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RIGHTOUS OR RELIGIOUS
RIGHTOUS OR RELIGIOUS
RIGHTOUS OR RELIGIOUS? This is a question sometimes asked, but often misunderstood. If one is religious, is he also righteous? Can one be religious and not acceptable to God? Often found in the New Testament Scriptures is the word RIGHTOUS OR RIGHTEOUSNESS. So, as it seems, it's important to understand what it means to be RIGHTOUS then. Let's look at some of the use of this word in God's revealed Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Defined, the word RIGHTEOUSNESS is whatever conforms to the revealed will of God. (W E Vine Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus said if we want to be in His Kingdom, we MUST DO THE FATHER'S WILL. (Matthew 7:21)
Religious is defined primarily as meaning "denoting fear of the gods', which may refer to pagan or otherwise. In certain Scriptures, it may refer to reverential worship of God, especially in the case of the Jews in 2 Peter 2:9, referring to them as "godly" people. However, notice the few verses earlier in this passage that define those RIGHTOUS in contract to the unrighteous by the Apostle. Interesting to see Noah referred to as "a preacher of RIGHTOUSNESS" in verse 5.
I think one of the most outstanding passages is found early in Paul's letter to the Romans. Notice especially verses 16 through 18 of chapter one.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek. For in it the RIGHTOUSNESS of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16,17)
Therefore, we can easily see God has provided the way and purpose for us to be RIGHTOUS in His sight. Jesus and the Gospel, coupled with our obedient faith. Nothing else devised by anyone can suffice. Many have tried to improve on God's plan, but all will fail. Where do you put your trust and FAITH!!
"For what does the Scripture say? "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTOUSNESS." (Romans 4:3)
"For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants what he would be heir of the world was not through the Law (Old Law), but through the RIGHEOUSNESS OF FAITH. " (Romans 4:13)
Also please note Romans 3:21-24. We find RIGHTOUSNESS being that which makes us 'RIGHT" with God.
He has given us the Way, we must provide the faith to complete the plan. "HE THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED WITH BE SAVED. " Pretty simple plan, cannot be improved upon or changed. Where are you in relationship to the plan, and with God ??
Ross
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