The Righteousness Of Christ: The Ultimate Value And Glory Of The Gospel

The worth of the Gospel of grace is the righteousness of God exemplified and developed in the human life of Jesus Christ.

Thus He had restored the Image of God in humanity. His righteousness is the provision God has made for people's salvation.

By the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18.

On the other hand:

The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4.

God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth;

Where-unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14.

The free gift of Christ's righteousness

It is Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78, 79.

This comes to us not as a reward for our work, nor because of any merits in us. But it is a gift of God to us as we receive by faith the spotless righteousness of Christ. 

Thus when we realize our true condition of being:

• without hope, lost, condemned to eternal death

• incapable of doing anything to redeem ourselves,

and believe in Jesus as our righteousness and salvation, then the word of God is fulfilled toward us. 

I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12. 

To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord;

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; 2 Peter 1:1-3.

Thus contemplating Christ and His righteousness leaves no room for self-righteousness, nor glorifying of self.

The terms of salvation 

They were fully revealed in the gospel of Christ, proclaimed by the angels as glad tidings of great joy to all people. Luke 2:10.

1. The moral Law of God stands in all its original force and purity - for the law is the transcript of His character. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8.

2. In His covenant of grace, God extends HIs mercy to fallen mankind, and uplifts them to glory, honor and immortality. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

God provides no other way of salvation than through obedience to His Law in the person of Jesus Christ - the Divine substitute.

If you want to learn what Jesus has to say about the Law of God check it out here. 

Moreover, He would receive sinners who accept the righteousness of the world's Redeemer, believing that:

• Christ is their personal Saviour

• He is able to save them from sin, and to keep them from falling.

Therefore, unless Christ is the ground of our hope, we shall not inherit eternal life.

What is God's requirement under grace?

It is just the same as He made in Eden - a perfect obedience to His Law.

Righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne. Psalm 97:2.

Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Psalm 119:142.

In Christ mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10.

The Gospel of Christ gives full recognition to the Law of God and declares God’s supreme authority. 

 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. John 15:10.

Thus Jesus made a living application of the Law, which principles remain forever the standard of righteousness. 

Moreover, through His grace perfection of character is attainable by everyone who strives for it. 

This is the very foundation of the new covenant of the Gospel.

As by the offense 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. Romans 5:18. 

Propitiation for the sins of humanity

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25.

God has done it and Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son…1 John 4:10.

Jesus humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8.

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me. John 12:31,32.

His perfection of character was placed on people's behalf. Thus Satan's hold upon the humans’ souls was broken.

Moreover, through the imparted righteousness of Christ, the defaced image of God will be restored in humanity.

Atonement from One equal with God

In all the universe there was but One who could, on behalf of humanity, satisfy the claims of the Law. 

Since the Law is as sacred as God Himself, only One equal with God could make atonement for its transgression.

Moreover, the object of this atonement was that the Divine Law and government might be maintained.

Furthermore, the sinner is pardoned through repentance toward God and faith in Christ. 

Thus there is forgiveness of sin, and yet the Law of God stands immutable and eternal as His throne.

In addition, Christ’s atonement for the sin of the world is the argument that the Law of God is binding upon every human being.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17.

Therefore, the condition of the Gospel is obedience through the grace of Christ. Though dead in trespasses and sins, we are quickened by faith in Christ.

Thus we see by faith our Savior, who:

• Is alive forevermore, able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. Hebrews 7:25.

• Provides complete salvation, purchased at such infinite cost, that our souls are filled with praise and thanksgiving

• Imputes His righteousness, wrought by His obedience, to all who repent in His name.

When sinners have a view of the matchless charms of Jesus, sin no longer looks attractive to them.

They behold the Chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. Song of Solomon 5:10, 16.

Conclusion

The Gospel’s glory is founded upon the principle of restoring the Divine image in the fallen humanity by a constant manifestation of others-centred love.

Christ gives humans the virtue of His righteousness and makes them co-labourers in the great work of salvation.

Thus He is righteousness, sanctification, and redemption to those who believe in Him, and who follow in His steps.

We pray you are filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11.

References: 

1. ST, Sep 1892 -The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV)