There is something very satisfying about hearing the words, “You were right.” at the end of a discussion. Unfortunately, the process of swaying our opposition is frustrating and doesn’t always conclude successfully. Oftentimes, we are left holding our opinion and thoughts in complete disagreement. What I want to solidify in this letter is that no matter what the enemy has condemned you of, the proof of your right standing with God is not for you to prove, but simply a fact of the accomplished and finished work of Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 there are a few major factors in a believer that must be seen and accepted as reality. First, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The authenticity that is absolute and accomplished, is that in Christ you are a new creation, and all things have become new. The old life, restrictions, habits, and the hold of the enemy’s oppression is not only removed but is nonexistent in the recreated believer’s spirit.
Jump down to 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) and we see the result of our new nature. It says, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” You don’t grow into righteousness; you are made right with God now in Christ! Right standing with God is the result of our new nature. I will go as far as to say that repentance and revival is the awaking of righteousness. The Lord said it to me like this, “I have given you that which is needed to usher in a great uprising of righteousness in the land that will draw out many from the hold of deception and into the freedom of My love!” What I want you to see is that there is nothing missing from the new man, the recreated spirit in Christ. Everything needed has been supplied, enabling us to accomplish God’s will.
If we don’t grow into righteousness, how then do we walk in and live our lives from it? Great question. I want to give you three points to solidify my thoughts. The first is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Scripture is for instruction in your new righteous nature. The more we read and meditate on God’s word, the more insight and revealed knowledge we gain on how to live from our new right standing with God. Righteousness is instructed, and through this instruction we are equipped for every good work. Doing good is the action and expression of righteousness.
Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good (or expressing our righteous nature that was instructed) for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Harvest and breakthrough are produced if we will not allow the enemy to talk us out of having been made righteous in Christ.
Proverbs 12:17 says, “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.” John 16:13 says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;” One job of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life is not condemnation, but instead declaring your right standing! I see the Holy Spirit shouting with great love, “That’s not who you are or who you’ve been created to be! You are righteous!” Righteousness is declared, it is made thoroughly clear by the Holy Spirit’s leading as He speaks the Father’s words to us.
Lastly, Romans 1:16-17 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it (in the gospel of Christ) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” When we sit under the teaching and preaching of God’s word, we position ourselves to receive the revelation of our new nature, our right standing with God. Righteousness is revealed.
If the enemy can convince you that by some word or action you have forfeited your right standing with God, then he has succeeded in getting you to reject and deny the benefits of your recreated spirit and placing you back under the weight of shame and guilt. Psalms 37:39-40 says it all, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble, and the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” Trust is the conduit that the fruit or work of righteousness is given full expression in our lives.
Isaiah 32:17 says, “The work (or fruit) of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” With all that is going on in the world and the uncertainty of our times, which are like no other, we need the instruction, declaration, and the revelation of our righteousness. Our very existence and ability to thrive depends upon it.
I’ll end with this, Psalms 37:25 says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” You are not just an old sinner trying to get God’s attention. You are made righteous and have complete access into the very holy of holies, into God’s presence! God will never abandon you nor disappoint you, ever! He is forever committed to you and has made provision for your security. The only way that this is not seen in your life is when you begin to believe the lies of the enemy and think you are not who He says you are! I told you; you’re right. Enjoy it!