Gift of Righteousness

A father had 2 sons. One of his sons, the elder one, emigrated to the US after his education and by and by became a very wealthy man. His younger son meanwhile languished in his own country, India and barely managed to make a living. By and by, this younger brother became so poor that he could hardly support himself and despaired for his life, when the news came that his elder brother had passed away, and left all his wealth to him-the younger brother. Through a lawyer, and a proper will, the younger brother was invited to inherit the wealth, and citizenship. He dressed his best and boarded a flight and landed at his late brother's place and had everything transferred to his name, as per the will.

By this time, a small group had gathered there, and a press reporter nearby, could not stop himself from asking, "Sir, so how much have you inherited from your brother?". As everyone waited for his answer, the younger brother said in a fair-pitched voice, "630 billion US dollars, and 5 paise". Although in awe, a quizzical look passed through the face of the reporter as he quipped, "So, what is '5 paise?' Is it worth much? Where did you have it?" The younger brother replied, "The dollar part and billions belong to my brother. But as I was travelling from my home country to here, i put my hand in my shirt pocket; and lo, and behold, I did have some money-this 5 paise" as he proudly showed it around.

A bystander mockingly said "Oh, but don't you know a 5 paise is worth nothing, either here or in your own country".

Although this is a story of my own imagination, it brings out the point I want to make: that this is what people say concerning RIGHTEOUSNESS. That we will somehow be accepted by God, when we do the right things. That our righteousness really amounts to something. But Romans 6:21-23 talks of the righteousness of God APART from the law-i.e., apart from doing good or doing bad. It says, "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ TO ALL and ON ALL WHO BELIEVE. For there is no difference, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,.."

What a pity, that the younger brother wanted to cling on to his old currency, however worthless; how is it possible that we mix different currencies and have an addition? There is no mathematical conversion formula between the righteousness of man and the righteousness of God. Isaiah says that all our righteousness are like FILTHY RAGS (Isaiah 64:6). (dirty ugly smelly).

God is able to fully deal with our sins; though they are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Is. 1:18), but how will He be able justify you, if you hold on to your own "righteousness"? (Luke 18: 10-14). How can you freely receive the gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17) when your hands are full of your own "righteousness"?

Brother, the gift of righteousness is freely given to all who believe in the person of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22). He has paid the penalty for all of our sins on the cross, that we may receive the righteousness of God credited into our own account. Our Father in heaven sees you as good, acceptable and perfect through Jesus Christ, and declares "This one is righteous!". No more do you have to fear the judgment of God, because of this righteousness of God.

Great is His love toward you, and great shall be your PEACE. Amen.