Faith That Finds Righteousness

Gentiles obtained righteousness through faith rather than religious pursuit.

Saving faith receives God’s righteousness as a gift.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Romans 4:5

True righteousness comes through believing God’s promises.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.Galatians 3:6

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Isaiah 45:22

The Gentiles truly believed that Jesus was enough.

Israel failed to attain righteousness by pursuing it through works rather than faith.

Self-righteousness blinds people to their need for God’s grace.

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.Romans 10:3

Human effort cannot achieve the righteousness God requires.

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Philippians 3:9

All of the works of our own righteousness pale in comparison to the righteousness found in Jesus.

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.Isaiah 64:6

Christ became the stumbling stone for those seeking righteousness by works.

Jesus challenges human systems of self-justification.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.Matthew 21:42-44

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;1 Corinthians 1:23

The cross is offensive to our human pride and self-sufficiency.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.Romans 3:27

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus is either your Cornerstone or your stumbling stone. There is no neutral response.

Those who place their faith in Christ will never be put to shame.

Trust in the Lord provides unshakable security.

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Isaiah 28:16

Faith in Christ results in eternal vindication.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.2 Timothy 1:12

When your hope is in Christ alone, your future is not uncertain, it’s sealed.

Our good works are a result of our salvation, not the cause of it.

Beware of religious pride.

Boldly proclaim the Gospel, with boldness, but also with kindness. The Gospel is already offensive, don’t add foolishness to its offense.

Stand secure in Christ.