Righteousness

 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
Romans 3:21 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.21.ESV

The casual observer of the old testament might assume that righteousness is by attempting to keep the Law of God. Paul insists however that the righteousness of God is testified to by the Law itself as being apart from the Law. After all, without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

The blood of animals is a pale shadow of the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world. Just as Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness, so it is with us. Abraham wasn't saved because he was particularly good naturally, just because of the sovereign grace and mercy of God, as with us.

The righteous live by faith. Our own legalistic righteousness is like filthy rags, autumn leaves, or a gust of wind. Christ's righteousness is what we need credited to our bankrupt spiritual accounts.

So the Righteousness of God is personified in the Lord Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection on our behalf, we can live righteous lives to His glory, by the work of His Holy Spirit in our hearts. So all the praise and glory goes to God, not us!

'Sovereign Father, may we trust in Your righteousness credited to our spiritually bankrupt accounts. To Your praise and glory we pray, amen'

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