May 1, 2020 – Click here to listen
Ecclesiastes 7:20 states that there is not a righteous man on earth. Psalm 14 states that there is no one righteous. So why does the Bible say that Noah, David and others were righteous? It seems to be a contradiction.
Hmmm . . . As we ponder this there is one major determining factor. Context! The standard of righteousness used in the Bible never states there is absolute moral perfection except when used in conjunction with Jesus. Noah, David, Abraham and others all had imperfections, but were considered righteous because in certain instances they acknowledged, followed, and trusted in God’s salvation.
Jesus on the other hand is the only truly righteous man according to God’s ultimate standards, who provides justification through atonement and whose righteousness is poured out on us and conferred upon us. Many Christians are so aware of their faults and shortcomings that they do not feel that God accepts them due to their unrighteousness. Also, the fact that many do not feel accepted by their family or others contributes to their doubting that God could accept them.
There is a lot of confusion among Christians about righteousness. Some say that we are righteous because of our good works, and others say our righteousness comes by faith apart from our works. Why the confusion? One reason is that the word “righteous” is used in two different ways in the New Testament. Christians must see and understand the difference between the two usages.
There are times in the New Testament when the word “righteous” refers to right or “righteous” acts, which is how it is used in the Old Testament. For example:
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness [i.e., pursue doing righteous works].
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness [i.e., in doing righteous works].
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
The second way “righteousness” is used in the New Testament is to describe the position that Christians have before God because of our faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is spiritual and is completely separate from the works we do.
“Righteousness” is the position of being totally acceptable to, and accepted by, God. Each Christian became acceptable to God when the sin that stood between us and God was washed away by the blood of Christ. Thus, “righteousness” is our standing in the sight of God as people who are “right” and “accepted” in spite of our sins, failures, and shortcomings. This “righteousness by faith” was not available before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and therefore it is not mentioned in the Old Testament or the Four Gospels. It is first revealed in the Church Epistles, which are specifically written to Christians.
It is Holy Scripture that very clearly declares our righteousness. so why do so many people have trouble accepting that they are righteous? The primary reason is that most Christians believe their feelings instead of what the Word of God says. We all sin, so it is natural to “feel” unrighteous in God’s sight. Our sin and shortcomings produce feelings of guilt and shame, and it is good that they do, because our guilt often prompts us to quit sinning. Unfortunately, those same feelings of guilt make us feel unaccepted by God. We must believe that even when we sin, we are righteous in God’s sight because of the work of Jesus Christ. Our sin and feelings of guilt are real, but so is the righteousness God has given us.
If you are feeling unrighteous, go back to the Word of God, study what it says, and pray to clearly understand the gift of righteousness that has been freely given to you. Then reject your thoughts of unrighteousness and tell yourself you aren’t going to be tricked by what you feel and satanic doubts, but that you are going to believe the Word of God. Knowing that feelings of unrighteousness come from deep within you and from your earliest experiences, be prepared because it may take a lot to change those feelings, but God will help you.
Although we fall short of God’s goal of perfection for us, God has given us grace (undeserved favor) and sent Jesus Christ to die in order to pay for the penalty of our sin. Now, “bought and paid for,” each of us stands before God as a righteous person, at-one with Him. So yes, those of us who trust in Jesus are declared righteous in the eyes of God.
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice . . .
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!