Hallelujah Devotional Nr 5 – Focusing on the Attributes of God
The RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST
The Kingdom of God is ruled & founded on Christ’s righteousness attained by faith in Him.
Heb 1:8 But to the Son He says: “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER;
A SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF YOUR KINGDOM.
“What you believe about righteousness will affect your heart more than any other thing you believe!” (Richards, 1993)
The most dangerous thing is the truth we believe that’s bended to suit our own preferences.
God is a God of righteousness.
To understand righteousness, we can look at understanding light. As light is bended, it changes, and the different colors are revealed.
That is what often happens with the Word of God. As it comes into our own hearts as pure light, “A Lamp unto my feet”, – a heart contaminated with prejudice, tradition, hurt or deceit can turn that very truth into something completely different.
In this world we are also subject to so many lies, half-truths & deception – for us then to be extra vigilant to guard our hearts.
What you believe about righteousness will determine whether the Word of God will work in your life unto the power of God, salvation & righteous living.
Rom 1:16-17
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…
(17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Rom 1:18-23
(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
(19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
(21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
(22) Professing to be wise, they became fools,
(23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
FAITH in the Gospel is the Power of God Unleashed in Our Lives
The power of God works through the gospel of Christ.
Therefore, if I believe the gospel correctly, the power of God should be evident in my life. “If the power if God is not evident in my life, I must examine my version of the gospel.” (Richards, 1993)
1Co 1:30
(30) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
WE MUST JUST BELIEVE
The gospel that we believe reveals the righteousness of Christ in our lives, from faith to faith – not faith to work harder on your own righteousness.
Christ obtained righteousness by faith.
If faith is not founded in Christ’s righteousness – the Good News Gospel is possibly thwarted in our believe-doctrine, and still subject to law & works unto faith.
Christ is our righteousness unto salvation.
Start trusting in your righteousness in Christ alone.
No works or abiding to laws & customs can attain that. The law was only the safety net unto salvation. My own righteousness is fatal, for it cancels grace. (Gal2:21)
[Extracts from GRACE -The power to Change. J. Richards. Paraphrased/quoted]
Gal 2:20-21
(20) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God , who loved me and gave Himself for me.
(21) I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
Php 3:9
(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;
PRAYER:
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of our Holy Father – How we love You & thank You for salvation, redemption & sanctification through You righteousness as we come to believe – faith to faith – in Your Good news gospel.
Thank You, that we can surrender completely unto YOUR righteousness, not having to pursue any in our own. You are our sole Mediator unto eternal redemption and the power of the Gospel in & through us.
Hallelujah. 1000 praises to You alone!
Amen & amen.
Grace Alna
For further studies Book : GRACE – The power to Change. J. Richards.