Many years ago, I had the opportunity to meet one of the great men of God at a camp meeting in Tennessee. His Bible-rich sermons on righteousness by faith inspired me and helped frame how I related to God.

As I stood in line, waiting my turn to shake his hand, I was a little “star-struck.” I began to think about what I wanted to say to him. The line moved closer, but I still had nothing to say other than,

“I really enjoy your sermons.”

When it finally came to my turn to shake his hand, I blurted out,

“I believe in righteousness by faith.” (ugh! How stupid sounding!)

His response has never left me over the years. He looked at me with a smile and said,

“Good!” That’s the only kind.”

Over the years, I have considered and applied this great truth of righteousness by faith. It is indeed the only kind. Knowing that His righteousness is accounted to a sinful person like me provides a sense of lightness in my experience with God. This sense of lightness and freedom is very Biblical.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV

The Only Kind

“For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. “ Galatians 5: 5-6 NKJV

Verse 5 is the only place in scripture where the phrase “righteousness by faith” appears, but the theme is throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Take a look at verse 6 closely. Paul argues that “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails a thing” then the pivot word “but” is used. “Faith working through love.”

Here are two opposing themes: righteousness by our own works (circumcision ) or righteousness by faith working through love.

Circumcision vs. uncircumcision as a prerequisite for salvation was a hotly debated topic during Paul’s day. It is not now. But think of the other divisive hot topics that could be inserted here. Examples:

*Neither Saturday worship nor Sunday worship

*Neither vegetarianism nor eating meat

*Neither premillennialism Nor postmillennialism

*Neither Secret Rapture nor visible return

*Neither baptism by immersion nor sprinkling

*Neither Death as sleep nor Death as transition immediately to Heaven.

None of this avails anything! It doesn’t matter, BUT something else does matter greatly “righteousness by faith working through love.”

All of this theology, as true or untrue as it may be, “avails” (matters) nothing; it doesn’t accomplish anything in our ultimate salvation from eternal death.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”

Ephesians 2:8

How important is the experience of faith that is perpetuated by God’s love in us and through us!!!

This is why Jesus said being His disciple is not determined by theology but by love. It is less about what you know and more about who you know and expressed by faith initiated by God’s love.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

God is Love is the central theme that all doctrines have their origination. This one point about God can test a true or false doctrine. We cannot produce that kind of love except God lives in us and us in Him.

When we try to influence or gain favor with God through some act of our own, we have become like the pagans who whipped themselves, performed acts of penance; or faithfully attended church to obtain a feeling of righteousness for our deeds and impress God. But it avails nothing!

Next time, we will explore more about righteousness by faith alone. Faith and love are major components of this righteousness, but what does “faith “mean? Where does it come from? How can we practically practice faith each day of our lives? Is it something I must do? Or is it also a gift?

May God lead us to a deeper understanding of His love and His righteousness that is given as a free gift through faith that is initiated by love. It will give a sense of freedom in Christ.

The only sin Jesus ever had was ours. The only righteousness we will ever have is His.

Author Unknown