Sin was prevelant in mankind which led to a separation from God (spiritual death) as a result of a man’s carelessness (Adam).
However righteousness by faith came through one man (Our Lord Jesus) which brought abundant life.
*Roman 5:15 AMP*
*_But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many._*
Brethren it is crucial to know that our righteousness is like a filthy rag before God. There is nothing we can do by our own ability that can make us righteous before God.
*Romans 3:10 AMP*
*_As it is written and forever remains written, “There is none righteous [none that meets God’s standard], not even one._*
It is very important for believers to know the difference between obtaining righteousness through the works of the law (our ability and efforts) and the righteousness of God through grace by faith in our Lord Jesus.
Righteousness through the works of the law is when we rely on our human ability (flesh) to obey the Commandments in order to please God. However, the Word of God explains that doing this is self righteous and not acceptable before God.
*Romans 3:20 AMP*
*_For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin]._*
To better help our understanding of self righteousness, an analogy was used by Paul the Apostle of a salary earner (employee) to illustrate what self righteousness looks like in scriptures.
He explained that when we go to work to do our work duties, we expect a salary at the end of the month from our employer because the salary is earned based on our efforts at work.
Paul further explains using the analogy of the employee, that earning a salary due to efforts is opposite to the Grace of God which cannot be earned by our efforts or ability.
*_Now to a laborer, his wages are not credited as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation [something owed to him]._*
*Romans 4:4 AMP*
Grace is a free gift from God to us through his mercy and favour. Similarly in the natural sense, when we celebrate special occasions like birthdays or marriages, we are mostly likely going to receive gifts from friends and guests.
These gift could be valuable or relatively valuable which were purchased by others and freely received by us. The Word of God shows us that the Grace of God is the same.
*_But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many._*
*Romans 5:15 AMP*
The gift of the Grace of God is the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus for the cleansing of our sins. In order for a believer to be righteous before God and benefit from this free gift of Grace, a believer must believe that Jesus is the son of God and was sent from God to be able to accept the eternal sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
When this happens, we develop faith in the unseen God which causes us to walk in the righteousness of God and not our own righteousness.
Believers must be conscious that they walk in the righteousness of God through their faith in God.
It is also important that believers do not abuse Grace by living in sin but rather walk in obedience of the Word of God through the help of the Holy Spirit.
*_What then [are we to conclude]? Shall we sin because we are not under Law, but under [God’s] grace? Certainly not!_*
*Romans 6:15 AMP*
*HOW DO WE TAKE THIS GRACE?*
*BE BORN AGAIN*
It begins by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour and believing He is the son of God. Then the righteousness of God will be credited into our spiritual account based on your faith.
*_But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God)._*
*Romans 4:5 AMP*
*ACKNOWLEDGING THE GRACE OF GOD AS A GIFT FROM GOD*
We must acknowledge that the Grace of God is a free gift from God and not by our ‘good’ acts or behaviour.
Recognising the Grace of God as a free gift will help change the mindset of self righteousness, which will enable us to develop a close relationship with God.
*_But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many._*
*Romans 5:15 AMP*
*HAVING THE ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE GRACE OF GOD AS A GIFT*
We can receive God’s gift of Grace by having faith in Jesus and acknowledging the power of God.
*_For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).”_*
*Romans 4:3 AMP*
*TRUSTING AND RELYING ON GOD THROUGH HIS SON JESUS*
We must trust and rely on the power of God through the help of the Holy Spirit.
*_Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the Lord of hosts._*
*Zechariah 4:6 AMP*
*RENEWING OF THE MIND.*
As believers, it is vital to renew our mind with the Word of God so our mind and thoughts are constantly transformed.
*_And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]._*
*Romans 12:2 AMP*
Stay blessed & encouraged!
Written & composed by Ayo Akingbala
Edited by Shola Akingbala
