Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

In this gospel which is the power of God for salvation, we see the righteousness of God revealed. What is the righteousness of God?

 1) It is a right standing before God that is given to people (God no longer legally sees us as guilty, but innocent (pure) in his sight)

2) God’s right and moral character (God is holy and just in the way He saves and makes people righteous)

 You receive this righteousness and continue in righteousness through faith. Paul insists it is only by faith! By faith, we initially receive the gift of salvation, but also by faith, we live our lives each and every day.

Sometimes as Christians we like to avoid “doctrine,” because we believe that it will possibly “divide.” Although I believe in being relevant, teaching doctrine, like what the righteousness of God is and how we receive it, is most necessary and beneficial for our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our main problem as humans is not horizontal (with others), but vertical (with God). In regards to the vertical problem, God has addressed it through the gospel. Through faith in the saving-power gospel, God unleashes His power to change our relationship with Him and everything else in the Christian life flows from this, including our self-esteem. Now, within ourselves, we are NEVER worthy, not the best one of us. Nevertheless, the gospel is the good news that announces that God accepts us anyway.

I pray that this blog and devotional will encourage you in your walk with Christ and assist in your pursuit of wanting to learn more about Him. God bless.

Aaron Edwards