What if I told you that your past mistakes, your deepest regrets, and your greatest failures don’t define you? What if I told you that in God’s eyes, you are flawless, righteous, and fully accepted—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you? This is the life-changing truth of your righteousness in Christ.
Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:21 ("For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.")
Introduction
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough for God? Like your mistakes define you? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. But here’s the good news: in Christ, you are made righteous—not by your works, but by His grace.
This blog post will explore the incredible truth of your righteousness in Christ. We’ll look at why our own efforts fall short, how Jesus gives us His righteousness as a gift, and what it means to live out this new identity every day.
1. The Problem of Our Righteousness
Scripture: Isaiah 64:6 ("All our righteous acts are like filthy rags...")
Let’s be honest: no matter how hard we try, we can never be good enough to meet God’s perfect standard. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that even our best efforts are like "filthy rags" in God’s sight. This isn’t meant to discourage us but to help us realize our need for a Savior.
Why does this matter? Many of us fall into the trap of trying to earn God’s approval through good deeds, church attendance, or moral behavior. But the truth is, our efforts will always fall short. Even when we do something good, our motives are often mixed with pride or selfishness.
The good news: The gospel isn’t about us climbing up to God; it’s about God reaching down to us. Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves.
2. The Gift of Righteousness in Christ
Scripture: Romans 3:22-24 ("This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe...")
Here’s the heart of the gospel: Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness. It’s not something we earn or deserve—it’s a gift. When we put our faith in Christ, God no longer sees our sin; He sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness.
Imagine this: It’s like someone paying off a debt you could never afford. That’s what Jesus did for us—He paid the price for our sin and gave us His perfect record.
The cost of this gift: While the gift is free to us, it cost Jesus everything. He didn’t just cover our sin; He exchanged it for His righteousness. This is the great exchange of the gospel.
3. Living Out Your Righteous Identity
Scripture: Philippians 3:9 ("...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ...")
When we truly grasp that we are righteous in Christ, it changes everything. We don’t have to live in fear of God’s rejection or punishment. Our identity isn’t based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work.
What this means for you: You are secure in Christ. Even when you mess up, God doesn’t love you any less. His acceptance of you is based on Jesus’ righteousness, not your own.
How to live it out: Walk in the freedom of your new identity. Instead of striving to earn God’s love, rest in the fact that you are already loved and accepted. Let this truth transform the way you live, love, and serve others.
Application
So, what does this mean for you today? Here are a few practical steps to apply this truth to your life:
- Reflect: Are you still trying to earn God’s approval, or are you resting in the righteousness of Christ?
- Act: Let go of guilt and shame. Embrace your identity as righteous in Christ.
- Encourage: Share this truth with someone who feels unworthy or burdened by their past.
Conclusion
Because of Jesus, you are not defined by your sin or shortcomings. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. This isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a life-changing truth. When you truly believe it, you’ll experience a freedom and confidence that can only come from knowing who you are in Him.
Today, choose to live in the freedom of your new identity. You are loved, accepted, and made righteous by His grace.
Closing Prayer: "Lord, thank You for making us righteous through Jesus. Help us to live in the fullness of this truth every day. Amen."