The Righteousness Of God

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

Romans 1:16-17

The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Of necessity it must address sin, what it is, what it does, and where it takes us. This is the story of the fall and the resulting history. Against that is the law of God as the reflection of His character. Since humanity began by breaking the law, setting us all as natural enemies of God, something must be done to rectify that, or all is lost. Because we are neither capable nor inclined to renew our relationship with God, He must do the work or there will be no reconciliation. Christ is God’s answer. His Person and work are the resolution to the catastrophe of humanity. Thus, the gospel is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. They believe because God reveals His righteousness in the gospel by showing us Christ. Christ has satisfied the demands of the law in precept by His life. He has satisfied the law in penalty by His death. He has risen from the dead as proof His sacrifice was effectual. He is made to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. All we will ever know of God’s righteousness comes to us by Christ. Therefore, we dare not stray from Him as our central message. As Paul begins his discourse, he lays his foundation. Christ is that foundation. 

Our All-Wise and All-Powerful God, 
we rejoice that You are strong to save. 
We praise You that You have revealed  
Your righteousness through Christ. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning