How can we apply "righteousness for us" in our daily Christian walk? Our foundation: Romans 4:24 “but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” What does it mean that righteousness is “credited” to us? • A legal declaration: God counts us as fully righteous in His court because of Christ’s finished work (2 Corinthians 5:21). • An unearned gift: it is “for us who believe,” not for those who perform (Ephesians 2:8-9). • A present reality: the verb looks forward (“will be credited”) yet is certain and operative now (Romans 5:1). Living as people to whom righteousness is credited 1. Confidence before God • Approach Him boldly, knowing the record is clean (Hebrews 4:16). • Reject lingering guilt once sin is confessed (1 John 1:9; 3:19-20). 2. Daily trust, not daily tally‐keeping • Replace performance anxiety with faith that rests in Christ (Galatians 2:20). • Begin each day by reaffirming, “I stand righteous because of Jesus, not because of today’s successes.” 3. Obedience flowing from gratitude • Righteous status motivates righteous living (Romans 6:11-13). • Treat every command as an invitation to display the righteousness already credited to you (Titus 2:11-12). 4. Humility with others • No ground for spiritual pride—everyone in Christ received the same imputed righteousness (Philippians 3:9). • Serve rather than compare; the cross has leveled the field (Romans 12:3, 10). 5. Quick repentance when we sin • Failure does not forfeit the credited righteousness, but unconfessed sin stifles fellowship (1 John 2:1). • Repent promptly, trusting the Advocate who maintains your righteous standing. 6. Warfare against condemnation • Recognize accusations as satanic when you have already repented (Revelation 12:10-11). • Answer them: “Christ is my righteousness; it is credited to me” (Isaiah 54:17). Practical rhythms to keep the truth fresh • Morning reminder: read Romans 4:24-25 aloud, thanking God for the gift. • Journaling: list moments when you sense guilt; write the related promise (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:21) beside each. • Communion: let the bread and cup reinforce that righteousness was purchased, not earned (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). • Fellowship: share testimonies of grace, redirecting conversations from “how well I’m doing” to “how faithful Christ is.” Safeguards against distortion • Against legalism: remember righteousness is credited by faith, not maintained by quota (Galatians 3:3). • Against license: credited righteousness empowers holiness; it never excuses sin (Romans 6:1-2). Encouragement for the journey • God finishes what He starts, clothing us now and preparing to reveal that righteousness fully when Christ returns (Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2-3). • Every good work you pursue today is the outworking of the gift already yours (Ephesians 2:10). Walk forward rejoicing: righteousness has been credited—truly “righteousness for us.” |
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