In Romans 1, 2 and 3, Paul proves all men are guilty before God; there is none Righteous; and all are subject to His Wrath.
In Romans 4, he proves from Scripture that Abraham and David were justified despite their works on account of their faith in the promises of God. Without hope in their own works, they were declared righteous by God, Who does not impute iniquity against His people.
Thus, Paul demonstates that Righteousness is apart from, nay, even in spite of our wicked deeds, and comes to us by imputation by His grace when we believe.
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted unto him for righteousness."
The moral and legal basis of that imputed righteousness is the perfect obedience and blood of the Lord Jesus, whose righteousness is imputed to those who believe on Him. All our sins are laid on Him, and by His blood we are justified and declared Righteous.
In Moses' day, there was declared a righteousness by the perfect keeping of the law. Alas, none qualified! Israel broke the covenant of God inside of 40 days after receiving it.
The great danger is that we fall into the trap of believing Righteousness is a collection of good works, rather than perfect obedience. The Roman Catholic system depends on this incorrect view of Righteousness, and supposes that there is a "bank of merit" administered by the "church" - utter rubbish!
A person who works for his own righteousness, by definition, is not trusting in the God who justifies the ungodly apart from works. Such a person makes Christ of none effect.
Believers must constantly hear the Gospel anew, to remind us wherein lies our true hope!
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John Pittman Hey was born in 1961 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Godly parents who from the beginning raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With child-like faith he came to Christ on his fourth birthday at his mother's knee. He received his education at church...
