The Gift of Righteousness

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” Romans 5:17 (NIV)

Right at the heart of the message of God’s grace is the reality of our righteousness. There are only two positions for the human spirit: it is either the sinful nature inherited from Adam through natural birth or the nature of righteousness, a gift received at new birth, that is, when one becomes born again.

Righteousness is our ability to stand before God without any form of guilt or condemnation because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. It is not something we earn; it is a gift we receive through faith in Jesus. At salvation, our spirit is made new, fully accepted, and free from guilt before God. This righteousness is both our identity and a spiritual force that empowers us to live above sin and condemnation.

While our minds are continually renewed and we still live in a fallen world, God sees us only in Christ—forever righteous and pleasing to Him. Guard this truth closely. When we stay conscious of who we are in Christ, we walk confidently, resist condemnation, and reign in life through Jesus Christ.

Reflection

How does knowing that righteousness is a gift and not something you earn change the way you see yourself before God?

Prayer

Dear Father, enlighten the eyes of my understanding to the glorious riches available and accessible to me through the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ.