May 5, 2004

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

"In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6, NIV).

Jesus our precious Redeemer is "The Lord Our Righteousness." This title calls attention to the truth that Christ is the fountainhead of righteousness. He Himself is our righteousness (see 1 John 2:1).

The apostle Paul assures believers that righteousness has been manifested in the living person of Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:21, 22). He is the very expression of righteousness. He is our righteousness, and in Him we are consecrated and set free (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). Apart from this fact, there is no forgiveness of sins, no redemption, no reconciliation, no recompense for faithful service. It is Christ's righteousness alone that makes possible our salvation. The marvelous benefits Christ bestows and the blessings He confers are based exclusively on His righteousness.

The apostle John underscores the truth of Christ's righteousness and tells us exactly how that righteousness affects the believer. "If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him" (1 John 2:29, NIV). Through the act of grace, Christ becomes our righteousness by imputation and impartation. As "The Lord Our Righteousness," He makes the precious gift of His righteousness fully available to all who come to Him in faith. Indeed, "Jesus is called 'the Lord Our Righteousness.' when we lay hold on the merit of Christ, and are able to say, 'The Lord is my Saviour, my Righteousness,' then we are justified by faith, and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."--Signs of the Times, November 10, 1890.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I claim You anew as my righteousness. Cover me with Your righteousness. Amen.