Part 2: Righteous – Made Right
Key Scripture:
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Introduction: Right Where You Belong
Many believers understand forgiveness—they know Jesus took their place and paid their debt. But too many stop there. They believe they’re not guilty, but still walk around feeling unworthy. They carry the label “sinner saved by grace”—true, but only half the story.
The full truth? You haven’t just been forgiven—you’ve been made right.
You’ve been given righteousness. And not your own kind, stitched together by good behavior. You’ve been given Jesus’ righteousness—perfect, holy, and complete. That’s how God sees you.
What Is Righteousness?
Righteousness is more than doing the right thing. It’s about being in right standing with God.
You and I could never get there on our own. Our best attempts fall short (Isaiah 64:6). But through Christ, we receive a righteousness we could never earn.
Philippians 3:9 – “…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
When you accepted Jesus, God didn’t just forgive you—He clothed you in Jesus’ own righteousness. You now belong in His presence—not as a guest on probation, but as a child welcomed home.
A Gift, Not a Grade
This isn’t a report card. This isn’t performance-based. God isn’t grading on your actions to decide if you’re still in good standing. Righteousness is a gift:
Romans 5:17 – “…how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
It’s already yours. You don’t have to keep earning it. You simply grow into it.
So How Do I Live in It?
You live from righteousness—not toward it.
You stop seeing yourself as unworthy and start walking in your new identity. That doesn’t mean you become proud—it means you become secure. You walk in love, not fear. In confidence, not condemnation.
And when you mess up? You run to the Father, not away from Him—because you’re already His. He’s not surprised by your weakness. He’s drawing you closer in it.
What This Means for Me
- I am not who I used to be.
- I am not what I feel.
- I am the righteousness of God in Christ.
When the enemy whispers shame, you can answer with truth: “I’ve been made right.”
When you’re tempted to perform or pretend, you can rest: “I’m already accepted.”
This is your position—secure, covered, clean.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You not only took my sin, but You gave me Your righteousness. Help me walk in that truth—not as someone still trying to earn it, but as someone already made whole. Let me see myself as You see me. And let my life reflect the holiness You’ve placed inside me.
In Your name, Amen.