THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH .

 
October 6
 
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith:
 

The righteousness here intended is that which God requires in His law;

provided by the life and death of His Son;

presents to sinners in the everlasting gospel;

imputes to every believer, of richest grace;

accepts when pleaded at the throne of His grace;

and honours with a title to eternal life.

 

 

This righteousness is by faith;

it is the office of faith to receive it;

trust it;

rejoice in it;

embolden the soul through it;

and clothe the soul in it.

 

It is not offered to anything but faith, nor can it be received and enjoyed in any other way.

 

Every unbeliever and self righteous person rejects it, but every man who is taught of God feels that he needs it;

discovers the beauty, glory, and the value of it;

applies for it with ardent desire and earnest longing;

embraces it as one of God's greatest favours;

enjoys it as a rich and durable treasure;

and dies confidently expecting to be accepted in it and admitted to glory through it.

 

Oh, may we be found in Jesus, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH!

 

And while we pant for holiness with every breath, and aim at it in every action, may each of us devoutly say,

 
And even when I feel Thy grace,
And sin seems most subdued,
I'll wrap me in Thy righteousness.
And plunged me in Thy blood.
 

James Smith