Wayne's World...(12Aug08)

 

Daily Rhythms

Imputed Righteousness

 

The first essential point we have made is that our righteousness can't satisfy God. And furthermore, because we are so imperfect (by behaviour), our own righteousness seldom satisfies us either. Christians who are somehow satisfied with works righteousness are in for trouble.

God's requirement is nothing less than His righteousness and His holiness. Our righteousnes can't earn for us RIGHT STANDING before God. Such RIGHT STANDING before God must be imputed to us, as a gift, by God Himself.

How many people have you talked to who will say, "Hey, I'm a good person. I haven't murdered anybody. I try keep the rules. I try to help my neighbors, etc.

But the issue in the gospel is God's righteousness. So the issue in the Gospel is this. Who does God recognize as righteous? To whom does God impute RIGHT STANDING? What is God's criterion for RIGHT STANDING before Him? The bible clearly announces that there are people to whom God imputes righteousness. Who are they? In ROM 4:3 Paul quoted Genesis 15:6 which says,

 

"AND ABRAHAM BELIEVD GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS"

 

Here's what Paul said about how this applies to you:   

 

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham

was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not to before God. For what does the scripture

say " and Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to Him as righteousness."

Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned (or counted) as a favour but as what is due.

But to the one who does not work (to be made right), but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his

faith is reckoned as righteousness. ROM 4:1-5

 

Here is what happened  between Abraham and God: God made a promise to Abraham, Abaham believe it, and the Lord reckoned Abraham's simple faith to Abraham as righteousness. In other words, God counted Abraham as righteous on the basis of faith alone. This, then, is how God "justifies the ungodly."

According to Paul, the Gospel works exactly this way for us. The Lord has promised right standing before Him (righteousness) to anyone who will put their faith in the finished work of Christ for sins and eternal life. Therefore, like Abraham, when we simply believe this promise of God, the Lord reckons (imputes, counts) righteousness to us.

Anyone qualifies for this grace - every day! You can simply believe God and receive the gift of imputed righteousness. And the best part is that this imputed righteousness is God's righteousnss, nothing less. Futhermore, understand that this salvation is the only salvation. And it is God's best, not some lukewarm compromise. Then, and only then

 

......much more those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in

life through the One, Jesus Christ. ROM 5:17

 

It's that simple and most awesomely profound.

 

This is the Gospel your friends and family need to hear. so let them hear. Go ahead I dare you, share Jesus with someone today.