RIGHTEOUSNESS NOT BY THE LAW
Pastor J. C. O’Hair
From these and other Scriptures we learn that there is no righteousness for the sinner by law-keeping. No one can get into heaven by obeying the ten commandments. If righteousness come by the law, Christ died in vain. (Galatians 2:21). If there had been a law given, which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. (Galatians 3:21). But Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:4). On the cross of Calvary the sinless Christ, Who knew no sin, was made sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21). With the heart man believeth unto righteousness. (Romans 10:9 and 10). To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5).
From these and many other Scriptures we learn that righteousness, which is acceptable to God, is not a human attainment; that no person can earn it or purchase it, or merit it by good religious behaviour, or by ritual, ceremony or human endeavor. Righteousness is God’s free gift to believing sinners. The only place in the universe of God where the sinner can find that righteousness is in Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
No person can become righteous by trying to obey the teachings of Jesus Christ the Righteous, or by trying to follow Him, the great Example, or by trying to practice the ethics of Christ, or by struggling with the Sermon on the Mount or by striving to obey the Golden Rule. We must receive the nature of Christ at Calvary before we can practice the ethics of Christ.
In Galatians 3:14 and Romans 4:21 to 25 we learn that the blessing of Abraham is for every sinner who will do what Abram did for his righteousness, believe God Who raised up Jesus Christ from the dead, Who was delivered for our offences and raised up for our justification.
Paul was a conscientious, zealous, sincere, law-keeping, religious man. He gave up all of this, that he might win Christ and “be found - in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” (Philippians 3:9).
The great truth concerning the reign of grace, righteousness and eternal life, is told in Romans 5:21: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21).
God’s righteousness is available for any kind of a sinner, religious or otherwise, who will, by faith, receive the grace of God and the Son of God and His precious blood.
At the time God gives His righteousness to the believing sinner He also gives him the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 3:14 - Ephesians 1:13 and 14). Then by the Spirit’s power the righteous believer can and should fulfill the righteousness of the law, by walking in the Spirit. (Romans 8:4).
Man’s righteousness, apart from the grace of God and faith in the redemptive work of Christ, is as filthy rags in God’s sight; and man’s works of righteousness will not produce saving righteousness. (Compare Isaiah 64:6 - Ezekiel 33:13 to 15 with Titus 3:5 to 8 and II Corinthians 5:21).
In closing let us consider the GREAT “IF’S” of Matthew 26:39 - John 11:48 - I Corinthians 15:17, 18, 32 - Galatians 2:21 - Galatians 3:21 - John 8:24, John 12:26 - Romans 10:9 and 10 - II Timothy 2:21. “IF it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” “IF we leave Christ alone the Romans will act.” “IF Christ be not raised from the dead.” “IF righteousness come by man’s works, Christ died for naught.” “IF ye believe not that Christ is the I AM, ye shall die in your sins.” “IF you confess Him and believe, you will receive righteousness and salvation.” “IF you purge yourself, you shall be in God’s. House a vessel of honour.”
Posted By – Cecil Spivey
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