We have a problem. Insurmountable from our position… but not with God. I am constantly amazed, when I read in scripture, answers that were prepared for the now we live in. To me, righteousness, relationship are highly prized and critical to life. Let me share an insight, understanding that I think the Lord gave me recently.
Point 1. The Triune God cannot be in relationship with unrighteousness. I think there is a scripture that talks about this. But even if we only look at our own relationships, we are constantly reminded that we shouldn’t be yoked with an unbeliever and that unrighteousness and righteousness cannot exist together.
Point 2. I believe that we were created for relationship. Somehow I can’t imagine God creating us in His image and He not wanting to be in relationship with us. It boggles the mind. He didn’t create man and then leave him to his own devices. He showed Adam and Eve what they could and couldn’t do, what was forbidden and what was allowed. God spent His mornings walking in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve.
Point 3. The Fall. Man severed his relationship with God. And this wasn’t an accidental ‘oops’. They both betrayed and followed after evil. This became our nature – we were cursed.
Now what? How can the chasm be breeched? Can we ever be in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?! When we remember that God is Omni then we can begin to discover what He did.
“Rain down, O heavens, from above, Let the clouds pour down righteousness [all the blessings of God]; Let the earth open up, let salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it; I, the Lord, have created it.” [Isaiah 45:8]
“For we all have become like one who is [ceremonially] unclean [like a leper], And all our deeds of righteousness are like filthy rags;” [Isaiah 64:6]
Looks hopeless. We can’t purchase righteousness… we can’t earn it. BUT… He didn’t leave us without restoration, but this also took the extreme of Jesus taking on our sins in order for us to become part of God’s family.
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” [Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21
“This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,” [Romans 3:22]
The chasm has been breeched! We can be in relationship, because Jesus purchased our righteousness. Read Romans 10:3, Galatians 3:6 and so many other verses. Do a deep dive on this subject and you will be amazed and so incredibly grateful.
For me, this scriptures stands out that seals the answer. 2 Corinthians 5:21
“He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].”
When we accepted Jesus as our Lord, the Father made us righteous!! Wrap your head around that. One translation says that God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. What a price Jesus paid! What a blessed exchange for us! What a gift given!
However, we also have a significant part – retaining this status. And yes, the Father provided the answer to maintaining our righteousness. 1 John 1:9
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”
The chasm is breeched! We can now be in relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
