“Therefore, having been justified by faith, let us be at peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Many believers say, “I am righteous,” but few truly understand why they are righteous.
The Christian’s righteousness is not the result of good works, personal effort, or perfect obedience.
If our righteousness depended on our conduct, none of us could stand before God.
The Bible teaches that we are righteous because God has justified us.
Justification is God’s sovereign act by which He declares righteous the sinner who puts his faith in Jesus Christ.
It is not a reward but a gift of grace.
It is not man who declares himself righteous; it is God who justifies him.
To be justified does not mean that we have never sinned.
It means that Jesus Christ bore our condemnation on the cross and that His righteousness has been credited to us.
In exchange for our guilt, God clothes us with the perfect righteousness of His Son.
That is why the apostle Paul declares:
“For God made him who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the justice of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Therefore, our identity does not rest on our spiritual performance but on the finished work of Christ.
Good works do not produce justification; they are its fruit.
We do not obey in order to be accepted by God; we obey because we have already been accepted in Jesus Christ.
However, this truth should never become an excuse to continue living in sin. Everyone who has truly been justified also receives a new life.
The grace that justifies is the same grace that transforms.
The righteous do not seek to earn salvation; they seek to honor the One who has saved them.
When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him that God has justified you.
When your conscience accuses you, remember that Christ died and rose again for you.
When people unjustly condemn you, remember that the judgment that truly matters is God’s—and He has declared you righteous through faith.
Today, walk with confidence, not because you are without fault, but because Jesus is without fault.
Never place your trust in yourself, but in the One who has become your righteousness.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for justifying me through faith in Jesus Christ.
I renounce all confidence in my own merits and rely entirely on the finished work of Your Son.
Help me to live each day in a manner worthy of this grace, with humility, holiness, and gratitude.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Apostle Dr. Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA