For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. – Galatians 5:5
Being righteous is “acting in accord with divine or moral law, being morally right or justifiable” (Merriam-Webster). However, there are people today who take Creator God out of the equation and insert their own standards of right and wrong.
The apostle Paul shared the life-giving story of Jesus’ death and resurrection to Jews and Gentiles alike in Asia Minor. Paul was not abandoning God’s law given through Moses, their standard for centuries, but he was telling these new believers that Jesus Christ was both the Author and Finisher of their faith. He let them know Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb who had taken away their sin. No longer would animal sacrifices be required, for Christ had made the final sacrifice. Belief in Him and His work was all that was needed to have life eternal in Heaven. Their hope was in Him.
There were some who were holding onto the belief that circumcision was still necessary. They were adding human work to Christ’s finished work, minimizing the completed work of Jesus. Paul explained that it was neither right nor wrong to be circumcised, but circumcision was not necessary to become a child of God. It is faith through which the Spirit works to make the believer obedient to God’s commands. Faith alone clothes you with the righteousness of Christ here and will clothe you in perfect righteousness in Heaven.
As you seek the Lord realize that no good work will get you into Heaven. Your good works are evidence of your faith in Christ, the Savior. Be confident in Him!
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