YOU CAN’T BECOME RIGHTEOUS BY SELF EFFORT: IT’S A GIFT


By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Luke 18:9-14“….. I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
      It is difficult to wrap one’s religious mind around Jesus’ statement in Luke 18:14 where he declared a sinner as ‘Justified’. The word Justified as used in this scripture is the Greek word “dikaioo “and it means to render (i.e. show or regard a person as) just or innocent. It means to declare a person righteous. Man-made religion defines a righteous man as that fellow with a good public record like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 “For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector!” But God’s definition of a perfect or righteous man according to James 3:2 is that fellow who….” does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], …”  (Amplified Bible).
       All humans (bishops, apostles, pastors inclusive) are prone to errors. Therefore, by biblical moral standards, none is righteous (Ecc.7:20,Rom3:10). We lack the capacity to be good perpetually because of the Adamic (sin) nature in our flesh. Whatever good we are able to do is by the power of the Holy Ghost (Rom.7:14-25).      
       Self- righteous folks who are quick to look down on others are absolutely of no value before God. Whatever virtue one attains through spiritual discipline is of personal and societal benefit only, it does not make that individual righteous before God.  In life, wicked folks sometimes do good things and good folks (if there are any) sometimes do wicked deeds. Therefore, it is erroneous to judge anyone by their actions but rather by what God says about them (John7:24).
       Self righteous folks struggle with low self esteem and bitterness against others. They often compare themselves with others :this is not God’s will. They are arrogant ,presumptuous and are the main reason why many do not want to have any dealings with the church. 
           God's righteousness is not something that we try to accomplish by trying to obey the laws of Moses and other ecclesiastical laws rather, it is receive as a gift through faith in Christ (Rom5:17). It's not possible to trust in our own righteousness and in God's righteousness. Moses by his laws could not enter the Promised Land(Deut32:51-52) ,likewise those who pursue self righteousness cannot experience the promised spirit of grace. Under the dispensation of grace, righteousness is imputed, it is not by works. God declares you righteous and thus qualified to partake of His blessings and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.    
COUNSELING / PRAYER+234 8035536911, +234 8098536911 email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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