Righteousness Bestowed on All Who Believe in Jesus Christ

Saving Faith

(Romans 3:21-22)

Not the righteousness gained by rigorously keeping certain rules, but the righteousness gained through faith in Jesus Christ! This is the righteousness that God recognizes—the righteousness that can save mankind. Therefore, it is essential to know what it truly means to believe.

1. Not a False Faith
Having attended church for a long time, never missing a worship service, or having one’s name on the church roll—none of these can serve as evidence of true faith. Nor can having favorable feelings toward Jesus, or feeling at ease while listening to His word. True faith causes the one who has it to say good-bye to their old life, and to begin a life of following the Lord with a powerful resolve and burning inspiration.

2. Not a Half Faith
A person with this kind of faith accepts all of Jesus Christ. Not only the benefits they can receive from Him, but also the work He does. Not only the grace He gives, but also the cross He bore. Not only the command to be saved, but also the command to be transformed into holiness. Not only the privileges He gives, but also His very character. They rejoice not only that He is their Priest, but also that He is their King. Through Him, they seek to be saved not only from the punishment of sin, but also from committing sin itself.

3. With True Faith
A sincere convert who will receive the righteousness of God accepts the whole of Jesus Christ. Rather than using Him to build a wonderful life of their own, they desire that His work would trample over them and be accomplished through them. This righteousness is open to all without distinction—regardless of background, status, ability, or weakness. The Lord says, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out!” Let us respond to the Lord’s earnest call. Let us become people of true faith, who obey and follow the Lord with all our heart, all our mind, and all our life.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim