Getting Righteousness

The LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.

Genesis 15:5-6

HOW DOES A person gain righteousness in the eyes of God?

Many people throughout the world believe it’s by reciting certain prayers, following rituals, and earning merits by doing, doing, doing.

The problem is, how does all this offset the wrong things many people do? It seems that one terrible sin could cross out a whole lifetime of grand deeds.

Actually, no one can gain real, lasting righteousness in God’s eyes by doing anything. Righteousness is attained only by faith.

How does that work? Jesus accomplished two basic things regarding sin when he came to earth. First, he lived a perfectly righteous life while he was here. Second, because he was righteous, he was qualified to pay the price for all the sins of the world.

If you trust Christ, you gain two things: one, your sins have been paid for at the cross, and two, Jesus’ perfection and righteousness are transferred to you because of your faith.

Simply believing God, accepting his Word and truth, grants you forgiveness and righteousness. Forever. A promise worth claiming.