John 19:10,11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Yes, the Jewish leaders had the greater sin of plotting to have their true Messiah killed but that did not erase Pilate's guilt. We are all guilty of Jesus' suffering and death because he gave himself to pay the debt of everyone's sin. Nothing else -absolutely nothing- can deliver us from our sinfulness. Nothing but the blood of Jesus! If we reject His great and glorious sacrifice then we will never be righteous and we'll never be able to enter the kingdom of God..
Romans 5:18-21 KJV Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the Righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Righteousness comes from the heart that has been cleansed -by His blood-of all it's sin and wickedness. By faith we believe that Jesus Christ died in our place that we could be forgiven and become His righteous children. When we confess from our heart-by faith- and through our lips that we have received this marvelous gift then we are born again into His kingdom. (Romans 10:10) How do we know that salvation has become ours? The Bible tells us that we will Love others-even our enemies. And we will experience the peace of God. Remember though, we need to continue in fellowship with Jesus by praying and reading His Word and seeking His will. And it's His will that we stay close to Him so that love, peace, and joy can be ours continually.
Let's look at some practical signs of righteousness-how it could manifest in certain situations in every day life:
A) Someone at work calls you a derogatory name. Does it hurt? Probably. Do you feel anger? Possibly. Do you decide to give that person 'a piece of your mind'? Do you 'return evil for evil'? Not if you are listening to Jesus and your mind is stayed on Him. You need to give up your hurt and anger to Him. Ask Jesus to give you the supernatural strength to love the offending person as He loved you. He's more than able!
B) You are asked to do a favor such as run an important errand for somebody. It is one of those last minute things that makes it inconvenient for you. You may get irritated or aggravated but do you do it? Yes, if it's in your power and God would be pleased with it. Remember the golden rule from the Bible- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." No, it's not always easy to follow through but Jesus knows our need.
C) Another Christian asks you if you think it's wrong to do a certain thing. You firmly believe it is a sin but you know this person wants you to say 'no' that you don't think it's wrong to do. What do you say to them? It all depends-do you love them, the truth, and Jesus Christ? Then the only answer you could give is "Yes, I believe it is wrong!"
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Can you imagine a world where human beings treated one according to the Word of Truth all the time? That would be heaven on earth, wouldn't it? Well, that's how the kingdom of God will be! All the saints will be robed in the righteousness of God. No spot or wrinkle of sin will mar their garments. We will be like Him and will see Him clearly. The former things of this old wicked world will never come to mind. John 2:15 tells us not to love this world of lust and pride. If we do then we'll be condemned with it on the day of judgment.
Despite this many so called 'houses of God' are full of worldly behavior that promotes the worship of the carnal nature of men. Churches that promote carnality or worldly living don't love or stand for the Word of truth. They preach 'another Jesus'. One of their own creation! They prove that they worship the creature more than the Creator and they teach falsehood and walk in deception. If someone reproves or rebukes these leaders, they would probably shout 'who are you to judge'! Jesus said if you judge to do it righteously. After all His word will judge us in the last day.
In a future post I'd like to discuss a seriously heretical movement in many churches today called the New Apostolic Reformation. It's not a denomination or specific organization but its diabolical and twisted theology has permeated many ministries and church groups.
Romans 10:3-4 KJV For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
