Genesis 15:1-6
Genesis 15:6 (AMPC) “And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God).”
This powerful statement gives us a key to understanding God’s dealings with humankind throughout history. As we know, Abram’s life was far from perfect; he had already made many mistakes on his journey with God and he would go on to make more. However, this scripture tells us that Abram was accepted by God who reckoned him righteous, not on the basis of his performance but because of his belief.
The same is true for us. This statement is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, James 2:23) to show that God imputes the righteousness of Christ to all those who put their trust in Him. He is the Saviour, sent by the Father into the world to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. We have been justified – declared morally right and acceptable to God – not on the basis of our own good works, but through the perfect life and sacrificial death of our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Romans 3:20-22 (NLT) “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. [21] But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. [22] We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”
It is important that we understand, and stand in, the righteousness that we now have in Christ. Many Christians, who believe intellectually that Jesus accomplished the forgiveness of their sins at the cross, are still trying to earn that forgiveness by their own efforts. They are living under the law rather than grace, which makes as nothing what Christ has done for them. The enemy loves it when Christians are striving for God’s love and acceptance, because he knows that they do not understand their identity in Christ and are, therefore, no threat to his rule.
Righteousness is the basis of our spiritual authority. The “breastplate of righteousness” is the part of our spiritual armour that defends our hearts against spiritual attacks. Knowing that we are righteous gives us the confidence to claim God’s promises and to use our authority in Christ to resist the powers of darkness.
1 John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.” Are you confident that God no longer sees your sins? He is no respecter of persons. What He did for Abram, He will do for you. Your part is simply to believe.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Prayer
Lord God,
I am amazed at Your amazing grace that looks at me and declares me righteous in Christ. You say I am accepted and loved by You. Help me not to doubt what You say but to rise up boldly, refuting the lies of the enemy and using my authority as a righteous child of God to take back what He has stolen. Thank You for all that You have done for me.
Amen
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