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Faith Righteousness Part 1

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Phil 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, 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.” There are two different types of righteousness. There is righteousness that comes from self effort, which is based on a person keeping the Law of God. This is also known as works righteousness. And there is a righteousness which comes from God Himself, through trust and belief in Jesus Christ. This is known as faith righteousness. One is acceptable to God, and one is not (Gal 3:11). One will give you eternity in Heaven, and one will not (Gal 2:16) . One is the administration of death, and one is the giver of life (2Cor 3:6-9). One is a curse, and one is a blessing (Gal 3:10, 13-14).

Not understanding the difference between these two types of righteousness is a major problem in The Body of Christ. It steals our victory; robs our joy; crushes our confidence. It takes away our hope and peace; it causes us to be weak and beggarly; timid, guilt-ridden, self centered, and defeated Christians.

This is not at all what God intended for us. We are to be more than conquerors; we are to always triumph; we are to be victors. We need to understand what Jesus did for us. We need to walk in the victory that He has provided. As Christians, we are the righteousness of God, in Christ (2Cor 5:21). We are a new creation. Old things have passed away; all things have become new. All things are now of God (2Cor 5:17-18). We are The King’s kids. We are heirs of Almighty God, and co-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:16-17).

Most Christians still live under the Law. They still relate to God based on their performance. In their mind, their acceptability with God varies from day to day, based on how well, or how badly, they have performed that day. They have no real victory. Of course, one who lives under the law never has any victory. Do you know why? Because you can’t keep it! Therefore, because you try to be right with God by keeping the law, you are constantly under condemnation (2Cor 3:9), and you constantly see yourself as a disappointment to God. Does anybody relate to what I’m saying?

Some of you might be saying, “That law of God is killing me!”. Well, that’s exactly what it’s supposed to do. The letter kills (2Cor 3:6). The law will slay you (Rom 7:9-11). It will kill your pride; it will kill your self righteousness; and it will kill the thought of you ever being right with God by your works. Just when you think you’re alright, the Law will pop up and say “Oops, you missed it right here!”. The Law is very unforgiving. It never hesitates to show you every single failure in your life. Yet, it does nothing to help you.

The Law is perfect, pure, just, and holy. Man, however, is not. And herein lies the problem. God’s Law demands perfection, and we’re not perfect. So God, in His love and mercy, does something wonderful for us. He sends His Son, Jesus Christ, to keep the Law for us; since we can’t do it on our own. Then Jesus pays the penalty for mankind, who can’t keep the Law; and dies in our place. Death is the penalty for breaking the Law of God. And no matter how good you think you are, if you’ve broken one, single commandment; you are guilty of all of it (Jam 2:10). So yes, my self righteous friend, Jesus died for you, too.

Now it gets even better. After Jesus dies, He rises from the dead three days later, just like He said He would. Now here’s the deal of a billion lifetimes: If we will put faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord, and trust in His sacrificial death to be right with God; then God will freely give us His very own righteousness (Rom 3:21-24). Did you hear what I just said? God Almighty will give you, as a free gift, His own righteousness. All you have to do is put your faith in Jesus Christ. This is called faith righteousness, and this is The Gospel.

There is much more to say, but until next time, rejoice in the Lord! (Phil 4:4)

Faith Righteousness Part 2

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Philippians 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, 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.” Last week we began to look at the subject of righteousness. We saw that there are two different kinds of righteousness: works righteousness and faith righteousness. One focuses on what you do for God, the other on what God did for you. Paul didn’t want to be found having his own righteousness. I assure you, Paul lived a holier life than you or I have. Yet, he didn’t want to be found in his own righteousness. Why? Because he knew it wasn’t good enough. At the end of the day, he still fell short of perfection. No, he wanted to have God’s righteousness, which comes by faith.

Many Christians live under a curse, because they are trying to live under the law (Gal 3:10-12). The law itself wasn’t a curse, but there was a curse associated with being under it if you broke it (Dt 27:26). There wasn’t any keeping the law half way, or most of the way. God doesn’t grade on a curve. You either have to keep all of it (Jam 2:10), or you have to put faith in The One who kept all of it (Jesus). Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law. He was made a curse for us. He suffered the curse, the penalty, for not keeping the law for us; so that we wouldn’t have to. Jesus came to give us abundant life (Jn 10:10). Why did He hang on that tree (the cross) and die for us? So that the blessing of Abraham (righteousness by faith) could come on all of us through faith in Him (Gal 3:14).

So what purpose does the law serve? It keeps people in line, until faith in Christ comes (Gal 3:19). You see, the purpose of the law is to bring us to Jesus Christ. But once faith has come, we are no longer under the law (Gal 3:24-25). The law is good, if it is used lawfully (1Tim 1:8-10). What is the lawful use of the law? To show a person their sinfulness, and bring them to faith in Christ Jesus. It helps the deceived person, who thinks they’re o.k., see that they are not o.k.

If someone says they are basically good, all I have to do is get the law of God out and say, “Have you ever lied, even once? Have you ever stolen even one thing? Have you ever looked at someone, and lusted for them in your heart? Then you are a lying, thieving, adulterer, who is going to have to stand before a just and holy God and give an account for your sins. Do you feel confident about that?” The first thing a wise man will say is, “No.” The second thing he will say is, “What can I do about this?” That’s when you tell them about the righteousness of God we receive by putting faith in Jesus. That’s when you tell them The Gospel, the almost too good to be true news. This is what the law is intended to do.

So many times, new covenant Christians are still trying to live under the old covenant law. That’s why they’re often confused; weak; tossed to and fro like a wave of the ocean. You can’t successfully live under both covenants. Paul makes this plain in Romans 7:1-6. A lot of Christians are spiritual bigamist. They are trying to be married to two lovers: the law, and Jesus. That doesn’t work. Jesus said so in Mt 6:24. You are to be delivered from that marriage to the law, before you are married to Christ.

What does Paul say about the law? That it is old, and we should be delivered from it (Rom 7:6). That it kills (2Cor 3:6). That it administers death (2Cor 3:7). That it administers condemnation (2Cor 3:9). That it is done away (2Cor 3:11). That it works wrath (Rom 4:15). That it strengthens sin (1Cor 15:56). That it is not of faith (Gal 3:12). The Apostle Paul said all of this, not me. God’s righteousness comes by faith, or it doesn’t come at all. It does not, cannot, will not come by the law; not now, not ever. I pray you receive God’s grace today by faith. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord! (Phil 4:4) Next week: Part 3

Faith Righteousness Part 3

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Philippians 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, 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.” Over the last two weeks, we have been looking into the foundational study of faith righteousness. We have discussed the two kinds of righteousness; the purpose of the law; the curse of the law; redemption from the curse through faith in Jesus; and the fact that the works righteousness and faith righteousness cannot co-exist (Rom 11:6, Gal 2:16). Trying to live under both covenants is spiritual bigamy (Rom 7:1-6). Continuing with this subject, let’s look at Romans Chapter 3.

First, in verse 20, we see that the law only gives us the knowledge of sin. Not the means to overcome, but just the knowledge of it. The law of God does not fix the sin problem, it just reveals it. When you look in the mirror in the morning, the mirror reveals you need to comb your hair and shave. But it does nothing to solve that problem. You have to find some other way to solve it (comb, razor, etc.). The law of God is the same. It reveals the problem, but doesn’t solve it. But guess what: Jesus does!

In verse 21-22, it tells us the righteousness of God without the law is revealed to everyone…even the righteousness of God which comes by putting faith in Jesus Christ. The word “without” in verse 21 & 28 means “apart from; separate; by itself”. Now this is interesting: These verses are saying that God’s righteousness, which comes by faith in Christ, is separate from; apart from; the law. It has nothing to do with it. Christians often think it comes from trying to keep the law; Paul just said it actually has nothing to do with the law. Incredible.

“So are you saying the law is evil and worthless?” Not at all. The law is pure, just, and holy; and it serves a very important purpose. But that purpose is not to give you righteousness; otherwise you would have to keep it perfectly; and you can’t. No, it’s to lead you to the Righteous One, Who declares us righteous through faith. We do not make the law invalid through faith; No, we establish it (Rom 3:31). You see, the law has been fulfilled.

In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus said He came to fulfill the law; and that’s exactly what He did. On Calvary’s cross, Jesus said, “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30). What was finished? The fulfillment of the law (Heb 10:8-10). In Col 2:14, it says that the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (the law) was blotted out; taken out of the way; and nailed to the cross. The law was “abolished in His flesh” (Eph 2:15). Now we fulfill the law, when we walk after (according to) the Spirit. Why? Because God is love, and love (Jesus) fulfilled the law; and now His spirit dwells in us. So now, when we walk after His spirit (which is walking in love) we fulfill the law.

Some may accuse me of speaking against the law of God. Well, it depends on what your definition of the law of God is. In the New Covenant, the law of God is the law of love (Jn 13:34, 15:12). I do not speak against that. Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:8-10, Gal 5:13-14). In fact, love is the royal law (Jam 2:8). Jesus said love is the great commandment, and that all the law and prophets hangs on love (Mt 22:37-40). Again, love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom 13:10). You’ll find, that if you walk in God’s kind of love (1Cor 13), you will keep the moral laws of God without even realizing it.

Sure, there will be people who take the message of faith righteousness as a free pass to live in sin, just as they did in Paul’s day (2Pt 3:15-17). But all that does is show what’s in your heart anyway. If fear of punishment is the only reason you’re living holy, then the law is for you. But if your heart is for God, an understanding of faith righteousness will empower you to live the life you’ve always wanted to live for God; and that He’s wanted you to live for Him! Praise be to God for His abundant grace! We will continue next week, Lord willing. Until next time, rejoice in the Lord!

Faith Righteousness Part 4

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Philippians 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, 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.” Over the past several weeks, we have looked at many different Scriptures concerning the foundational and necessary teaching of faith righteousness in the New Testament. This subject, primarily discussed in the books of Romans and Galatians (although found through out The Bible), is essential to having right relationship with God; to understanding the rest of God’s Word; and to living in victory. Let’s get into The Word and learn some more about faith righteousness.

In Romans chapter 4, Paul brings our attention to Abraham, and points out some incredible things. 1. Only ungodly people qualify for salvation (vs.5). I’m not saying you should stay living ungodly lives, but it’s only those that recognize that they are ungodly that will ever put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Self righteous, prideful people populate Hell everyday. They won’t humble themselves and admit they need a Savior.

2. In vs. 6-8, we see the blessedness of the person who has been made righteous through faith. Their iniquities are forgiven, their sins are covered (Isa 55:7, 2Cor 5:19, 1Jn 2:12); God will not impute sin to them (credit sin to their “account”). This is one of the most awesome truths in The Word of God! How incredibly blessed is the person who has been made righteous through faith! Your sin; past, present, and future; has been paid in full (Col 2:13-14, Rev 1:5)! Jesus took care of it! He paid the price for every single sin that had been, or would ever be, committed. I cannot express to you how glorious this is in words. You get a revelation of this truth, and your relationship with God will sore to new heights you didn’t think were possible.

3. In vs. 9-13, Paul makes the point that Abraham was declared righteous before he was ever circumcised. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, a work ordained by God. However, Abraham was not declared righteous after he did this work. No, it was before the work; when he simply believed. Abraham was justified by faith; and we see in vs. 23-25, that this was written in God’s Word not just for Abraham’s sake. It was written for you and me! We are declared righteous by our faith, just like Abraham was! What an awesome promise!

In Romans 5:17-21, Paul explains that just as you were declared unrighteous by being born the first time (because of Adam’s sin); even so, now are you declared righteous from being born the second time. We fell by Adam, we’re made alive by Jesus. Death in Adam, life in Jesus. Judgment in Adam, Grace and mercy in Jesus. Before you were born again, your righteous deeds did not make you righteous. Your nature still remained the same. You were still a fallen sinner. In the same way, when you come to Christ and are born again, your unrighteous deeds do not change your nature. You are still born of God; you are still the righteousness of God in Christ. To sin is no longer your nature. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever sin again, but your nature is to be clean, like a cat. A pigs nature is to be filthy. What nature do you have?

In Romans 9:30-10:4, we learn an astonishing truth. Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, when you put saving faith in Him. Israel stumbled at this fact. They just couldn’t believe all these Gentiles could be right with God by just believing on Jesus. They’re mind said “No, no, no! You must be circumcised; keep the Sabbath; the feast days; the dietary laws; the new moons; etc.” (See Col 2:16-17, Heb 9:10, 13:9, 1Tim 4:1-5, Gal 4:9-11, Rom 14).

But Paul said they were ignorant of God’s righteousness; the righteousness which comes by faith in Jesus. They were trying to establish their own righteousness, which Paul understood was an impossible task (Phil 3:8-9). Lord willing, I will finish this teaching up next week. Until then, rejoice in The Lord!

Faith Righteousness Part 5

By Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Phil 3:8c-9 says "that I may win Christ, 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." Over the last four weeks, We have discussed the subject of faith righteousness. For this fifth and final part, I would like to answer the question, “Why then should we live holy?”.

Romans 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” The first reason we live holy lives is because we are dead to sin. The old man, the man of sin, died with Christ (Gal 2:20). No matter how much you try to tempt a dead man, he will not sin (Rom 6:7).

So we as Christians are to recon ourselves dead to sin, and alive unto God (Rom 6:11). We are brand new creatures in Christ; created righteous and truly holy (2Cor 5:17, Eph 4:24). It is not our nature to sin anymore. However, because we have yielded to the flesh all of our life, we think sin has dominion over us even after we’re born again. It does not.

“Sin shall not have dominion over you”, Romans 6:14 clearly says. As a Christian, if you are living in sin, it’s because your yielding to it. Paul said, “Let not sin reign in your mortal body” and “Don’t yield your body as an instrument of unrighteousness” (Rom 6:12-13). If you did not have control over sin, why did Paul say these things? You are a master over sin, because Jesus defeated satan, took all of your sin on the cross, and paid for it in full. It doesn’t dominate you; you dominate it. Christians need to meditate on Romans 6, and get the proper attitude towards sin. We are not victims of sin; we are the righteousness of God in Christ!

The second reason we don’t sin, is because satan is not our master anymore (Rom 6:16-18). He has no power over us, except what we give him. Unfortunately, Christians give him a lot. While most Christians would never say “satan is lord”; they live their life as if he was! They go around acting like victims that barely trudge through life, wish’n and a hoping that maybe one day they get the victory in the sweet by and by; But in this life, satan and sin are going to mop the floor with them. That’s a sorry attitude. I thought Jesus Christ was the Lord of Glory! I thought greater is He that lives in us, than he that’s in the world! I thought we were more than conquerors! I thought we have been delivered from this present evil world, not just in the future!

Imagine a slave who is beaten and mistreated mercilessly. Then one day a new master purchases him from this evil master. This new master is kind, gentle, and loving. In fact, he doesn’t even require the slave to stay with him, unless he wants to. He would now be considered a son, and receive all the blessings of a son. Now imagine this ex-slave going back and living with the evil master again, just because he wants to. It sounds unthinkable. Yet, how many Christians actually do this very thing? Jesus brought you out of the kingdom of darkness, and poured out His love, compassion, mercy, grace, blessing, favor, righteousness, acceptance, forgiveness, salvation, healing, etc., etc. upon you; and then you go back and live for the evil taskmaster! You desire to be in bondage again to sin!? To go back to Egypt!?