The Righteousness of Christ

Jesus raises the bar of righteousness.  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says that He came to abolish but to fulfill.  He then goes on to show us how our understanding of righteousness is skewed.

Humans are always concerned with the outward appearance, but God is concerned with what is happening on the inside.  He is concerned with our hearts.

Jesus says, "You say that it is wrong to commit murder, but I say that it is wrong to even be angry with your brother."

He says, "You know its wrong to commit adultery, but I say that if you look at someone with lust you have already committed adultery with them in your heart."

Time after time He raises the bar on what people consider righteousness.  Why does He do this? 

I think it is to show people that there is a difference in being righteous on the outside and righteous on the inside.  We can live lives that look good and moral and still be dead on the inside.  Jesus is describing to us what life with a new heart looks like.  A new heart produces righteousness on the inside of us.  We are righteous only because God can make us that way.

In the New Testament the saints are called the righteousness of Christ.  When we get saved and Jesus actually takes up residence in our hearts, His righteousness starts to shine forth.  It is not a righteousness that is just an outward appearance.  It is true righteousness that is flowing out of the indwelling presence of Christ.

The external actions may look very similar but the motive is completely different.  Pharisees act righteous because they know people are looking.  Jesus in our hearts allows us to be righteous because the value of being righteous. 

Righteousness is the character of the new man.  When we are saved we are given the righteousness of Christ as a gift of God’s grace.  He doesn’t say that we have to work for it.  He gives it to us.  And then He calls us to walk in the light.  Walk in the truth of His sacrifice.  When we focus on submitting our lives to the Lord and allow Jesus to live His life through our mortal bodies, His righteousness will shine forth like the noon day sun.  People will notice and we can point them to our Father in Heaven.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for the gift of your righteousness.  Forgive me Lord for the times when I don’t walk in the truth of your grace.  Help me to submit my life to you situation by situation.  Jesus I pray that you would make your righteousness shine in my life.  God use me to glorify your name.  Thank you for your goodness and your grace.  I thank you that your mercy is new every morning.  Help me to live into you today Jesus.  It is in the name of Jesus that I pray.  Amen

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