Although the doctrine of righteousness had been in existence since creation, Christ Jesus came to expound it to our better understanding. Jesus said in Matthew 3: 15, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ priority was to fulfill God’s will and not the convenience of man or society. Obeying God’s will sometimes attracts persecution but Jesus said in Matthew 5: 10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The bar which Jesus set for righteousness was so high. It is impossible to attain it without grace. He said in Matthew 5: 20, for I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus meant that the qualification for heaven is the highest standard of righteousness for which the scribes and Pharisees were falsely reputed in their days.
The contradictory criteria
Jesus again drew the difference between righteousness of the kingdom and of the world. He then urged us to prioritize that of God before all others. Jesus said in Matthew 6: 33 but strive for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Righteousness is not subject to outward appearance, status or fame but the character of the heart accepted by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus dismissed the world’s misleading criteria when he said in Matthew 21: 32, For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. John was nobody and so he was discounted as righteous though his heart was with God and spoke God’s instructions.
Jesus debunked the world’s criteria of righteousness and said in John 16: 8, and when he (Holy Spirit) comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. The people believed in God’s Spirit, yet disbelieved Jesus and his words. So Jesus said God’s Spirit in which they believed is the same spirit which will affirm what they disbelieve from him. Acts 13: 10 attributed their disbelief to deceit, villainy, and crooked way of life. Such is the world’s perception of righteousness.
Righteousness in Christ Jesus
Paul said when we trust Christ Jesus that he justifies the ungodly not by works, it will be counted unto us as righteousness. Romans 4: 5 say but to one who without works trusts him (Jesus) who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. The Apostle Paul said true faith and obedience in Christ Jesus also leads to righteousness, Romans 6: 16.
Paul said in Romans 6: 19, now present our members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. When we submit to God as slaves to righteousness, he will cleanse us by the blood of Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is the end of the law. Romans 10: 4 says for Christ is the end of the law so that they may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Do we believe in Christ Jesus and live truthful lives?
Partners of righteousness
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5: 21 we become the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. Righteousness cannot partner sin. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 says for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? True righteousness is the likeness of God so Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:11 pursue righteousness. It is an unblemished and pure character of God in us which only Christ Jesus can partner.
Righteousness also has no relationship with foolish anger. James 1: 20 say your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. In effect anger which does not work God’s will is not the character of God. We must always remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5: 20: for I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Are we living righteous lives to the glory of God? Jesus’ blood is available to cleanse us if we are willing.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, it is your wish that all should inherit the kingdom by your grace in righteousness. However, we have fallen short of your standards because of sin. Forgive us and cleanse us in your precious blood. Redeem our lost and dying souls from the grips of sin and lead us unto righteousness so we may walk with you. Blessed Jesus, hear and answer us in your holy name, Amen!!
