finished work of Christ.
1 – “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 – God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 – Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 – For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 – Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be pdestroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans chapter 6 verses 1 to 6)
Self righteousness is built on the law. People trying to work out their righteousness disregarding the finished work of Christ. They are complete ignorant of God’s righteousness.
2 – For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 – For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 – For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans chapter 10 verses 2 to 4)
Characteristics of self righteousness
- Self righteousness focus on one’s ability which is a detriment to the finished work of Christ
25 “How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy–full of greed and self-indulgence!
26 Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too.” (Mathew chapter 23 verses 25 to 26 NLT)
- Self righteousness is yielding to osition to God’s will and principles.
7 – Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 – For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 – And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mark chapter 7 verses 7 to 9)
- Self righteousness blinds the eyes of the people from experience God’s righteousness.
3 – But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 – In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2Corinthians chapter 4 verses 3 to 4)
- Self righteousness brings zeal without full knowledge on the finished work of Christ on the cross.
2 – For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 – For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 – For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans chapter 10 verses 2 to 4)
Characteristics of God’s righteousness
- It is received by faith on the finished work of Christ.
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” (Romans chapter 3 verses 22)
- It is imputed on a believer when he or she accepts Jesus as his or her Lord and saviour.
“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,” (Romans chapter 4 verses 6)
“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans chapter 8 verses 4)
- It is the life style of the believer
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans chapter 1 verses 17)
- It helps the believer bears the fruit of the spirit.
22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 – Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 to 23)
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