Saturday, 5 February 2022
THE POWER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (Romans 3:22).
It was with the gift of righteousness that Abraham was able to intercede for Sodom when God wanted to destroy the city. God had said, “…Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do” (Genesis 18:17 AMPC). Abraham had become God’s friend through covenant. The Bible says Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23). That was the bestowal; the gift of righteousness was given to Abraham and he could boldly engage God in an intercessory discourse.
He said to God, “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). He was presenting an argument before God. How could a man have such incredible audacity to speak to God like that? He wasn’t trying to be disrespectful or impudent; no! He was expressing the power of the gift of righteousness.
Genesis 15:6 tells us, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Hallelujah! Righteousness enables you to stand in the presence of God without a sense of condemnation or inferiority. This righteousness, according to our theme verse, is “unto all and upon all.” That’s to let you understand the bestowal, the imputation of God’s righteousness to all men — the legal perspective of this righteousness. With this gift, you can decree a thing and have it established unto you.
Our righteousness is on the basis of a legal claim, and because many aren’t aware they struggle with their faith, not sure whether or not their petitions will be granted. But when you stand on His righteousness, you have no such doubts, because you have the pass! Your claims can’t be refused, because you stand in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Glory to God!
CONFESSION: A righteousness from God — that divine acquittal by faith — has been manifested, and it’s imputed to my account! With that gift of righteousness, I have the boldness and confidence to stand before God without guilt, condemnation or inferiority, and pray to Him and expect answers. I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 5:1; Romans 5:17; Romans 3:21-22 NIV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 25:1-30 & Exodus 29-30
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:22-31 & Job 42