Romans 5:17 KJV

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

If you are a Christian, you will never be more righteous than you are right now! That’s right, you read that correctly! Every Christian is already righteous! 

 I know you hear Christians daily talking about how unworthy they are, how unqualified they are, and how they are just getting by. This very often is presented by other Christians as almost a badge of honor. I sometimes wonder if the competition isn’t to see who has it the worst! This actually brings a reproach on our father God!

Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one…” God created Adam in his likeness and image. He had perfect standing with God. Adam was our forefather. When he sinned, mankind lost his standing with God. No man was righteous or could possibly do any amount of good to obtain this righteousness. The second part of Romans 5:17 gives us hope. Verse 17 says, “… much more they which receive abundance of grace and of THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

Every Christian has received the gift of righteousness! God restored our perfect standing through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ! As Christians, we are in Christ, in perfect union with him. God, in and through Christ Jesus, transfers the righteousness of Christ to all who trust in Jesus (Galatians 3:6, Philippians 3:9).

Do you trust in Jesus today? Do you believe in the finished work of Christ? Then you need to get up and declare about yourself what the word declares! I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! I can go boldly to God’s throne at any time based upon this righteousness I have received and the mighty name of Jesus!

If you have a problem today with self image, quit looking at yourself! Start looking at who you are in Christ! It’s important to note that you cannot grow in righteousness. You will never be more righteous than you are right now! However, you can grow in knowledge of your righteousness! It’s time to get in the word and get dressed in your new identity in Christ Jesus!

Gifts you receive, fruit you develop and produce. Receive God’s great gift of righteousness in full today and rule and reign over every situation the enemy and life presents!