RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT EXCEEDS, NO. 2.

Men, the righteousness we have in Jesus Christ not only fulfils the law on our behalf, but also far exceeds the law on our behalf. The righteousness we have in Christ works in us love and reconciliation towards those who oppose us. Instead of anger and retribution reigning (often without a just cause), we discover through our abiding relationship in Christ a desire to reconcile.

In Matthew 5:22-26 we find that in Christ’s righteousness we are to actively seek an agreement with our adversary as quickly as possible, before the matter deteriorates. Despite all our faults, weaknesses, and failures, the righteousness we have in Christ is not to be seen as something separate from us. On the contrary, the Holy Spirit, actively involved within us, sanctifies us with the righteousness found in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:30: ”And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” I don’t think Jesus actually intended people should pluck out their right eye or cut off their right hand because of heart adultery (which is the lust of the heart), but realize the absolute seriousness of appropriating the righteousness of Christ in order to deal with lust, fornication, and adultery.

The truth is that even as we actively seek to apply the righteousness of Christ to ourselves we must never plead our own righteousness for we miss the mark in so many ways.

The old hymn by Edward Mote says: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” I love hearing our grandchildren sing this hymn with all their hearts.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell