Righteousness of God in Christ-That's Me!

For those of you who have ever been to church at some point in your life, you've probably heard about salvation by grace.  It's a basic doctrine that evangelical churches adhere to, which basically states that a person is made alive to God (born again) by His grace, through faith (believing Him).  However, in my experience, many times there is an underlying culture of "works" in many of our churches.  Kind of like: "Yes, you're saved by grace.  But you really should make sure you read your bible everday and attend church faithfully in order to be in good standing with God."

Well I'm here to tell you that's simply not true.  First, let's define grace in a biblical context.  Grace comes from the greek work Charis.  It basically means the free, unmerited favor of God toward people who don't deserve it.  Botton line: we'll never be good enough at law-keeping to earn right standing with God.  But Jesus did it for us.  He fulfilled the law and ushered in grace and truth.  So for anyone who is in Christ, God relates to you on the basis of Christ's righteousness.  Period.  Regardless of whether or not you've read your bible or attended church faithfully.  Now don't think for a minute I'm suggesting you let those activities go by the wayside.  Those things help us grow in our faith.  But we do those things as a response to what Christ has already done in us.  He's made us new creations (2 Cor 5:17). 

Take note of this truth:  2 Cor 5:21 "For He (God) has made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)."  The phrase "in Christ" is a terminology that is used over 300 times in the New Testament, always referring to a vital union relationship with God.  So, if you're in vital relationship with God through Christ, you are as righteous as Christ and that's how God sees you.  Believe it!  The more we let this truth (that we're already righteous because we're in Christ) take root in us, the more effortlessly we'll bear fruit.  Have you ever seen or heard an apple tree struggling, groaning or striving to bear fruit.  No, of course not!  Why then do we run the treadmill of performance (or works, whatever you want to call it), trying to be good, fruitful Christians?  Or maybe you've gotten too tired to stay on the treadmill.  Maybe you've crashed and burned and said, "Forget it, this Christianity thing is just too hard, and no fun."   In either case you're still relating to God based on law-keeping.  My hope is that you will take time to think about the fact that when you're in Christ, GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU!  Take a deep breath and just accept it.  Once you're rooted in that truth, you'll be amazed at how much you want to read your bible and go to church (and do all the other stuff, too!)

I'm happy to clarify anything questions you may have, so please ask them!  For those of you who are not yet in Christ, I especially want to hear from you.  God has an amazing life planned for you!  Contact me!!!

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