The Precious Gift of Righteousness

Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  Romans 3:20

It is vitally important that we understand the purpose of the law in regards to our relationship with God. The law was given for only ONE purpose. That you would have the knowledge of sin and recognize your need for a Savior. Without the law there would be no sin (Roman 5:15). For example, if there is no law on how fast you can drive, then the police can’t stop you and give you a ticket for speeding.

In other words, no law equals no sin. No recognition of sin equals no need for a Savior. So, the law was given to bring man to the end of himself so that in his despair, he would see his need for Jesus. Because of the law, no man can say that he is not a sinner and no man can say that he doesn’t need Jesus. That is the purpose of the law. It was not designed to make you godly, but to expose your ungodliness.

But the devil wants to keep the law hanging over your head all the time so that you constantly feel condemned and guilty. That is how he keeps you trapped in a cycle of defeat. The devil is the master legalist who constantly reminds you of how unworthy you are of God’s blessings. Known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), here are some of his common attacks:  
1.YOU CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN? YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE. 2. FORGET ABOUT PRAYING. GOD WILL NEVER LISTEN TO YOUR PRAYERS. 3. LOOK AT YOUR LIFE, HOW DARE YOU STEP INTO CHURCH? Friends, these are LIES. The devil is using the law to make you conscious of all your shortcomings. But through Jesus, you are no longer under the condemnation of the law. The devil has been disarmed by the power of the cross. Hallelujah.

Jesus, who knew no sin, was condemned on your behalf on the cross. Through Jesus Christ, you are now made righteous apart from the works of the law. So when you hear the voice of the accuser condemning you, remind yourself that you are the righteousness of God in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Declare it out loud. Confess this over your life every day. Righteousness is a gift. It is not a reward for perfect obedience to the law.

You are clothed today not in your own righteousness, which is self righteousness, but with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. God sees you as righteous as Jesus Himself. This is your permanent, eternal standing before Him because of what Jesus has done for you. When you are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, any obstacle that tries to obstruct you from living you life to the fullest, whether it’s an addiction, sickness, fear, or depression has to go in that NAME. Glory to God!