Jesus Our Righteousness Series

JESUS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Romans 10:3-4

Key Verse:

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” — 1 Corinthians 1:30

INTRODUCTION:

Righteousness is the foundation of a true relationship with God. However, since the fall of man, humanity lost its ability to stand blameless before a holy God. No amount of good works, religious effort, or moral discipline could restore that righteousness. It took the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the sinless Son of God to make us righteous again.

The phrase “Jesus our righteousness” expresses one of the greatest truths of the gospel. Through His death and resurrection, Christ exchanged our sinfulness for His perfect righteousness. It means that when God looks at a believer, He no longer sees sin but the righteousness of His Son covering us.

Understanding Jesus as our righteousness transforms how we relate with God. We no longer strive to earn acceptance; we rest in the finished work of Christ. This revelation also empowers us to live a holy and victorious life, not by human strength but through His grace working in us.

1. JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

All true righteousness originates from Jesus Christ alone. Without Him, man remains condemned and spiritually dead.

a) The Righteous Branch — Jeremiah 23:5-6. Jesus is prophetically called “The Lord our Righteousness.” He alone has the power to justify sinners before God.

b) Righteousness Revealed by Faith — Romans 3:21-22. The righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, not by the law or human effort.

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c) Righteousness as a Gift — Romans 5:17. Through Christ, we receive the gift of righteousness freely. It is not earned but imparted by grace.

d) The Exchange at Calvary — 2 Corinthians 5:21. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross was declared righteous not because of works but by his faith in Jesus (Luke 23:42-43).

2. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS IMPUTED, NOT EARNED

Imputed righteousness means God credits Christ’s righteousness to our account when we believe in Him.

a) The Failure of Human Effort — Isaiah 64:6. All our righteousness is like filthy rags before God. Human perfection cannot meet divine standards.

b) The Righteousness of Faith — Romans 4:3-5. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. This shows righteousness comes through faith.

c) The End of the Law for Righteousness — Romans 10:4. Christ is the fulfilment of the law. We no longer depend on legalistic works but on His finished work.

d) Standing Justified Before God — Romans 5:1. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Biblical Example: Paul, once a zealous Pharisee, abandoned his self-righteousness to be found in Christ’s righteousness (Philippians 3:8-9).

3. RIGHTEOUSNESS PRODUCES HOLY LIVING

When Jesus becomes our righteousness, His nature begins to reflect in our character and conduct.

a) The Fruit of Righteousness — Philippians 1:11. Righteousness produces godly character and good works that glorify God.

b) The Power to Overcome Sin — Romans 6:18. Being made free from sin, we become servants of righteousness, living victoriously over evil desires.

c) The Breastplate of Righteousness — Ephesians 6:14. Righteousness protects the believer’s heart from guilt and condemnation.

d) The Call to Practical Righteousness — 1 John 3:7. He that does righteousness is righteous, even as Christ is righteous. True righteousness is both positional and practical.

Biblical Example: Daniel demonstrated righteous living in Babylon despite pressure to compromise (Daniel 6:10-23).

4. RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS DIVINE REWARD AND AUTHORITY

Living under Christ’s righteousness gives us boldness and access to divine blessings.

a) Boldness Before God — Hebrews 4:16. Because of Christ’s righteousness, we can approach God’s throne confidently without fear.

b) Protection from Accusation — Isaiah 54:17. No weapon or condemnation can stand against those justified by the Lord.

c) The Blessing of the Righteous — Psalm 5:12. The Lord surrounds the righteous with favour as a shield.

d) Eternal Reward — 2 Timothy 4:8. A crown of righteousness awaits all who remain faithful till the end.

Biblical Example: Job’s righteousness before God brought divine protection and eventual restoration after his trials (Job 42:10-12).

CONCLUSION:

Jesus is not only our Saviour but our righteousness. In Him, we are justified, sanctified, and made acceptable to God. Our confidence does not rest in what we do but in what He has done. When we walk in this understanding, guilt loses its power, and we live in the liberty of grace.

Let us continually abide in Christ, clothed with His righteousness, and reflect His holiness to the world. For when God sees us through Jesus, He declares us righteous, forgiven, and free.