What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:9-12

Righteousness is defined most clearly as “being in a right relationship with God.” We are made right with God when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and the power of the gospel comes alive in our lives. The word “gospel” comes from the Old English meaning “good story” or “good news.” The good news is that God provided salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gospel from God, according to Paul, reveals a righteousness that is by faith. (Romans 1:17) We live in a society today that encourages working hard in order to be successful. However, being “right” with God is dependent on our faith in Jesus Christ and not dependent on what we do. We must be willing both to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that God raised Jesus from the dead in order to be saved. (Romans 10:9) No amount of “doing” or “good works” can make us right with God.

Are you aware that no other religion claims we are saved on account of the work of someone else, that is the work of the cross through Jesus Christ? When I consider that God sent His only Son for each of us, I am humbled that He would lavish such an undeserving gift on humanity. How can we refuse His gift of righteousness imparted to us by faith?

Heavenly Father,

For years I have believed that I was in control of my life. I have tried to please You as I have tried to please others. I have believed a lie that it is in my “doing” that I am saved.

As Your Word of truth breaks through into my life, help me to surrender my life to You and to believe the words of Christ: The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent. (John 6:29)

In Jesus’ name, Amen