What role does "righteousness" play in our response to God's forgiveness? Setting the Stage 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Understanding God’s Forgiveness • God’s pardon is anchored in His own righteousness. • He forgives not by ignoring sin but by satisfying justice through Christ (Romans 3:25-26). • Forgiveness, therefore, is never cheap grace; it is costly, purchased by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). The Gift of Righteousness: Declared and Imparted • Forgiveness brings immediate justification—God legally declares us righteous (Romans 5:1). • At the same moment, He begins a lifelong work of imparting righteousness, training us to live in line with our new standing (Titus 2:11-12). • Our first response is humble gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for making me right with You.” Living Out the Gift: Daily Choices • Confession remains a lifestyle, not a one-time event. As new issues surface, we bring them into the light (1 John 1:7). • We “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). • Righteousness becomes our joyful obligation—no longer striving to earn favor, but expressing the favor already granted. Practical Steps Toward Righteous Living – Start each day by recalling your cleansed status; let assurance fuel obedience. – Feed on Scripture; righteousness is strengthened by truth (Psalm 119:11). – Choose companions who encourage holiness (Proverbs 13:20). – When you stumble, run back quickly to confession; forgiveness is ready, and cleansing continues. – Serve others; righteous acts overflow naturally when the heart is free (James 2:15-17). Encouragement from Additional Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 5:21—Christ became sin “so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Romans 6:13—Offer yourselves “as instruments of righteousness.” • Psalm 32:1-2—“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven… in whose spirit there is no deceit.” • 1 Peter 2:24—We are healed so that “we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Forgiveness sets us right; righteousness shows we are right. God’s pardon cleanses us, and righteous living displays the beauty of that cleansing to a watching world. |
    |