After the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, the wages of sin was passed on by default to all of his offspring, and thereby we were rendered incapable of pleasing God, in and of ourselves. In treating upon the subject of our continual need of Christ’s righteousness, it is necessary that we begin at this point, to clearly understand the ramifications of what took place when Adam sinned, and also what took place when Christ lived and died, in order that we might be saved from the natural results of sin.
Sin is a problem which affects us genetically, meaning that when Adam sinned all that pertained to Adam also sinned together with him, which includes his genes, his blood, his cells and all of his internal organs, thus when the natural result of sin affected him, it also affected all that pertained unto him, and in the process tainted all who would thereafter descend from him. The same principle of genetic carry over also pertains to good deeds done by the righteous, for the Bible makes this sacred truth abundantly clear. Let’s read:
Hebrews 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
This past week Aaron Hernandez, the now defamed former player of the New England Patriots, was found guilty of first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole. All that pertains to Mr. Hernandez will be taken to jail as a result, for he is an indivisible whole, and therefore his decisions and the results thereof have adversely affected everything he is comprised of.
Similarly, with a woman who is one week pregnant, but who has committed a crime worthy of death. If she is sentenced to die at that point, she will be administered the death penalty, but she will also take down her unborn child in the process, for the wages of sin affects all that pertains to her as a living, indivisible person. This is why the Bible repeatedly makes the statement that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, meaning that all of us living downstream of Adam have by default participated in His sin, and there’s nothing we can do of ourselves to fix the problem. Let’s read:
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression”….
However, Christ entered our world to permanently change the imbalance created by Adam, and He did this by living a perfect life, and then offered Himself as a perfect offering for sin, so that by these two mighty accomplishments, we all can be reinstated to the favor of God in perfection, through the freedom of choice, just as though we had never sinned. This is the genius of the gospel, for it is inclusive of everyone on the planet, regardless of past history, or heinous crimes that may have been committed by persons.
In Other words, Aaron Hernandez can choose to accept Christ as he sits in prison, and although he may never be released from the earthly jail, yet he can be freed from spiritual bondage, and be fully reinstated to God’s favor, just as if he had committed no crime. The reason for this is because by choosing Christ, we all live downstream of Him, and therefore we all participate in His perfect righteousness by default, just as we participated in Adam’s sin by default, because we lived downstream of him.
This is the grand, central truth of righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus, which to a great extent has been lost upon the Christian world for one or more reasons. In order that we might be saved eternally in God’s kingdom, we will have to continue to live downstream of Christ and His righteousness, so that it can be continually imputed and imparted to those who are found in Him.
However, it is very important for us to remember that when Christ is accepted into our lives, the process and progress of change takes place throughout our lifetime, and it is true that because of our naturally fallen natures, we do continue to grapple with latent tendencies and desires that are lodged in the very fibers of our being. In the book of Romans the apostle Paul describes some of the internal struggles we have to deal with, both before and after conversion. Let’s read:
Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.
7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Controversy over this passage of scripture has raged for years, with some theologians arguing that Paul must be speaking of an unconverted person, whilst others believe he is referring to the ongoing struggles of the Christian. The fact is that it matters not, for we need Christ and His righteousness, both before and after conversion, on an ongoing basis for the rest of our lives. The Bible refers to this need as an integral part of our Christian experience, meaning that at every stage of development and growth, Christ and His righteousness must be essentially involved.
In several passages of scripture we are described as sheep or as plants, and sometimes as branches, all of which need the essentials of water, sunshine, and other nutrients gleaned from the soil, in order that continual growth may take place. There is no point in the life of a tree in which these essentials can be dispensed with, for death and decay will ultimately take place.
Similarly with all of our modern electronic gadgets, light bulbs, or appliances, which must all remain plugged in to their respective source of power, whether it be batteries or ac outlets, in order for them to operate on a continual basis. The same is true of our Christian experience, for we must remain plugged in to the source of our power, which is Christ, in order that continual growth and operation can take place.
However, there are certain issues that should be clearly understood when studying the ongoing need of Christ’s
righteousness in our lives. The Bible tells us that there is none that doeth good, no not one. This passage is sometimes taken to extremes to mean that no acts of kindness or goodness can be performed by those who are not directly attached to Christ through a covenant relationship with Him. But this is not the case, for there are many people of other religions who practice habitual hospitality as a part of their culture, and atheists have also been known to give their neighbors a loaf of bread, or have otherwise helped in significant ways, when man-made or natural disasters strike.
What the scriptures teach is that these acts of kindness and goodness cannot stand before God on their own merit, to recommend us to His favor, for they all come tainted with sin on account of our fallen nature, and therefore it is impossible for them to be acceptable to God apart from Christ, for God can only accept works that are entirely perfect, hence the reason why we are accepted in the Beloved, and not on any other terms, whether they be sincere or not. Let’s read:
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:
1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
The same theme of our continued dependence on Christ and His righteousness, is again reiterated in the book of Romans, in which Paul certifies that a person who is carnal in nature, meaning that he or she is still living downstream of Adam, cannot please God. But the issue is expanded, and also applies to those of us as Christians who have sincerely accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, but who try to do good independent of His power and perfect righteousness.
Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the
things of the Spirit.
8:6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
This message of the necessity of Christ’s righteousness on an ongoing basis is particularly relevant to the church of Laodicea, the last Christian church to exist on the earth before Christ comes. In the book of revelation, a very serious warning is given to Christians living in our generation, because of the tendency to live apart from Christ and His righteousness, on account of the spiritual advantages, and knowledge of the scriptures which is often boasted of. Our knowledge of the scriptures cannot save us, without a vital connection to Jesus, and there is no point in our Christian experience at which we can dispense with His righteousness. As a matter of fact, one of the worst and most frustrating things Christians can do is to try to do the right thing without depending on the indwelling power of God. Let’s read:
Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
This assessment as coming from Christ Himself, speaks to a church that has become self-sufficient in nature, because of the spiritual advantages granted it. But The Lord would have us understand that without the ongoing presence and power of Jesus in our lives from day to day, the old man of sin will resurface at some opportune moment, with a vengeance, and cause us to say and do things that will surprise even ourselves.
This is what took place with David who walked closely with God during the earlier years of his life experiences, but after a while began to slack off in his daily seeking after God when he became comfortable and complacent. As Christians we cannot run on automatic without Jesus, and David found this out the hard way, when the old man of sin resurfaced with carnal desires and evil thoughts, which David had supposed he had gotten rid of in times past. But yesterday’s victories will not atone for today’s failures, and when satan presented the dazzling allure of temptation, David’s defense was gone, even though he was not aware of it.
It was afterward that David realized that in order for him to be victorious each day, he must remain plugged in to the source of Power every moment of the day, and it was in his deeply reflective and remorseful state of mind that he penned the following verses. Let’s read:
Psalms 19:12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].
19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 51:1 A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.
51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
It is therefore of critical importance that we avoid the two most common extremes in our understanding of the need of Christ’s righteousness. One extreme teaches its adherents that because Christ is the second Adam, and we live downstream of Him, then it does not matter what we do or say for we are accepted in the Beloved. This is one of the most detrimental sophistries of satan that was ever introduced to mortals, for Adam fell through the freedom of choice, and even though we as Christians participate in the perfect righteousness of Christ, yet we can also choose to live outside of His revealed will, for salvation is not based on coercion, but rather on our free will.
This first extreme manifests itself in a callous disregard for the commandments of God, with the false doctrine of the moral law being nailed to the Cross, now in wide circulation in Christian circles. The righteousness of Christ which God gives to us as a free gift, requires compliance to His law of ten commandments, which form the basis of His government, and therefore any claim that a person lives downstream of Christ, whilst deliberately trampling upon His law, is a fatal deception, and will be bitterly disappointed when the glory of Christ will be revealed. This sacred truth is confirmed in the scriptures, with the intent that there may be no delusion as to what Christ’s righteousness really covers. Let’s read:
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
19:17 And he said unto him”… “ if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19:19 Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
1st John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Question: How did Jesus walk? The scriptures tell us in no uncertain terms. Let’s read:
15:10 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.
And in the very last chapter in the last book of the Bible, as Christ is wrapping up the entire canon of scripture, He again reiterates the need for compliance with His law of Ten Commandments, for as stated before, Christ’s righteousness is never to be used as a cloak or umbrella to cover deliberate sin. This extreme concept is nowhere rooted in the scriptures, and should be utterly forsaken and dispensed with, by those of us who truly desire participation in God’s saving grace. Let’s read:
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
22:15 For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
The next extreme in thought which must also be avoided, is the tendency to believe that compliance with God’s law warrants us a place in His kingdom, and that good works are in and of themselves meritorious. While we are enjoined in the scriptures to keep God’s sacred law, yet we should never be deceived into thinking that they can earn us a place in God’s kingdom. Adam’s sin, together with the accompanying results and dire penalties were bequeathed to us as a gift, albeit a bad one, and similarly, the perfect righteousness of Christ is bequeathed to us as a free gift, never to be earned or merited, even by the most pious saint. Let’s read:
Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
5:18 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.
5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Thus the message to the Laodicean church comes down to us in our day, and cautions us not to put our focus or our confidence in good works and charitable deeds, even though they form a part of God’s greater plan to save us. In the final analysis, there are millions of apparently good people who will be lost, simply because they trusted to their own good works as a means of salvation. Amongst those will be very good citizens who may have made great contributions to science and society as a whole, and who may have served their country honorably in the military. Then there will be those who maintained a perfect credit score, and always paid their bills on time.
Then there will be some others who were animal rights activists, and who spent their entire lives protecting the rights and lives of pets, and who saved hundreds of abandoned puppies and kittens. Then there will be those who spent all their energies protecting the environment from companies that polluted God’s air, and who, because of their relentless efforts have succeeded in reducing the world’s green house gases, from the dangerous levels they are currently at.
While all of these and other charitable works are good in their legitimate sphere, yet they cannot change the genetic problem of carryover sin, and without the perfect righteousness of Christ to take up the slack, they would signally fail to earn those who depend on them, a place
in the kingdom of God.
A good, balanced understanding of our continual need of Christ’s perfect righteousness will move us to comply with His moral law, and the sacred principles for which it stands, while at the same time focusing our hopes and aspirations in Christ’s righteousness, with the clear understanding that it is His perfection which renders us eternally acceptable to God. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this very point, and it is the will of God that Christ be ever kept before our faces, as the be all, and end all of anything pertaining to perfect righteousness. Let’s read:
Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings”….
3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word.
God bless!