"not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippians 3:9b)
Have you ever felt like you're failing following Jesus? Have you despaired because you just knew God was disappointed in you? If so, then let these words from the Apostle Paul set your heart at rest. This is the man who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Much of it while being imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Even he knows his righteousness isn't enough to please God. But this realization doesn't lead him to despair. It leads him to praise God. His own attempts at righteousness are worthless but praise God, the righteousness of Jesus has been credited to his account and to yours and to mine. God has given us not only the faith to believe in Him but also the righteousness of Christ that is faith adjacent. He is where the joy is!
"not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippians 3:9b)
Have you ever felt like you're failing following Jesus? Have you despaired because you just knew God was disappointed in you? If so, then let these words from the Apostle Paul set your heart at rest. This is the man who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Much of it while being imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Even he knows his righteousness isn't enough to please God. But this realization doesn't lead him to despair. It leads him to praise God. His own attempts at righteousness are worthless but praise God, the righteousness of Jesus has been credited to his account and to yours and to mine. God has given us not only the faith to believe in Him but also the righteousness of Christ that is faith adjacent. He is where the joy is!
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