I am righteous through the work of Christ Jesus

[PeterJens]

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He showed the way of love.

He called us to follow Him, after being purified of our sins and having
been anointed with the Holy Spirit who indwells His Holy Temple.

We are now clean, purified, blameless people with a clean conscience.

If we walk in the Spirit we are not defiled by our hearts, or words, or actions.

So can we then truly say Jesus has made us righteous, blameless, Holy?

Reading Paul and Peter etc. it would appear so.

The problem is though we can know the words, without an open heart,
and letting God affect and change our emotions and ways of being,
all the words can be meaningless, without effect.

So it could well be only the true elect are capable of this walk.
It may also be a refiners fire, a cleansing and sanctification that has to
do with building a new mature person is the shell of who we are born in
the flesh takes time, perseverance, patience, faithfulness, testing.

Moses did not start his work until aged 80.
Abraham equally was finally tested past 100.

We start the walk mere children, excited and empowered.
The whole sacrificial system took into account the walk has trials and failures,
and growth. Nothing is complete overnight, the old self needs to be replaced
with the new self in Christ. We must put off one and put on the other.

Paul did not give up on Corinth, but called them to repent.
Revelations calls the people of God to victory, to overcome.

The fight is always on, to carry the cross daily, and bring glory to His name.

 

[PeterJens]

Everything is imputed

If everything is imputed to me, then at what point am I truly a new creation worthy
of Gods work?

Is this like a production line where failures are just covered over, and only at the
end, is the perfection work done, like a magic wand?

If we are accountable for our actions, they are not just wiped away.

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
Matt 16:27

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
1 Cor 3:12-13

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
1 Cor 3:16-17

 

[mailmandan]

Romans 4:4 - Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

Philippians 3:9 - and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.

 

[blue_ladybug]

The title of this thread should be "WE are righteous through the work of Christ Jesus".. Just saying..

 

[gb9]

The title of this thread should be "WE are righteous through the work of Christ Jesus".. Just saying..

think of the o.p. he tells us everyday how righteous he is.

 

[blue_ladybug]

That's why I said, it should be "we" and not "I".. The title makes it sound like only HE is righteous..

think of the o.p. he tells us everyday how righteous he is.

 

[gb9]

That's why I said, it should be "we" and not "I".. The title makes it sound like only HE is righteous..

oh, he is. just ask him. you get a long lecture on how righteous he is, and how we should be like him. lol!

 

[HEIsRiSen]

I really like how you worded this Peter. We are righteous through faith in Jesus Christ who strengthens us. For those of us who are crucified with Christ and carry our cross daily we are dead to sin and are alive in the spirit.
[SUP]Romans 8
9 [/SUP]But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

 

[PeterJens]

Faith => righteousness

Behaviour is the fruit of the relationship with God, so faith is taken as righteousness.
Good behaviour alone does not justify one as having a relationship with God.

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.
Rom 4:5-8

It is impossible to separate the quality of the walk from walking with God.
Both exist, and the two together show who we are.

The problem has always been how this works when we find obvious failures
in our lives and hearts. What are we? Why do we fail so easily?

This is where talking with others, confession, fellowship, openness matter.

I talked with a ministry which helps people explore their hearts. What is obvious
is most people talk privately to God, but rarely come to terms with their inner life
or let others in. But this is the contradiction. We need Jesus and healing here in
our inner selves and let others in and share our struggles, victories and failures.

The Lord accepts us as we are, but expects us to walk and grow with Him.
A new car is clean and nice, but designed to be used. It gets dirty, has issues,
but can be kept clean and right through every storm.

 

[HEIsRiSen]

I don't think people understand how close of a walk with God is really possible if we have faith in Jesus and submit our entire sinful flesh to the will of God. I am not saying we will never slip, everybody knows none of us are quite right yet, but still we are seen as righteous through Christ because of our faith in Him and the final sacrifice for us.

We are covered by the blood and most people are OK with just that, but why would one not want to be covered with a flood of the Holy Spirit also? If a person could have more with God why wouldn't they take it? For some people they really believe that God will take away from them, for others they just don't have the faith to begin with and so on, we are full of excuses. God is a good Father and he takes care of his children the same today as he did when the letters to the epistles were written.

The church is facing a lot less tribulation here in America than the apostles did because we have liberal laws that preserve us, praise God! There are no laws against love! We all need more love, love is what changes hearts and is everything good! JESUS IS KING! GOD IS LOVE! Get with the program people and start loving somebody!

 

[Grace777x70]

The truth is we will never be any more righteous then the day we come to Christ and receive Him by grace through faith alone in what Jesus has already done for us.

The drug addict prostitute just coming to believe in Christ is just as righteous as Billy Graham is and in reality has the exact same righteousness as the Lord Jesus Christ and our loving Father.

There are "deeds of righteousness" which stem from Christ's life that is inside us being manifested in this world. But those deeds do not make you righteous. Christ alone makes us righteous.

Get this backwards and we create a religion of self-righteousness/holiness all based on what we do or don't do.

This is the proverbial cart before the horse syndrome.

Christ Himself joined as one spirit with us is our righteousness - in our new creation that is in Christ created in righteousness and holiness.

The cart ( deeds of righteousness) does not create the horse ( righteousness because we are in Christ )

Quoting Old Covenant scriptures about righteousness and not filtering them through the finished work of Christ and that He alone has made us righteous because we are in Him will create untruths in our minds that will fight with the truth that is in the New Covenant.

 

[FreeNChrist]

To say we could be more righteous is to say that Jesus could be more righteous, since any righteousness we have is, in reality, Christ's righteousness.

 

[JaumeJ]

No flesh has righteousness apart from Jesus Christ.............

 

[PeterJens]

The truth is we will never be any more righteous then the day we come to Christ and receive Him by grace through faith alone in what Jesus has already done for us.

Here is the nub of the issue. A baby, a young baby new born, is no less a human than
a full grown adult. But if you look at their capabilities they are different creatures.

Some want to concentrate that salvation, or starting the walk is everything when actually
it is merely the beginning.

Jesus calls us to learn from Him, to put off the old self of the passions of the world, and
put on the new self of the new creation and the way of the Spirit.

None of us can say where and how our walk will be, just the form in which it will take place.
But some wish to preach a walk of unrighteousness and sin. And yes they will not openly
admit it, except they will deny any law, deny any ministry of God to point out and resolve
sinful acts in the believers life and condemn those who preach sin is sin to be repented of.
They will call believers who condemn sin as legalists. This is antinomianism but in disguise.

Heb 8:10-12 will be used. They will leave out that as the law of God is written in ones
mind, the believer will know how not to walk in sin, and will be convicted by their conscience
when they do.

This is the proverbial cart before the horse syndrome.

This phrase is accusing everyone not like them to be hypocrite workers for salvation.
It is a continual accusation without foundation, because I am saved because of Christs
death on the cross, but I am also empowered to walk righteously also.

When interogated they admit to sinning constantly and their consciences condemning
them, which they do not resolve, repent of or confess. The most common accusation is
Jesus set too high a standard saying we should love our enemies, or not look lustfully
on women. So it shows two areas they have failed to grasp in their hearts and do not
believe they can resolve.

I would disagree, and know how you can love your enemy, and how you can love women
and men without it being sexual. That is another thread though.

It is also a theological war where they have declared we are the enemy, and they are
the true followers of Christ.

 

[PeterJens]

Quoting Old Covenant scriptures about righteousness and not filtering them through the finished work of Christ and that He alone has made us righteous because we are in Him will create untruths in our minds that will fight with the truth that is in the New Covenant.

Here is the problem. There is no answer to Ezek 18:21-25 because it is so plain.

Jesus quoted Jonah as His sign of judgement and need for repentance.
The cross is the bronze serpent held up in the desert for healing from snake bites.

Everything in the new and old testament is bound together to form a whole.
The whole new testament is justified through the old testament, its principles, its
insights to God and its truth and justice.

Once a group start denying scripture, they have moved into heresy. They cannot
admit this, because then their whole construction falls apart, as it should.

 

[PeterJens]

Future sin forgiven

Future sin failure

Sin (past, present ) => Christ, the cross => forgiven => loving walk

Sin (past, present, future ) => Christ, the cross => forgiven => anything walk

Future sin has not happened and is unquantifiable. It is a commitment to rebellion.

Salvation is a commitment to commune with God and walk in righteousness.
It assumes a desire to not sin, and a commitment to walk these ways.

If one has no commitment to righteousness and against sin, how can you ever claim to
know Christ who knew no sin, or to be wanting to be His friend.

Forgiving future sin is against Gods nature. He forgives the wrong of the past because
of a commitment to not repeat it in the future.
Ezek 18:21 Ezek 18:24

This is Gods heart and has always been. To preach anything else is heresy.

But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live.
Ezek 18:21-22

But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.
Ezek 18:24

The chosen are never accepted as sinners, but as faithful followers if they follow.

And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father(Christ).’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham(Christ). The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. "
Matt 3:9-11

They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:33-36

If you have not been set free from sin and are still a slave to it, the Son has not set you
free yet. Walk in His ways and follow Him and you will find this freedom.

When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.
Acts 3:25-26

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
Acts 3:19

Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people
Acts 3:23

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
1 Thess 2:10

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
2 Peter 3:14

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Cor 7:1

So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.
Phil 2:15

Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Tim 4:12

 

[Grace777x70]

Looks like it is time for New Covenant scriptures again about righteousness and Christ and the believer that is in Christ.

Here are the scriptures and what they say about righteousness and believers that are "in Christ" now. Everyone can believe what they want too but I would encourage us all to repent and believe the gospel - just like Jesus said in Mk. 1:15

The understanding of the new creation in Christ and the new identity of the believer is paramount to living the true Christian life.


Here it says our spirit ( the inner person that is a new creation in Christ ) is alive because of righteousness that it is it.

Romans 8:10 (NASB)
[SUP]10 [/SUP] If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Here righteousness is a gift - you don't earn it.

Romans 5:17 (KJV)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

We have grace reigning in our lives because of righteousness in us.

Romans 5:21 (KJV)
[SUP]21[/SUP] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here righteousness comes by faith in what Christ has already done.

Romans 9:30 (KJV)
[SUP]30 [/SUP] What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Here when we believe - we are declared righteousness.
Romans 10:10 (KJV)
[SUP]10 [/SUP] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We are in the kingdom of God.

Romans 14:17 (KJV)
[SUP]17[/SUP] For the kingdom of God ( Jesus said that the kingdom of God is within you..He might know a thing or two ) is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Here it says that God made us righteousness in Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)
[SUP]30 [/SUP] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

This says we have become the righteousness of Christ ( this is called a dependent clause in the greek - it is determined as fulfilled because Christ became sin )

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Believers are called righteousness.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] Be ye ( believers ) not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?


Here it is saying that "righteousness comes by Christ".

Galatians 2:21 (NASB)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

Here we have the breastplate of righteousness - which is the armor of God that we are to be strong in.

Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

This talks about the new man in Christ - the new creation.

Ephesians 4:24 (NASB)
[SUP]24 [/SUP] and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Ok..that's enough..there are tons more....

 

[Willie-T]

Peter J seems to have kicked Jesus off the throne years ago, and taken His place as far as his life is concerned. We are never going to convince him that he and the whore or drug dealer are the same in God's eyes. He "knows" he is better.

We'll just have to leave that up to the Holy Spirit.

 

[Grace777x70]

When we rightly divide the word of truth which is Christ Himself and what He has done we will find Old Testament scriptures speaking of Christ's righteousness which was to come to us that believe.

Again - there are deeds of righteousness which stem from His life being manifested - but they don't make you righteous.

Get this wrong and we create a religion of self-righteousness/holiness which actually denies the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We that are in Christ have the Lord's righteousness now in our inner man that is in Christ.

Isaiah 45:24-25 (NASB)
[SUP]24 [/SUP] "They will say of Me, 'Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.

[SUP]25 [/SUP] "In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified and will glory."

Here is one more from the OT - Isaiah 54: 17 of the Lord telling what the believer would have because of what Christ did in Isaiah 53 when He died on the cross to take away our sin and make us righteous in Him.

Isaiah 54:17

[SUP]17 [/SUP] "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," declares the LORD.

Folks we have a great salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Ephesians 3:8 (NASB)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

 

[dcontroversal]

The title of this thread should be "WE are righteous through the work of Christ Jesus".. Just saying..

And if you go read his posts in the NOT By Works thread he seems to contradict that he actually believes this!