The Confidence of Your Righteousness
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
One of the important things the gospel reveals is the righteousness we have received through Jesus Christ. Before a person can approach God with confidence, he must understand the basis upon which he has been accepted before Him. Many believers continue to relate to God as though their acceptance depends entirely on how well they have performed spiritually during the day. When they pray consistently and avoid obvious mistakes, they feel qualified to approach Him. But when they fail, they become uncertain whether God is willing to hear them.
The Scriptures reveal that our standing before God is established through Jesus Christ. He bore our sins and accomplished the work through which we have been reconciled to God. Through faith in Him, we have received righteousness. This truth should produce gratitude, confidence, and a desire to live in a manner that honours God. It should also correct the mistaken belief that our righteousness is something we must earn through religious activities.
However, understanding righteousness must influence how we live. A believer who understands his new standing in Christ should increasingly reject conduct that contradicts the life he has received. When you make mistakes, do not run away from God in condemnation. Acknowledge your wrongdoing, receive His forgiveness, and respond to the truth of His Word. You can approach God confidently because your relationship with Him has been established through Christ.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the righteousness I have received in Christ. Help me to understand my standing before You and to live in agreement with this reality, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Confession
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I approach the Father with confidence, and I walk in the consciousness of my acceptance in Him.
Further reading: Romans 3:21–26, Romans 5:1–2, Philippians 3:7–9.