One of the ways of thinking we commonly see in believers is one who does not see themselves as “righteous”. What is righteousness? Are you righteous or a sinner?

Many people accept Jesus as their savior but unfortunately fall short of seeing themselves as “righteous”. What does righteous mean? In simple terms, righteous can simply mean “in right standing with God”. He is not angry with you either. Righteousness is a condition in which a person is in right relationship with God. This can only happen with complete faith in Jesus Christ. It is all about what Jesus did for you at the cross and you accepting his finished work. You cannot earn God’s love or good standing by what you do. These are referred to as “good works”.

The gift of salvation is simply that… a gift!

For by grace you are 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 KJV

Through Jesus you received a gift. It wasn’t about how good you are, or how many good works you did for God or the kingdom. It was given to you as a gift because you believed in what Jesus did for you. Period! This is where our eyes always need to be…focused on HIM!

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 KJV

In the scripture above Paul writes that the Israelites were searching for their own righteousness and not accepting or submitting themselves to the righteousness of God. Many people still do this today! They are not submitting themselves to God’s righteousness. Are you one of them? If so, there is hope! Simply surrender to the gift God has given you through grace. You are righteous!