Two Types of Righteousness

Two Types of Righteousness

The Bible speaks of two types of righteousness. There is a righteousness of the law and there is a righteousness of faith.

Php 3:6-9  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  (7)  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  (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,  (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:

Paul clearly points to his own righteousness, which is of the law and by man’s works, but then he mentions another righteousness which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV).

Can “the flesh” add anything to the Holy Spirit’s work? Nay, it cannot!

The Galatians were preoccupied with the Law of Moses (cf. Galatians 4:21). Religious rules and regulations captivated them. They were deceived into believing their performance—their “flesh”—could somehow enhance their Christian life (cf. Galatians 3:1-3). Did the Holy Spirit come to indwell these saints because of their religious works? No! Would He need their pious deeds to continue living in and through them? No! Sadly, today’s professing church is equally “foolish.” Nearly 20 centuries later, it still refuses to recognize rites, rituals, and ceremonies are incompatible with God’s grace! Like the Galatians not thinking clearly, we lack even basic spiritual common sense. We too have not let the Message of Grace renew our mind.

Who is judged by which gospel?

Who is judged by which gospel?

QUESTION:

Is Romans 2:16 only referring to those who denied the Paul's gospel during the dispensation of grace? That is my current understanding of Rom 2:16

ANSWER:

Consider the Kingdom gospel. It is based upon the precepts God gave to Israel. It required repentance based on their unbelief and it required water baptism based on the ordinance of washing applied to priests in the Mosaic law. It also required being filled with the Spirit according to the new covenant prophesied in Ezek.36 and Jer.31. So, this gospel had requirements and ordinances specific to Israel and their relationship with God under law.

Now consider Paul's gospel. To be justified by God, it simply required faith in God, and more specifically, faith in His Son. Paul writes,

The difference in salvation before and after the cross

STATEMENT/QUESTION:

Are you saying that how people get saved today is different from the Bible times? Was it different before Christ came or different before he died? Please explain how this ‘other salvation’ before Christ works?

My assertion is that there is no other salvation and there never was. From Genesis to Revelation salvation has always been through faith in the promised Messiah to come and take away our sins and set us free.

Agreed? Yes or no?

ANSWER:

Regarding your question on previous gospels:

I agree that every gospel is based on faith. If one does not place faith in believing God’s instructions to be saved, then one will not be saved, irrespective of works or not. Thus, irrespective of gospel, faith is required! However, God’s instructions for salvation did not remain the same over time. What God told Noah did not apply to Abraham. What God told Abraham to do did not apply to Peter, James, and John!

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

STATEMENT:

Feed the hungry, clothe the needy, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, help the less fortunate. (Jesus words, Matt 25:35-40.) I’ve always thought it curious that Jesus makes the distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous based on this criteria. Curiously missing is “confessing and believing”, having correct theology, “sinners prayer”, etc. In fact, according to this passage some people will have been doing these things without even knowing Jesus or that they were doing it for him.

ANSWER:

The passage you quote in Matt 25 will occur throughout the 7-year Tribulation. It does not apply today because Jews are not the chosen and preeminent nation during this grace dispensation. In actual fact, both Jew and Gentile are equal in God’s eyes today, so feeding, clothing, visiting the sick and in prison, etc, of the Jews does not have the salvific value as it will in the Trib.

DM#27: The faith of Christ

Doctrine of the Mysteries #27

The faith of Christ

Paul writes the following in Romans 5 concerning the redeeming work that Christ has secured for those who believe in Him,

Rom 5:18-21  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.  (20)  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  (21)  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

The above verses are just a few in Paul’s writings that confirm the cross work of Christ on behalf of those who believe. This work of Christ provides God, a righteous and just judge, with the ability to justify ungodly men. Who has heard such a thing? Not ever the courts under the wisdom and justice of men justify the ungodly. Paul continues to write,

Christian’s cling to the great deception of 'once saved, always saved'

STATEMENT:

There’s a problem here, in which Christian’s cling to the great deception of 'once saved, always saved', which is a false teaching, coming from a sense of feeling 'privileged' by reciting a phrase, or attending a ceremony, or doing a ritual. They think they will prevail in saving themselves from hell. The truth is that Christian’s must go through the motions of being 'good' and having 'a sense of duty' to know they are saved! There’s no instant saving formula etched in stone that anyone can point to or jump through the hoops and proclaim. Christ looks at the devices and desires of the heart, which are unknown to everyone on this planet. It’s not like there’s a one-for-all recipe in which you check all the boxes and you're saved! It doesn’t work that way.

CORRECTION:

My first thought, after reading your comment, is how will anyone know if they have done enough to be saved? When have we done enough work or are righteous enough to deserve God’s grace? The truth is that salvation is not based on feelings or emotions, neither is it based on a sense of duty and motivated by works. No! Salvation is not produced by our effort, goodness, or desires! It is given by God, and we receive it by faith, not fret or feeling.

God’s greatest desires for us

God’s greatest desires for us

If one removes all preconceived notions of Christianity, all religious traditions, all ordinances, and all rituals, the essence of one's faith would be reduced to what God truly desires from us; to believe in Him, and to learn of Him. How can we know this? Well, the Word of God tells us,

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The bare essential of this scripture is like two other passages where God reveals the simplicity of His love and desire for us.

In Isa 1:11-14, God expresses that He is not interested in sacrifices of animals or blood offerings. He questions why the people feel the need to worship Him in this way and states that these ceremonies hold no meaning for Him. Additionally, God expresses His dislike for assemblies, festivals, and holidays, finding them burdensome and tiresome. All God wanted is the hearts of His people to believe in Him, turn from their evil ways, find His heart, and love Him.

DM#25: Every man's work shall be made manifest

Doctrine of the Mysteries #25

Every man's work shall be made manifest:

1Co 3:11-13  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  (12)  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  (13)  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Many of us believe that our good works in this life will determine how we are judged when we stand before Christ's judgment seat. This is not true! What you did in this life has little bearing on that day. It's all related to what you know. The knowledge of Christ within you is what's represented by the gold, silver, and precious stones. In essence, it's a judgment of your understanding of Paul's doctrine and your development within it.  It is the degree to which the wisdom and knowledge you have gained from studying His Word has formed Christ in you, Pro 24:3-5.

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation (incl. the Olive Tree)

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation

Below is a comment on one of my posts regarding salvation by grace through Christ alone. After the comment, I reply with my answer, rightly divided.

COMMENT:

If people listen to the gospel that you preach, in which people are saved by grace alone, they would never be saved. Anybody can just narrate passages, but teachers should first learn before teaching. On a little side note before the shocker, Paul blatantly tells the Gentiles in the church that just as the Israelites have been cut out of the Olive tree, so can they, if they do not continue in His goodness. That means it is possible to NOT continue in His goodness, which he says will result in being chopped off! There are many more versus like I’LL SAY I NEVER KNEW YOU, and I’LL SPEW OUT OF MY MOUTH, and I WILL BLOT YOUR NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, and many more.

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 4): Salvation by Faith

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 4): Salvation by Faith

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

Man's Efforts

In the previous post we learned that all men have sinned against a holy God. This post taught us that sin results in a terrible penalty--eternal suffering in hell. We also learned about the good news; Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins. Though Christ died for the sins of all men, the Bible teaches that many men will not have their sins forgiven. Multitudes will suffer in hell for all of eternity. Who will be saved from hell? How can you be saved from hell?

All men are, in some way, aware of their sin problem and need of salvation. They may feel guilty, depressed, lonely, full of hatred, hopeless, empty inside, etc. Thus, men are looking for salvation from their problems and negative emotions. Some people have enough understanding to know that the problem is that sin separates them from God. They know that they need to be forgiven. The following are some ways that men try to solve their problems or obtain salvation:

Justification is not by the law, but freely given by God through His Son

Justification is not by the law, but freely given by God through His Son

“What things soever the law saith it saith to them who are under the law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” Rom 3:19.

What does the law declare? It declares the whole world guilty before God, and here's the conclusion, “therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

The law cannot justify you because the law exposes who you are. The law brings to light your condemnation and your guilt, and so, if God is to judge you according to your works by the law, He cannot justify you, He cannot declare you innocent, because the law declares you guilty.

What does ‘working out our salvation in fear and trembling’ really mean?

What does ‘working out our salvation in fear and trembling’ really mean?

Php 2:12-13  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

To keep this short, let me get straight to the point. “Working out our own salvation” is not us doing good works to justify our salvation. It is not acts of kindness. It is not giving money to the church. It is not activities of any kind that make us feel we did something right or good. To put it bluntly, it is not any type of ‘physical’ actions that we do in this world that ‘works out our salvation’. How can I know this and confirm this? Well, consider this to start with. If our salvation is ALREADY SECURE in Christ (Rom.3:21-28), just by us believing in Jesus and trusting His death, burial, and resurrection (1Cor.15:1-4), then what is this ‘work’ I must do in fear and trembling? What can this ‘work’ do to contribute any more to a salvation I have that is ALREADY 100% SECURE? That does not make sense! In this regard, the ‘work’ being mentioned here has a different context than, to earn, or contribute to, or justify, salvation.

The Faith OF Christ in the Gospel of Grace

The Faith OF Christ in the Gospel of Grace

STATEMENT:

In connection with our salvation, our works regarding obedience to Christ must reflect that which is dealt with in James. So, while we put faith in Christ’s work on the cross, that faith is meaningless without good works. Literally your faith is dead. Dead faith is of no value whatsoever and will not, and cannot, be used to meet the condition to receive grace.

RESPONSE:

I’m glad that you raise this very interesting point as it is a crucial, yet a very overlooked detail in the scriptures. I do want to respond on what you say about faith. Have a careful look at these three scriptures:

So much said in so few words

So much said in so few words

Eph 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

In this ultra-short, yet dynamic scripture passage, Paul provides us with a significant amount of detail concerning the truth of our salvation. Let’s look at each key word and allow them to simply overwhelm us with gratitude.

By Grace

Grace is the pure kindness and empathy of God that allows us to receive blessing and favour we certainly don't deserve. That blessing and favour is in Jesus Christ. I cannot even start to pen the magnitude of this salvation act of God. Yes, it is a work of God, in which we have no part to contribute. We can do nothing to earn or deserve salvation. It starts with acknowledging our absolute dependency on God, then releasing ourselves utterly into His control, and being overcome by His ‘grace’. Paul uses these words to further emphasize the point,

Two systems of righteousness

Two systems of righteousness

Rom 4:4-5  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

This verse highlights two systems of righteousness. One where a person can work for righteousness, and where righteousness is later indebted to that one. The second is where one does not work for it, but it is accounted to them freely because they choose to believe that God will keep His word and justify them.

Most of the religious world is under the system where they are trying to earn righteousness by their works. The world’s major religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and even most denominations of Christianity are entrapped in a works system that is trying to indebt God into paying them with righteousness for their works. What separates true believers from religion is that they have placed their trust in Christ and believe that God will justify them for their faith and not their works.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 3: Positional Grace)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 3: Positional Grace)

Before we get into ‘grace’, it is worth reminding you that righteousness and grace illuminate each other. So, to really appreciate what we will learn regarding God’s grace, it is important to keep in mind that God is absolutely righteous, and that men are guilty sinners, far off the mark of earning or achieving a righteousness that meets His standards. Our only hope of salvation is by the grace of God because His righteousness demanded a price that was beyond our means to pay.

God’s grace exists because of a sacrifice that was nailed to a cross to appease His righteousness. It is this one act that allowed God to preserve His justness, but also enable Him to justify the ungodly. The cross is arguably the greatest paradox as it showcases God’s grace for us but reveals the wrath of God for the sins that were placed upon Christ. God shows His love towards us, which contradicts with the hatred for our rebellion, displayed in the cross. The cross contrasts God’s forgiveness to us by punishing His Son. Through the cross, we have life because Christ died, and by the cross we are saved, because Christ was sacrificed to purchase that grace.

Christians Bottleneck their Growth due to Misunderstanding Grace and Justification

Christians Bottleneck their Growth due to Misunderstanding Grace and Justification

A lot of my articles have had their basis in the book of Romans lately. It springs from a renewed observation of a widespread lack of spiritual understanding that many Christians have today. The absence of effectual teaching in the modern denominational churches have caused Christians to stumble and fall in the most fundamental, and critical concepts of the Christian faith. Lacking these basic concepts have caused stunted growth towards spiritual maturity, and unity in the faith, that Paul defines in his writings. It is my humble opinion that Christians need an urgent and in-depth review of the book of Romans in order to regain a solid understanding of its core principles and spiritual value.

The issue of sin is settled once and for all for the believer in Christ

The issue of sin is settled once and for all for the believer in Christ

What does “Justification” mean?

Justification is a legal word dealing with one’s judicial standing before God, the Judge. Biblical justification equates to being declared righteous, blameless, and innocent. A good way to remember the meaning of justification is the phrase, “Just as if I never sinned”, since that is exactly what you are, as a believer under grace.

Justification doesn't deal with your WALK, or how you LIVE, even after you're saved. It doesn't deal with your SANCTIFICATION, your THOUGHTS, or your WORKS in the flesh or the spirit! None of these! In other words, justification is not your work or effort to appease God. Justification is God’s work. Your justified status before God is based on what He has done for you, and declared over you, because of your faith in His Son.

Encamped in the Foundational Book of Romans

Encamped in the Foundational Book of Romans

I've been spending a LOT of time in the Bible, studying Romans in particular, in preparation for the Bible Studies I host. All "The Journey" posts are basically an outflow of the studies I've done in this regard. Now, although I'm close to the end of Romans, I will be honest an say that I myself am not ready to leave Romans. There is a conviction within me to stay encamped here and work through it again. The Word of God is truly living and active, and right now it has a hold on my heart. There are yet deeper truths to source from this incredible book. On the other hand, it is a foundational book, which attests to its importance. One should not push on until these foundational topics are fully comprehended and integrated, into the mind, not only for me, but for you too, the readers, who connect with and share in my posts. I trust that you will benefit from this lingering in Romans as much as I am currently.