Understanding Righteousness Through Faith

In our spiritual journey, we often grapple with the concept of righteousness and how it intertwines with our faith in God. The struggle is real, especially when we find ourselves caught in the web of doing good versus merely believing. Today, we dive deep into a conversation that reveals the heart of the gospel found in Romans, specifically Romans 10:13-21, and challenge ourselves to examine whether we have established our own standards of righteousness instead of accepting God’s.

The Misunderstanding of Righteousness

Let’s start with a story. A student, who had what he called a "Christian background," began attending our church with a friend. He could articulate the right phrases and mimic the behavior expected of a Christian. However, it became clear that his understanding of faith was skewed. He believed that following God was primarily about adhering to a set of rules—doing what God commanded and avoiding what He forbade. This perspective is not uncommon, even among those who have been in church for years.

After a lengthy discussion about the true gospel—a gospel that emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ rather than our own efforts—I encountered a pivotal moment. The student asked a haunting question: “If someone killed a whole bunch of people and then believed in Jesus right before execution, does he get to go to heaven?” His reaction was clear: he thought it was unfair. This response is a reflection of a deeper issue prevalent in many hearts today.

Many people, despite years of hearing the gospel, still equate their relationship with God to a balance sheet of right and wrong. They measure their righteousness by comparing themselves to others, often forgetting the core message of grace offered through faith in Jesus Christ. So, I pose this question to you: Have you established your own righteousness? Are you so entangled in what you can and cannot do that you’ve lost sight of God’s true righteousness?

Paul's Message in Romans

As we navigate through Romans, it's essential to remember that Paul consistently addresses this very issue. Romans is a letter written to a specific audience—the believers in Rome, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul, a Jewish man himself, had a unique understanding of the law and how it often misled people into legalism. In Romans 10, he emphasizes that righteousness comes not from the law but from faith.

In the earlier verses of Romans 10, we see Paul expressing that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. It’s a beautiful promise that transcends our failures and shortcomings. Paul further declares in verse 13, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This message is inclusive and liberating, yet so many still cling to a performance-based faith.

The Role of Proclamation

As we delve into Romans 10:14-15, Paul presents a logical sequence about the necessity of proclaiming the gospel. He asks how people can call on the name of Jesus if they haven’t believed in Him, and how can they believe if they haven’t heard about Him? This chain of thought culminates in the importance of preachers being sent to share the good news. While this passage is often used to motivate evangelism, the underlying message is that God has already orchestrated the means for His people to hear the gospel.

God's work was evident in the Old Testament through the prophets who delivered messages to Israel, preparing them for the Messiah. Yet, despite hearing the truth, many Jews did not accept it. Paul quotes Isaiah in verse 16, “Lord, who has believed our message?” This highlights a tragic reality: hearing the truth does not guarantee acceptance or belief.

Understanding Disobedience

So, if the Jews had encountered the gospel, why didn’t they believe? It wasn’t due to a lack of information or understanding. Paul points out that it was their choice to disbelieve and disobey. They had created their own version of righteousness that revolved around the law, leading them to reject the very Savior who fulfilled the law.

This brings us to a critical juncture: our role in salvation. God chooses people for salvation, but individuals must also choose to believe. The Jewish people ran off in their own direction, establishing a righteousness based on works rather than faith. Yet, even amidst their disobedience, God’s love for them remained intact. Verse 21 reminds us that God holds out His hands to a disobedient and obstinate people, waiting for them to return to Him.

Legalism vs. Faith

Reflecting on my conversation with that student, I realize many people, even those in our churches today, still cling to a legalistic view of faith. They might display zeal for God, but their understanding is often misaligned. They compare themselves to others, feeling righteous when they perceive themselves as doing better than those around them.

However, when we focus solely on behavior modification, we miss the essence of the gospel. The law serves a purpose: it reveals our sin and need for a Savior. But when we allow legalism to dictate our relationship with God, we risk turning faith into a checklist of do’s and don’ts, losing sight of the grace that Jesus offers.

God's Righteousness vs. Our Own

In our church, we emphasize a mission statement that guides our approach: love God, love people, and make disciples. This order is crucial. Loving God must come first; it lays the foundation for everything else. If we fail to understand who God is, we risk reducing our faith to mere rules about how to treat others.

When we abandon God’s righteousness for our own, we inadvertently teach the next generation that faith is about appearances and behavior rather than a genuine relationship with Christ. This legalism can suffocate the life of the church and skew our understanding of what it means to be disciples of Jesus.

Conclusion: Embracing True Righteousness

As we wrap up this discussion, let’s remember Paul’s closing thoughts in Romans. God’s arms are always extended, waiting for us to return to Him, no matter how many times we have wandered away. His love and promises remain steadfast, offering grace to those who call upon Him.

So I ask you again: Have you established your own righteousness? Are you relying on your works, or are you embracing the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ? Let us strive to understand and live out God’s true righteousness, which frees us to love Him and others genuinely. As we do this, we fulfill our calling to share the gospel, so that others may also believe and call on the name of the Lord. Amen.