Introduction
Why do so many Christians feel burdened by the weight of measuring up to God’s standards? It’s a question that tugs at our hearts, especially when we’re striving to please a holy God but feel like we’re falling short at every turn. If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt or wondered if you’re doing enough to earn God’s favor, take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and there’s good news for you. The answer lies in understanding Our Righteousness In Christ, a profound truth that shifts our perspective from striving to resting in God’s grace.
But before we dive in, let’s be clear about something important: this truth applies to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you’ve heard it called being saved, born again, or becoming a Christian, it all points to the same moment of transformation. It happens when you realize you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, turn to Jesus in repentance, and trust that He died for your sins and rose again. When you do that, you’re forgiven, reconciled to God, and given His righteousness. That’s the foundation of what we’ll be exploring together.
In this post, we’ll unpack what it means to have Our Righteousness In Christ, looking at the solid biblical foundation for this life-changing truth. We’ll explore how it frees us from guilt, brings assurance of salvation, and transforms how we live every day. So, if you’ve ever longed to trade your feelings of inadequacy for the peace and joy of resting in God’s grace, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
I. What Is Righteousness?
If we’re going to talk about Our Righteousness In Christ, we need to start by understanding what righteousness actually is. At its core, righteousness means being fully acceptable to God—meeting His perfect standard of holiness and justice. It’s not simply about following rules or living a good life; it’s about having a standing before God that allows us to enter into a relationship with Him and, ultimately, into heaven. The good news for us is that this righteousness isn’t something we can earn—it’s something God provides through Jesus Christ.
Imputed Righteousness: What Makes Us Acceptable to God
The righteousness that God gives us is known as imputed righteousness, a cornerstone of Christian theology. This means that God “counts” or credits us as righteous, not because of anything we’ve done, but solely because of Jesus Christ’s perfect righteousness. Through faith in Him, His righteousness is assigned to us, making us fully acceptable to God.
When God looks at us as believers, He doesn’t see a horrible sinner but sees the righteousness of His Son. This doesn’t mean we’re suddenly perfect or sinless in our earthly lives—we still live in a fallen world and wrestle with temptation. But at the core of our being, in our spirit, we are counted as righteous before God. This is why our acceptance into God’s family and, ultimately, heaven, rests entirely on what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. It’s His righteousness—not ours—that makes all the difference.
The Bible paints a beautiful picture of righteousness as something to be treasured. Isaiah 61:10 describes it like a garment: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” But here’s the key: this robe isn’t something we can sew together with our own good works. It’s a gift from God, given to those who trust in Him.
To fully appreciate this, we need to look at how righteousness was understood in the Old Testament versus how it’s fulfilled in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, righteousness was often tied to following the law. God gave His people the law as a way to reflect His holy character, but even the most devout followers couldn’t keep it perfectly. That’s why sacrifices were required—to atone for sin and point forward to the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus.
The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of this plan. Romans 3:20–22 puts it plainly: “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” In other words, righteousness isn’t something we achieve by obeying rules; it’s a gift we receive by faith.
This truth is liberating. We don’t have to strive to prove ourselves to God or carry the crushing burden of trying to “be good enough.” Our Righteousness In Christ means that when God looks at us, He sees the perfection of His Son. It’s not about what we do—it’s about what Jesus has already done.
How does that change the way you see yourself? Instead of striving for approval, you can rest in the assurance that you are already accepted and loved by God. That’s the power of righteousness—not ours, but His.
Our righteousness in Christ goes hand in hand with who we are in Christ. As a help for you, we offer a free guide of 25 Biblical Truths and Scriptures titled “Who I Am In Christ.” We hope you will take advantage of this free download and be encouraged by it. Use it as a reference when you need encouragement. Get the immediate download of the PDF below.
II. The Source of Our Righteousness
If the idea of being fully righteous before a holy God feels overwhelming, it’s important to understand where this righteousness comes from. Our Righteousness In Christ is rooted entirely in His finished work on the cross. It’s not about our performance, good deeds, or moral efforts; it’s about what Jesus has already done for us. The cross is the foundation of everything—it’s where God’s love, justice, and grace meet in perfect harmony to make us right with Him.
Christ’s Perfect Obedience
Before the cross, Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father. Romans 5:19 highlights this truth: “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden brought sin and death into the world, affecting every human being. But Jesus, the “second Adam,” came to undo the damage. His life wasn’t just about teaching or performing miracles; it was about fulfilling every requirement of the law perfectly—something none of us could ever do.
This obedience is crucial because it’s what makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us. Without His sinless life, there would be no righteousness to impute to us. Every thought, word, and action of Christ was in perfect alignment with God’s will, making Him the only one qualified to take our place.
His Sacrifice as the Atonement for Sin
Jesus didn’t stop at living a perfect life. He willingly laid it down as a sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:10 says, “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment that we deserved. He became the atoning sacrifice, satisfying God’s justice and making a way for us to be forgiven.
Think of it like this: if sin is a debt we owe to God, Jesus paid it in full. His sacrifice wasn’t a temporary fix like the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament—it was a once-for-all payment. The cross is where our sin was dealt with decisively, and because of that, we can now stand before God as righteous.
The Righteousness of God Revealed in Jesus
When we talk about righteousness, we’re not just talking about being “good enough” to pass some kind of test. We’re talking about the righteousness of God Himself, revealed in Jesus. Philippians 3:9 captures this perfectly: “…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Jesus didn’t just point us to God’s righteousness—He embodied it. His life, death, and resurrection reveal the very character of God: holy, loving, just, and merciful. And when we put our faith in Him, His righteousness becomes ours. This is why our standing before God doesn’t depend on anything we’ve done but on everything Christ has done.
Role of Faith: Receiving Righteousness Through Belief, Not Works
This brings us to an essential point: the righteousness of Christ isn’t something we can earn—it’s something we receive through faith. Ephesians 2:8–9 makes this crystal clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Faith is the open hand that receives the gift of righteousness. It’s not about trying harder or checking off religious boxes. It’s about trusting in Jesus—His life, His death, and His resurrection—as the only basis for our acceptance before God.
Here’s the beauty of it: when we place our faith in Christ, we’re united with Him. His righteousness is credited to us, and our sin is placed on Him. It’s the great exchange described in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This truth should fill us with both awe and peace. Awe, because of the incredible price Jesus paid to make us righteous. And peace, because our salvation doesn’t rest on our fragile efforts but on His unshakable work.
So, the source of Our Righteousness In Christ is entirely rooted in Him—His perfect obedience, His atoning sacrifice, and the righteousness of God revealed in Him. All we have to do is believe, and through faith, this incredible gift becomes ours.
III. The Apostle Paul’s Teachings on Righteousness
If anyone understood the radical shift from self-reliance to relying entirely on Christ, it was the Apostle Paul. His writings on righteousness are some of the clearest and most powerful in the New Testament. Paul’s life and teachings show us that righteousness is not about our achievements or adherence to the law but about trusting completely in what Christ has done for us.
Paul’s Transformation: From Self-Righteousness to Reliance on Christ
Before Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was the poster child for self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:4–6, he lists his impressive credentials: circumcised on the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee zealous for the law. By human standards, Paul was the epitome of religious achievement. But when he met Jesus, everything changed.
Paul’s perspective is beautifully summarized in Philippians 3:7–8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”
What Paul once valued—his own efforts to achieve righteousness—he now considered worthless compared to knowing Jesus. This transformation is at the heart of Our Righteousness In Christ. It’s not about what we bring to the table; it’s about receiving what Christ has already accomplished.
Righteousness Apart from the Law
One of Paul’s central teachings is that righteousness cannot come from the law. Romans 10:4 puts it succinctly: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” What does this mean? It means that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly, and His righteousness is now available to everyone who puts their faith in Him.
The law was never meant to make us righteous. Instead, it was designed to show us our need for a Savior. Romans 3:20 says, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The law acts as a mirror, reflecting our sinfulness and pointing us to Christ as the only solution.
Paul makes it clear that righteousness through the law is not possible. But through Jesus, the righteousness of God has been made available to all who believe. This is the essence of the gospel: we are justified not by what we do but by what Christ has done.
Living Under Grace, Not Legalism
Paul also teaches us what it means to live under grace rather than legalism. In Galatians 2:20–21, he writes, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
To live under grace means to rest in the finished work of Christ rather than striving to earn God’s approval. Legalism, on the other hand, is the futile attempt to gain righteousness through rules and regulations. Paul warns against this mindset repeatedly because it robs believers of the joy and freedom found in Christ.
Living under grace doesn’t mean we stop pursuing holiness. Rather, it means our pursuit of holiness is fueled by love and gratitude, not fear or obligation. It’s a response to God’s grace, not an attempt to earn it.
Addressing Common Misunderstandings: Does Grace Excuse Sin?
Whenever Paul preached about grace, he encountered a common objection: “If we’re saved by grace and not by works, does that mean we can sin all we want?” He addresses this directly in Romans 6:1–2: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
Grace is not a license to sin; it’s the power to overcome sin. When we understand Our Righteousness In Christ, it changes our desires. Sin no longer has the same grip on us because we’ve been given a new identity in Christ. We’re no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18).
Paul’s teaching reminds us that grace transforms us from the inside out. It doesn’t excuse sin—it empowers us to live in a way that honors God. This doesn’t mean we’ll never stumble, but it does mean that our lives will be marked by a desire to please God, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who saved us.
Paul’s writings on righteousness are a treasure trove of wisdom and encouragement. They show us that righteousness isn’t something we achieve through our own efforts but something we receive through faith in Christ. Whether it’s understanding the futility of self-righteousness, embracing righteousness apart from the law, or living under grace, Paul points us back to the same unshakable truth: our righteousness In Christ is all about Him, not us.
IV. The Impact of Our Righteousness In Christ on Daily Life
Understanding our righteousness In Christ isn’t just about theological insight—it’s about transformation. This truth has the power to change how we see ourselves, how we relate to God, and how we interact with others. When we truly grasp that our righteousness comes from Christ and not from our own efforts, it brings freedom, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose in our daily lives.
Freedom From Guilt and Shame
One of the most immediate and profound impacts of Our Righteousness In Christ is freedom from guilt and shame. Romans 8:1 proclaims, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Let those words sink in—no condemnation. Not a little. Not sometimes. None.
This means that no matter what sins are in your past, they have been completely forgiven and covered by the righteousness of Christ. Guilt and shame no longer have the power to define us because Jesus took the punishment for our sins. Instead of being weighed down by feelings of failure or inadequacy, we can live in the joyful assurance that we are fully accepted by God.
This doesn’t mean we take sin lightly. When we stumble, we should confess and turn back to God. But we do so knowing that His grace is greater than our failures. Our relationship with God is secure because it’s based on Christ’s righteousness, not our own.
Understanding Justification Through Faith
At the heart of this freedom is the doctrine of justification. To be justified means to be declared righteous in God’s sight. It’s not that we become sinless or morally perfect; it’s that God sees us that way because of Christ’s imputed righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that this justification comes through faith, not works: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Understanding justification gives us peace. We don’t have to wonder if we’re doing enough to stay in God’s favor. Through faith in Christ, we are already fully justified.
This truth has a way of silencing the inner critic that tells us we’re not good enough. When doubts creep in, we can rest in the fact that our standing with God doesn’t depend on us. It depends on Jesus, and He is more than enough.
Confidence in Prayer and Relationship With God
Because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, we can approach God with boldness and confidence. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Think about that: the God of the universe invites us to come to Him, not hesitantly or timidly, but confidently. Why? Because when He sees us, He sees the righteousness of His Son. This changes everything about how we pray and relate to God.
Instead of coming to God in fear, wondering if He’s angry or disappointed in us, we can come as dearly loved children. We can pour out our hearts, knowing that He hears us and delights in us. This kind of relationship isn’t something we have to earn—it’s a gift of grace, made possible through our righteousness In Christ.
Living in Gratitude and Obedience, Not Out of Fear
Understanding that our righteousness is a gift transforms the way we live. Instead of obeying God out of fear of punishment, we obey out of gratitude for His grace. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Notice the motivation: love, not fear.
When we truly grasp the depth of what Christ has done for us, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and obedience becomes a natural response. We want to honor God, not because we’re trying to earn His favor, but because we already have it. This shifts obedience from being a burden to being a joy.
Gratitude also fuels perseverance. When challenges come, remembering that we are secure in Christ gives us the strength to keep going. We’re not striving for acceptance; we’re living out of the acceptance we’ve already been given.
How It Transforms Relationships With Others
Finally, understanding our righteousness in Christ changes the way we relate to others. When we realize how much grace we’ve been shown, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to those around us.
Paul writes in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” When we remember that God has forgiven us of so much, it humbles us and softens our hearts toward others.
Instead of holding grudges or demanding perfection from those around us, we can offer grace and forgiveness. This doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs or avoiding accountability, but it does mean reflecting the love and mercy that God has shown us.
The impact of our righteousness in Christ on daily life is profound. It frees us from guilt, gives us confidence in our relationship with God, fuels our gratitude and obedience, and transforms our relationships with others. When we live in the light of this truth, it changes everything—bringing peace, joy, and purpose to our everyday lives.
V. The Eternal Perspective of Righteousness
Understanding Our Righteousness In Christ not only impacts our daily lives but also gives us an eternal perspective filled with hope and assurance. The righteousness we receive from Christ isn’t temporary or conditional—it’s eternal, and it secures our salvation, our future glory, and our hope of everlasting life.
Assurance of Salvation: Sealed by Christ’s Righteousness
One of the greatest gifts of our righteousness in Christ is the assurance of salvation. Ephesians 1:13–14 reminds us that when we believe in Christ, we are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.”
This seal isn’t dependent on our works or performance—it’s based on the perfect righteousness of Christ that has been credited to us. Because His righteousness is unchanging, our salvation is secure. We don’t have to live in fear of losing it or wondering if we’ve done enough to “stay saved.” Christ’s finished work on the cross and His righteousness imputed to us are more than enough to guarantee our eternal standing with God.
Future Glory: Being Presented Blameless Before God
When we think about eternity, it’s staggering to consider that we will one day stand before a holy God—not in fear or shame, but in joy and confidence. This is because of Christ’s righteousness. Jude 24 captures this beautifully: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy.”
Through Christ, we will be presented to God as blameless. Imagine that—blameless! Not because of anything we’ve done, but because Christ’s righteousness covers us completely. This is the future glory we long for: standing in God’s presence, fully accepted and loved, forever free from sin and its effects.
Hope of Eternal Life as the Fruit of Righteousness
The righteousness of Christ doesn’t just secure our salvation; it also gives us the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7 declares, “So that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
This hope is not wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. Eternal life is the ultimate fruit of the righteousness we’ve received in Christ. It’s the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem us, restore us, and bring us into His presence for all eternity.
When we keep this eternal perspective in mind, it changes how we live today. The struggles and trials of this life pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. The assurance of salvation, the promise of being presented blameless before God, and the hope of eternal life anchor our souls and give us a joy that nothing in this world can take away.
Conclusion
At the heart of the gospel is this life-changing truth: our righteousness in Christ is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our works. It’s not about striving to meet an impossible standard but about trusting in what Jesus has already accomplished for us. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death secured the righteousness we need to stand before a holy God, fully accepted and loved.
When we embrace this truth, it brings incredible peace, joy, and purpose to our lives. Peace, because we no longer have to live under the crushing weight of guilt or the fear of not measuring up. Joy, because we are free to rest in God’s unchanging love and acceptance. And purpose, because understanding our righteousness in Christ inspires us to live with gratitude, obedience, and a desire to reflect His grace to others.
So, take a moment to reflect on your standing in Christ. Are you trusting fully in His righteousness for your assurance and daily walk? Let go of the pressure to prove yourself and rest in the truth that, through faith in Jesus, you are already righteous in the eyes of God. Your salvation is secure, your relationship with Him is unshakable, and your eternal future is certain—all because of the righteousness of Christ.
Understanding our righteousness in Christ and our Identity In Christ goes together
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