RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY!

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and

peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Romans 14:17.

WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Righteousness here means the quality of being right in the eyes of God,

in our character, conscience, action and words through Jesus Christ. In

other words, it has nothing to do with perfection on our part as human

beings may consider righteousness. So, let's be honest for a minute, we

all know we can't achieve perfection on our own. Even perfectionist

would admit the fact that it's hard. That's why the scripture describe

the righteousness of men as a filthy rag (Isaiah 64:6).

Nevertheless, the scripture also tells us that it is possible to be like the

righteous Christ. Wow! Shocking right? You may ask, does it mean that
as imperfect as we are, we can be made perfect? Yes! Of course. Listen

to Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that

not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Therefore, the righteousness we have is the gift of God through His son

(John 3:16). Apostle Paul explains it better in 2 Corinthians 5:21

"He [God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin on

our behalf, so that we might become the

righteousness of God in Him."

Here we have a double imputation. God imputed our sins to Christ who

knew no sin. And God imputed His righteousness to us who had no

righteousness of our own. Alleluia! Brethren, we've been called to a live

of righteousness in Christ. Our God is righteous and as creatures in His

own image, we can't be any different. This righteousness comes from

His son, through whom we become new creatures and our old lives

(our sinful past) is buried with Him.

A BEAUTIFUL PRIVILEGE

Most people often feel that as Christians we are called to "perfection"

as the world understands perfection. But the truth revealed in the word

of God shows that we are called to accept, believe and confess Christ,

who then lives in us and makes us perfect. What a beautiful privilege

that we have.

And that's not even all of it. There are promises attached to this

privilege. That if we seek it first, all other things like peace and joy shall

be ours (Matthew 6:33). This means that we are not called to be

worried or anxious, or feel overwhelmed by the temptations most of us

face.
Apostle Paul who was imperfect as we are helps us to understand how

to live this life of righteousness in Christ by faith. He declares boldly:

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet

not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I

now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of

God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Gal.

2:20).

Just like Apostle Paul, you are also entitled to this privilege. You too can

enjoy righteousness, peace, joy and so much more. Do you want to be a

part of His kingdom? Then you must first have His seal (2 Timothy

2:19), because He knows His sheep and they know Him (John 10:14).

Say the short prayer below with faith and become a part today.
 Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today.

Forgive me my sins, wash me with your

blood. I believe you died for me, and on the

third day you rose again that I may be

justified. Right now, I believe that my sins

are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m

born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God;

I’m free from the power of sin and satan to

serve the living God. Thank you Jesus for

receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring

me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!

WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION

Now that you are in Christ Jesus, here's one more thing about

righteousness in Christ: We do not see it, nor hold it or accurately prove

it. But we know that it is there. It exists. Why? Because, the spirit at
work in us gives us the conviction of this through Faith. Now, faith

comes with works without which it is death. Therefore, you have a role

to play by joining any Bible believing Church close to you, engaging

yourself in studying the scripture to build your faith and finally, ensure

to pray always. There's a long and bumpy road ahead of you, but know

that God's grace is sufficient unto you. Amen!

Here is a final advice from Paul:

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always

obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence

but much more in my absence, work out your

own salvation with fear and trembling, for it

is God who works in you, both to will and to

work for his good pleasure."

(Philippians 2:12-13).

GOD BLESS YOU!