Jun 15
20
Righteousness revealed
“…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…for therein is the righteousness of God revealed…” Romans 1:16-17
The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals the righteousness of God in the justifying work of Christ which He wrought for the elect and is credited to their account before God, and is imputed to them and imparted in them by the regenerating work of His omnipotent Spirit.
The gospel exalts the righteousness of Christ and condemns man’s self-righteousness. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed”. God Almighty is just and righteous in accepting sinners clothed with the righteousness of their appointed Substitute. The righteousness of God is not revealed by the light of nature or by the works of man. Only the “good news” of the gospel of Christ reveals and declares this wondrous work and transaction.
Man has naught to accomplish or perform, therefore we glory in Christ and Him alone, and we are not ashamed – “To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:26. In the gospel of Christ is the answer to the unanswerable question in Job 9:2 “I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?”
The glory of His righteousness is revealed to us and in us here by His Spirit by the preaching of the gospel, and will one day be revealed openly and universally for all to behold and wonder – “In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.” Jer 33:16.
This is what the gospel is all about – He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Isa 53:11. We may rightfully be ashamed of any other so-called gospel. Any messenger with any other message is accursed of God – “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed”. Galatians 1:9 –Tommy robbins.