What does "no one living is righteous" reveal about human nature and sin? Setting the Scene: David’s Cry in Psalm 143:2 “For no one living is righteous before You.” David, a man after God’s own heart, confesses that even he cannot stand before God on the basis of personal goodness. He is not exaggerating or being poetic; he is stating a literal, God-given truth about every human being. Key Observation: Universal Lack of Righteousness • The statement is absolute—“no one.” • It is comprehensive—“living,” covering every generation. • It is relational—“before You,” measuring righteousness by God’s perfect standard, not by human comparison. What This Reveals About Human Nature • Sin is not a rare defect but a universal condition (Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 14:2-3). • Human beings inherit a fallen nature from Adam (Romans 5:12). • Even the most devout saint cannot generate righteousness that satisfies divine justice (Isaiah 64:6). Nobody Escapes Sin’s Reach • Thoughts—Genesis 6:5: “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” • Words—Matthew 12:36: “men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word.” • Deeds—James 2:10: “whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” Why Our Works Cannot Tip the Scales • God’s law demands flawless obedience (Galatians 3:10). • One sin offsets a lifetime of good intentions (Ecclesiastes 7:20). • Self-reform addresses symptoms, not the root—an unchanged heart (Jeremiah 17:9). The Only Remedy God Provides • Substitution—2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Imputation—Romans 4:5: “his faith is credited as righteousness.” • Regeneration—Titus 3:5: “He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Living in Light of This Truth • Humility—recognize personal inability and daily need for grace. • Gratitude—marvel at Christ’s righteousness freely given. • Dependence—walk by the Spirit, not by self-effort (Galatians 5:16). • Witness—speak honestly about sin and lovingly about the Savior, inviting others to the same grace that rescued us. |
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