THE GIFT

The first essential point we have made is that our righteousness cannot satisfy God's requirements. Furthermore, because we are imperfect, our own righteousness seldom satisfies us either.

God's requirements is nothing less than his righteousness and his holiness. Our righteousness cannot earn for us right standing before God. Such a standing before God must be imputed or credited to us, as a gift, by God himself.

How many people have you talked to who will say, "Hey, I'm a fairly good person. I haven't murdered anyone. I try to keep the rules. I try to help my neighbors," and so forth?

However, the issue in the gospel is God's righteousness. Who does God recognize as righteousness? To whom does God impute 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 Romans 4:3, Paul referred to Genesis 15:6:

• "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."

Here is how Paul, the apostle, says 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 before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness ...." Rom. 4:1-5

God made a promise to Abraham, Abraham believed it, and the Lord reckoned Abraham's simple faith to Abraham as righteousness. In other words, God imputed righteousness to Abraham on the basis of faith alone.

This, then, is how God justifies the ungodly.

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

Anyone qualifies for this grace -- every day! You can simply believe God and receive the gift of righteousness. And the best part is that this imputed righteousness is God's righteousness, nothing less!

This salvation is the only salvation. And it is God's best, not some lukewarm compromise. Then and only then can you experience the promise of Romans 5:17:

• "... much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."
  

It's that simple: The grace of God is primarily the gift of God's righteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ.

And as a believer, you have it!

What a glorious privilege!


Joy in the journey,

Danny