The problem for most who come to Christ Jesus is that they accept Jesus as their Savior, then try to live a life of righteousness for Him. We need to accept Him (Jesus Christ) as our righteousness, then we can live a godly life IN HIM.
Romans 9:30-33 points out that the stumblingblock of the gospel for those who would not believe was JESUS AS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Going on to Rom. 10:3-4 points out that the people who stumble at the message of the gospel are doing so because they are rejecting the only righteousness that is acceptable to God (the righteousness of Jesus Christ) in favor the the righteousness that they trust in - the righteousness of their own performance.
2 Cor. 5:21 - Jesus became sin for us that we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD in Him.
Rom. 1:17 - The JUST - righteous, innocent, faultless, guiltless, shall LIVE BY FAITH.
Rom. 3:21-22 - The RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD COMES BY FAITH to all who believe.
Rom. 3:26-28 - WE ARE MADE RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH.
Rom. 5:19 - As Adam's sin made all men sinners, so JESUS' faithful obedience makes many righteous, as it is acquired by FAITH.
Rom. 10:3-4 - We SUBMIT TO GOD AND OBTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS BY BELIEVING JESUS' WORDS. Jesus is the end (fulfillment) of the law, meaning that all who believe on Him obtain HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Gal. 3:1-3 - The SPIRIT OF GOD IS THE OPPOSITE OF WORKS OF THE FLESH. THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS RECEIVED BY FAITH.
Gal. 3:7-9 - THE FAITHFUL WILL JOIN ABRAHAM IN HEAVEN WITH GOD. Rev. 21:8 makes it clear that the fearful and unbelieving will not.
Gal. 3:10 - If you are justified (in your mind) by your works, behavior, etc., YOU ARE UNDER THE CURSE, and therefore not following the Lord in faith. (See Is. 64:6)
We MUST use scripture on a daily basis and cement these truths in our minds. As you begin to verbally (or silently) acknowledge your righteousness in Jesus, your emotions will come in line with the truth. These truths move from being something we simply say or acknowledge to become facts that we believe and feel.
The truth is, YOU WILL NOT GIVE IN TO SIN WHEN YOU BELIEVE AND FEEL YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS. THE RIGHTEOUS WILL LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY. Conquering your thought life will guard your heart against the fiery darts of the evil one and the thinking and system of the world. The reason the defense Paul mentions in Eph. 6:16 is called the SHIELD OF FAITH is that what you believe (your faith) is what guards your heart!
Prov. 12:6 says "The mouth of the upright (righteous) shall deliver them". And we know that what comes out of our mouths is simply revealing what is in our heart. FAITH IS BELIEVING AND CONFESSING. Boldly speak God's words until your thoughts and emotions come back in line, so that you do not frustrate the grace of God.
The scriptures call believers holy in 1 Cor. 3:17, 7:14, 34, Eph. 1:4, 5:27 (the church), Col. 1:22, 3:12, 1 Thes. 5:27, Heb. 3:1, 1 Pet. 2:5, 9, 3:5, Rev. 20:6.
You are HOLY RIGHT NOW, but only if you believe!
