But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33).
The Bible teaches that we are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, i.e., Christ's righteousness. We read in 2nd Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM. And again in Romans 10:3-4 we are told, For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
The Bible plainly teaches that mankind has NO self-righteousness to offer God... But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Our self-righteousness is filth to God, because even the best we have to offer cannot undo the sins we've already committed. No matter how much good a person may do, the sins which they've committed are still recorded in Heaven (Revelation 20:12). Thus, we need the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is only made possible by His blood sacrifice for sin . . .
Romans 3:25 states, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
Ephesians 1:7, In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Ephesians 2:13, But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
Colossians 1:14, In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins.
1st John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.
Revelation 1:5, And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD.
We are saved by Jesus' righteousness. Amen!
So many of the world's religions today teach a works-based salvation, where you are required to do this and do that to get to Heaven; but the Bible calls that a false gospel. The Bible tells us that Christ has already made the payment for our sins, so that we may be freely pardoned by God's grace and mercy, by simple faith in Christ. Eternal life is a free gift. Salvation is of the Lord. Our part is simply to acknowledge our guilt of sin and trust the Lord as our Savior.
In Galatians 2:21 Paul states, I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Thankfully, righteousness does not come by the Law, or else we'd all be in big trouble. Who amongst us is without sin? None of us! I am the biggest sinner I know, and so are you if you'll be honest with God. We need HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS to get to Heaven. This is what Matthew 6:33 commands us to do... seek HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Many people fail to understand the Biblical doctrine of IMPUTATION, but it is beautiful. Literally, God charges Christ's righteousness to our record at the time of salvation... Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD IMPUTETH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS (Romans 4:6). Amen! That is such a wonderful Scripture. God the Father charges Christ's righteousness to our account, so that we are viewed in God's eyes as having the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and this is all done freely by faith, without any required works of self-righteousness. Salvation is receiving; not giving. It is the gift of God; not a reward that must be earned or maintained. Salvation is solely of the Lord. All we need do is BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!
