How can Philippians 3:9 strengthen our understanding of grace in salvation? Setting the Scene “and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9) The Key Phrase by Phrase • “be found in Him” — our location is Christ, not self. • “not having my own righteousness from the law” — the best human effort cannot meet God’s standard. • “but that which is through faith in Christ” — trust, not toil, is the channel. • “the righteousness from God on the basis of faith” — a righteousness God provides, not one we produce. Grace Over Law: The Main Contrast • Law demands; grace provides. • Law exposes sin; grace covers sin. • Law says, “Do and live”; grace says, “Live because it’s done.” Faith as the Empty Hand • Faith contributes nothing but receives everything. • Romans 4:5: “To the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” • Faith locks its eyes on Christ’s finished work, abandoning confidence in personal merit. Received, Not Achieved: Righteousness “from God” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: our sin imputed to Christ, His righteousness imputed to us. • Isaiah 61:10: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation.” The robe is placed on, not stitched by, the wearer. • Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done.” What This Means For Us Today • Assurance rests on God’s gift, not fluctuating performance. • Humility flourishes—boasting is excluded (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Joy deepens; salvation is secure because its source is God, not self. • Motivation for holiness shifts from earning favor to expressing gratitude. Cross-References That Echo the Same Melody • Galatians 2:16 – justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. • Romans 3:21-24 – righteousness apart from law, received through faith. • Romans 5:1 – “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Living in the Freedom of Grace • Daily preach this verse to yourself: “My standing is in Christ, not in my record.” • Relate to others with the same grace you’ve received. • Serve God from delight, not duty, confident that His grace began and will finish the work (Philippians 1:6). |
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