Category Archives: Righteousness

A rescue worker assists a man through deep floodwaters with a helicopter and boat nearby.
Bible, Cross, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE RESULTS

ROMANS 10:10

“for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to know the long term results of every decision you made? If you marry this person, will you have children and grandchildren? If you take this job, will you stay with it for ten or twenty or even thirty years? If you… But there are no guarantees in life, are there? But wait, we see one today in verse 10 of Romans 10.

Paul continues his thought which he began back in verse 8. This time he goes past the conditions for salvation and tells us the results of being obedient in those conditions. We shall receive righteousness and salvation. Those are eternal things. They don’t wear out. And they aren’t given out to just anyone. A person has to confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead. Then WHAMO! The Bible says you are saved by doing that very thing.

APPLICATION

So, what is righteousness? We throw that word around a lot, but do you understand what that is? The Greek word used here is dikaiosuné. HELPS Word-studies says it is “God’s judicial approval.” We didn’t do anything to get His approval (except the confession and believing part). His approval was bestowed on us because of our belief in His Son. Don’t you just love 2 Corinthians 5:21 which says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”? Boy, I love that!

Then Paul says we receive salvation. What is that word? It’s the Greek word sótéria which carries with it the idea of a rescue, to deliver. I picture in my head the scene where rescue workers are retrieving someone who is injured from the bottom of a cliff or a rescue swimmer dropping into dangerous waters to bring someone to safety. I recall the Camp Mystic tragedy last year which claimed the lives of 23 young girls and staff due to a massive flood. One Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Scott Ruskin, rescued 165 people from that flood. The sad thing is that was just a physical salvation. These individuals who were rescued still need a spiritual salvation (I am sure many of those were believers).

So, what do we do with this righteous and salvation? We proclaim it. We live it. We share it. We tell as many people as we can about this righteousness sharing, rescuing God of ours. It is still their decision. You can’t drag them in. They have to confess and believe on their own. But you can lead them to the point of salvation. Let’s all do our part to bring as many as we can to the throne before He returns.

Father God, thank You for Your righteousness which You bestow on me and thank You for rescuing me from the pit of hell.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Heaven, Reaching, Righteousness, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

UNREACHABLE?

ROMANS 10:6

“But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: ‘DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, “WHO WILL GO UP INTO HEAVEN?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down),”

Wow, what a verse. When I first read this, I was thinking, Paul, what in the world are you saying? That’s why it is always good to look at context and background of verses. Otherwise, you may establish a belief that is contrary to Scripture. Let’s dig into this verse and see the meaning behind it. I know you won’t be surprised in the end.

Paul quotes part of a passage from Deuteronomy 30:11-14. This verse comes at the end of Moses’ leadership of the Israelites. He is giving them some last words before he leaves them. Paul applies these verses to our Christians faith, even though he knows full well Moses’ intentions for these words. I believe it is important for you to see the full passage, so here it is.

“11 ‘For this commandment which I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. 12 It is not in heaven, that you could say, “Who will go up to heaven for us and get it for us, and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you could say, “Who will cross the sea for us and get it for us and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?” 14 On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it.’”

APPLICATION

Moses was basically saying God was not out of their reach. Many thought God was way out there and beyond their reach. This thought was portrayed in Job, when Zophar the Naamathite responded to Job in Job 11:7 “‘Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?’” He was rebuking Job’s last remarks in chapter 10. This was the prevalent thought among the Jews. God was not easily accessible.

I love how Paul applies this to our Christian faith. The last words of the verse which are in parenthesis needs a little explanation. When Paul writes, “(that is, to bring Christ down),” he is saying we didn’t need to go up to heaven and bring the Messiah down. He came willingly. God came to us. Emmanuel, God with us. It wasn’t our efforts that brought the Savior. God willingly gave us His Son.

As we approach Easter this week, I pray you will take some extra time to reflect on what Christ did for you. He allowed Himself to be scourged and crucified. He allowed His body to be buried in a borrowed tomb. But…then He burst through on Resurrection day. Don’t approach next Sunday lightly. We could not have manufactured our salvation. God produced His Son to pay the price for us. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Thank You, God, that You are always within reach. I do not have to stretch too far because You are always near.

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Bible, Law, Perfection, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

PERFECT OBEDIENCE

ROMANS 10:5

“For Moses writes of the righteousness that is based on the Law, that the person who performs them will live by them.”

Have you ever known a perfectionist? I have known a few, and they were all miserable people. Why? Because no one is perfect. As hard as you try, you are going to make mistakes. I was always taught by my dad to do a job right the first time. He set high standards for his children. But he never demanded perfection. If we did our best, he was proud of us. However, he didn’t tolerate slacking off on a job. Whether that was house chores, yard work, school or in our part time jobs, he wanted us to do our very best.

Paul is referencing a passage from Leviticus 18:5 in today’s verse. “‘So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which, if a person follows them, then he will live by them; I am the LORD.’” God demanded obedience to the law. Only by keeping each and every one of His commands was the Jew able to achieve righteousness. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, they could never achieve this. Paul knew that. He had tried. Only when he found Christ (or should I say, Christ found him on that Damascus Road) was he able to achieve righteousness. Not from anything he did, but only through Christ’s righteousness.

APPLICATION

I love what Benson says in his commentary about this verse. “As if the apostle had said, Moses, by showing that the law requires exact and perfect obedience for righteousness, (an obedience impossible to be performed by us in our fallen state,) may thereby convince us that righteousness is not to be attained by our own works, but only by faith in Christ.” That pretty much sums it up.  

There are a couple of words in today’s verse that deserve to be pointed out. The first is “performs” which is the common Greek verb poieó, which means to do or make. Here it is used as a participle. Perhaps it could be translated “having done these things” which ties it to the second word “lives.” In other words, having kept all the requirements of the law and thereby achieving righteousness by the law, the Jew could live by them. Sounds easy? Not so much.

Aren’t you glad we don’t have to achieve anything to receive the righteousness of Christ. Sure, we need to strive to follow all of God’s commands from Genesis to Revelation. But God knows we will never be able to achieve perfect obedience this side of heaven. Yet He loves us still. God is a perfect God of an imperfect mankind. Any perfection we achieve in following His commands is only because of His perfect Son in our lives. Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect Son, Jesus, Who lives in and through me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Completeness, Fulfill, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

THE END OF THE LAW

ROMANS 10:4

“For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Coming to the end of something can be either rewarding or sad. Take for instance, finishing your college degree is a very rewarding accomplishment. Getting that diploma with all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it can be a milestone in your life. In contrast, coming to the end of a relationship can be depressing and hollow. But life is full of endings, isn’t it?

Today’s verse has been the topic of much disagreement in the scholarly world. Some say this verse meant that Jesus ended the ceremonial law while others say it refers to the moral law. But I tend to agree with Barnes here that “by faith in Christ the same end is accomplished in regard to our justification, that would be by perfect obedience to the moral law.” The Jews were trying to reach this perfect ending by perfectly obeying the law, which we know is not possible. It was like the goalpost kept getting moved. It was like they would take two steps forward and one step back (or vice versa). Paul states here that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law that they were all searching for. His righteousness was the answer.

APPLICATION

How can we apply this truth to our lives? Well, let me ask you a question. What are you trying to do to gain righteousness? Well Carl, I go to church every Sunday. I give ten percent to the church. I rescue little kittens off the street. Okay, that last one was pushing it, lol. But you get the picture. We try to accomplish something that has already been accomplished. We don’t need to do a thing to gain this righteousness. We simply accept it as a gift from the Father once we place our trust in His Son.

The Greek word for “end” is telos. It is used extensively throughout the New Testament and is defined as end, completion, and even purpose. This last definition fits well in today’s verse. Christ was the full purpose of the law. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Christ wasn’t God’s plan B in case His plan A failed (the Mosaic Law). No! God planned from the beginning to supply the perfect purpose, His Son Jesus. He was the only remedy for fallen man.

When you come to the end of yourself, you find you need a purpose. I have a friend who has a son who is trying to find his purpose in life. He currently has no motivation to do much of anything. I told my friend that his son needs purpose. Every man needs a purpose. God has given us that. Jesus is the ultimate purpose, the ultimate end result. He is the only provider of righteousness. Trust Him with that and tell others how they can find their end in Him.

Lord God, thank You for giving us the telos in Christ. He fulfills us all.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disobedience, Obedience, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture, Subjection, Submission

SUBJECT YOURSELF

ROMANS 10:3

“For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”

Obedience is so simple yet so hard. Do you agree? I mean, how hard is it to drive the speed limit? Not hard at all, but how many of us actually obey the speed limit signs? There have been times (I’ll admit not a lot, lol) when I drove the speed limit. What happened? I almost got blown off the road by all the other motorists. I got honked at for “going too slow” even though I was driving the posted speed. So, what did I do? I sped up, thereby breaking the law. I wasn’t being obedient.

Paul points out in today’s verse that the Jews just did not want to “subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” The Greek word used there for “subject” is hupotassó “from hypó, ‘under’ and tássō, ‘arrange’) – properly, ‘under God’s arrangement,’ i.e. submitting to the Lord (His plan). (HELPS Word-studies) It’s a fairly commonly used word in the New Testament (used 48 times). It basically boils down to being obedient.

APPLICATION

I love how Paul uses the word in 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, where he uses it six times. “27 For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, ‘All things are put in subjection,’ it is clear that this excludes the Father who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” 

Jesus, Who is part of the Trinity, willingly subjected Himself to the Father. Wow! If Jesus, Who was and is God, could subject Himself, why can’t we? We’re even told to “subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) In 1 Peter 5:5 we read, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;” I could go on and list numerous other verses using hupotassó, but I think you can see the importance of obedience and subjection in Scripture.

Is there something in your life which the Lord is asking you to submit to Him? It could be your career choice. How about that man or woman you are dating? It could be your children. That’s a hard one. Whatever it is, just obey the Lord. Subject yourself to His Will. Let Him show you what He would have you do. Joy never precedes obedience. Mark that down. But once you choose to obey, joy will follow. Choose obedience today.

Father, I will obey You because You love me and promise such joy in my obedience.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Law, Perfection, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

DON’T PURSUE THE WRONG THINGS

ROMANS 9:31

“however, Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.”

Too many people strive after perfection only to fall short time and time again. Their motive is driven by their belief that they must do something themselves to achieve this. But no one is perfect or ever will be perfect. Only one perfect human being ever walked this earth – Jesus. The good news is He doesn’t expect perfection from us even though we are told to “be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

This was the problem with trying to achieve righteousness by following the Law. Paul knew that. He had tried to gain this righteousness by perfectly adhering to the requirements of the Law. The problem was if you could keep the whole Law and fail in just one, you were guilty of failing the whole law. The word translated as “arrive” is phthanó which is used seven times in the New Testament. It has various meanings but generally means to attain or arrive at. We’ll look at some of the other uses later.

APPLICATION

Matthew Henry says of this verse, “The Jews talked much of justification and holiness, and seemed very ambitious to be the favourites of God. They sought, but not in the right way, not in the humbling way, not in the appointed way. Not by faith, not by embracing Christ, depending upon Christ, and submitting to the gospel. They expected justification by observing the precepts and ceremonies of the law of Moses.” That’s why the Jews struggled with the fact that the Gentiles who gave their lives to Christ achieved what they had been pursuing through simple faith.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he has a section in chapter 3 that talks about his pursuit for perfection. Take a minute and read Philippians 3:12-16. It ends with these words, “however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” He acknowledges the journey of faith includes a process of sanctification, but states that we need to live in what we have already attained. What does that mean? It means, I believe, that Paul knew his righteousness did not depend on what he could achieve. He could never achieve perfection. But Jesus saw him and sees us perfected in Him. Hallelujah!

In Matthew 12:28 and Luke 11:20 phthanó is used to describe what Jesus taught about the kingdom’s arrival. The Topical Lexicon says, “Jesus declares that His exorcisms prove the kingdom’s present arrival, not merely future hope. Phthanō underscores immediacy: the reign of God has already overtaken His hearers.” You can celebrate your attainment of God’s righteousness in your life today. Know your identity in Him and strop pursuing things you think will gain you a perfection not necessary in the eyes of God.

Lord, I love You and thank You for seeing me as perfected already through Your righteousness.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Gentiles, Gentleness, Good, Peace, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

WHAT ARE YOU PURSUING?

ROMANS 9:30

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith;”

Before Christ radically transformed my life and gave me a desire to pursue Him over all things, I was like every other guy out there. Before Christ, I pursued everything that could give me pleasure. I won’t mention those here, but you can figure that out. After Christ, I still pursued enough of the world to keep me from developing that deep, intimate connection with Him. But…when He transformed me through the obedience to His Word (special thanks to Every Man A Warrior), I became a man, although not perfect, who was pursuing Him and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

The word used by Paul for “pursue” is diókó which has a description to include a hunter chasing a prey. If you have ever tracked a deer in the woods, that’s the picture here. The hunter does not give up finding his prized prey. He will climb hills, forge streams and even climb over boulders and trees to get to it. Paul was saying in today’s verse that the Gentiles (as a group) had not pursued righteousness that way in the past. But those who have tasted of the righteousness of God have now obtained it through faith. Praise God!

APPLICATION

Diókó is used 45 times in the New Testament. We can’t possibly look at every single instance. However, we can look at a few things we are told to pursue. First, look at 1 Timothy 6:11 that says, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” That’s a pretty good list of things to pursue, isn’t it? I love how Paul said at the end of that list to pursue gentleness. That is something that most, if not all, of us need to pursue more.

Then the writer of Hebrews writes in 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Now this is a toughy! Paul adds a little clarification of that later in the book of Romans in 12:18. He says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Sometimes our best efforts at peace are thwarted by those with whom we are trying to make peace. Pursue it anyway.

Finally in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul tells us, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.” The word “seek” is diókó. Pursue what is good, not for yourself, but for others. That’s what a real man does. He pursues what is good for his wife and children and grandchildren. He sacrifices for them. I pray that every man reading this today will pursue God passionately and with abandon so he can pursue all the things God has for him.

O God, I will pursue You. I will chase after You knowing that You will always be there for me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Law, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

RIGHTEOUS ACTS

ROMANS 8:4

“so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing are two different things. For instance, I know what a NFL quarterback is supposed to do. I could even learn his playbook. But I will never be a NFL quarterback. I cannot perform the acts he is required to do (throwing a 50 yard pass, read defenses in seconds and adjust the play, etc.). The same holds true for us spiritually. Let Paul explain.

In verse 4 of Romans chapter 8, Paul uses a word that is translated above as “requirement.” I normally agree with the New American Standard, but here I prefer other translations which use “righteousness” or “righteous requirement.” The Greek word is dikaióma. Notice the little “-ma” on the end of that word. Zodhiates stresses that when that suffix is used on the end of word, it points out the result of an action, not just the action. So, read the verse that way, “so that the result of the righteous act of the Law might be fulfilled in us…”

APPLICATION

Dikaióma “is not precisely the word so often used in this Epistle to denote ‘the righteousness which justifies’ (Ro 1:17; 3:21; 4:5, 6; 5:17, 18, 21), but another form of the same word, intended to express the enactment of the law, meaning here, we believe, the practical obedience which the law calls for.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary) That cannot be done by us. It is the Spirit of God in us.

Back to my analogy of the NFL quarterback. Pretend through some magical spell that the spirit of Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre entered my body. I would then possess the wisdom, knowledge, experience and physical ability to be that NFL quarterback. It would not be Carl. It would be Aaron or Brett. That would be awesome, but I couldn’t claim any of the credit for touchdowns or passes made.

There is nothing in you as a follower of Christ that you can boast in. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” You didn’t save yourself or maintain your spiritual walk by yourself. It is the work of the Spirit. Praise God that it is not up to us. Amen? Now, let the Spirit live through you today.

Father God, I submit myself to Your indwelling power today to use me how You see best.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Good, Goodness, Jesus, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Scripture

NOTHING GOOD IN ME!

ROMANS 7:18

“For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”

My dad was a good man all his life. His reputation in my hometown was unscathed. People respected him. The people he supervised at the textile mill may have not always appreciated his manner of supervision, but they still would tell you what a good man my dad was. However, that goodness in him would play not part of his spiritual journey. Good just doesn’t cut it when it comes to God.

Paul says as much in today’s verse. That first phrase, “For I know that good does not dwell in me,” could be translated as “there ain’t nothing good in me.” Paul would be the first to tell you how wicked his flesh was. I will never forget my brother-in-law’s testimony about his salvation. He had been in ministry about eight years before he actually came to Christ. He said when he finally realized the depravity of his flesh, he cried until his nose bled. After that encounter with the exposure of his sin, he was a changed man.

APPLICATION

I have often said that there is nothing good in me except Jesus. If I ever receive any praise for something I’ve done in the ministry, I am quick to point to Jesus. It’s only because of Him that I am able to do the things I do. I am just like Paul when he says he wishes to do good but just doesn’t. That’s the crux of this verse. Good intentions do not equate to righteousness. That is only possible through the blood of Jesus.

Barnes says this verse “could not be possibly a stronger expression of belief of the doctrine of total depravity.” We are born sinners. We didn’t do anything to inherit that depravity except being born after Adam. The perfection of creation ended in that garden and the results permeate all through the centuries. Any goodness we possess will not get us through the gates of heaven. Only the “goodness” of our Savior (His blood, His sacrifice, His death, His resurrection).

The word used by Paul for “good” is “agathós. This word “describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul knew this. He knew the good He desired to do was only possible because of God’s agathós. And we are the same, beloved. Don’t try to “outdo” God. It can’t be done. You can’t pray enough, serve enough, give enough or study enough. He imparts His agathós in you when you receive His Son. So, let me ask you. Do you possess this agathós?

Father, I agree with Paul today that there is no good in me except what You have put in me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Enslavement, Righteousness, Scripture, Sin, Slaves

CHOOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS

ROMANS 6:20

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in relation to righteousness.”

You have surely heard the expression “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” Have you ever stopped to think about what that saying means? It means you can’t enjoy two incompatible things at the same time. You just can’t. This idiom dates back to the 16th century, but it is still true today. Too many people think you can claim to be a Christian and still live like the world. The two are not compatible.

Paul is continuing to draw the line between sin and righteousness. This verse today is not hard to understand. He is saying when we were obeying our sinful flesh and living immorality, we had no part with righteousness. In fact, we did everything we could to avoid it. 1 Peter 4:3 describes this slavery of sin so well. “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.”

APPLICATION

Let’s take a look at our viewing habits. So many things in the media today point us directly at those things described in 1 Peter 4:3. But instead we are to pursue holy things. I don’t mean you have to sit and meditate all day. I am not saying all you can read is the Bible or that you are not allowed to enjoy a good movie. But there are some things we should avoid if we want to pursue a righteous life.

Don’t forget, any righteousness we have as followers of Christ are from Him. Do you want to soil His righteousness. It would be like borrowing someone’s Sunday best and then wallow in a pig pen. Not only would you soil the clothing that you were entrusted, but you would also carry with your stench of those pigs. Believe me, you don’t want that smell on you. Sin stinks. Always has and always will.

So, today choose righteousness. Shun even the appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says that. Even the appearance! That means we can’t have our cake and eat it too. We can’t say we are a child of God and live like the devil’s. We shouldn’t want that. Do you? I sure don’t. I know I fail miserably many days, but I pray my failings are just that – failings. They are not because I pursued something evil. Beloved, join me in chasing after righteousness from above.

O Lord, I know I fall short of Your glory, but I desperately want it. Help me today to pursue it fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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