Encouragement

Christian, You Have Been Declared Righteous By God

by John Clark 
12/01/22
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I recently finished writing my life story. In so doing I had to do a lot of reflection from my past. This included remembering things that I would rather forget. In fact, I have even asked God to erase my past. In some ways I would like to live my life all over again. I regret not taking action on some things; other things I am ashamed of. By the culture’s definition I have not been a bad person. However, like all Christians I am a sinner saved by grace and have fallen way short of God’s righteous standard.

     Inspite of my past life (and at times my present) I am reminded that God does not judge me. He does not take action based on my past. The scripture that has continually come to mind the last several weeks is Psalm 103:10-12. “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

     Another verse that comes to mind says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness“(I John 1:9). Also, we read in Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Add to this Psalm 130:3-4. "If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared." 

 

     Truly, as I have looked back over my 73 years I have come to appreciate God’s grace more than ever. He has been with me in times of sickness, economic hardship, and relational issues. I have felt his peace that transcends all human understanding in difficult situations, and God’s Holy Spirit has “spoken” to me in a variety of ways. No matter your age, you too can experience the presence and peace of God.

     Let me share with you several more verses from the Bible and some brief theology to help bring this all into focus. To begin with, Romsns 5:1 says ”we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Going to II Corinthians 5:21 we read “For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Furthermore, our “faith has counted as righteousness”(Romans 4:5). 

     There is a doctrine of imputation which means in the Greek to “set something to one’s account.” A person’s faith in the shed blood of Jesus on the cross has declared us righteous before God. His righteousness has been imputed to us. Isn’t that good news! 

     Whatever you have been through or done in the past, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you can be encouraged by God’s imputed righteousness.