Everyone That Doeth Righteousness

 

"If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."

I John 2:29 

 There is no doubt as we reach this point of John's letter to the saints of God that Jesus Christ is the only Righteous.  Man can do nothing of his own accord.  Even mans best efforts are considered as a filthy rag before Holy God.  It has been rightfully said that the best of men are men at best and our only hope of righteousness is that which is graciously supplied by Christ.

 

When we see someone diligently working good works for their own salvation we know without doubt they are not righteous.  They are instead denying the righteousness of Christ and are yet still dead in their sins.  It has never been disputed that dead men can do nothing.  No activity.  No work nor play.  Not any one thing can be attributed to those who are dead except that they are dead and void of life.

 

Thus we know that when John tells us those who do righteousness are born of Christ we know he is talking about those who walk by faith in Jesus' Righteousness alone. They have the Spirit dwelling within them and their works are done by faith so that all glory is given to God, not as of themselves but as fruit brought forth of the spirit.  They have eternal life through Jesus Christ.

 

Are you without hope, vainly  trusting your own works?  Jesus Christ is the only righteous. Trust Him and learn of Him.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  No man may dwell in the presence of God except the righteousness of Christ is clothed upon him.  Jesus commands all men to repent, to turn from their sins, and trust Him.  Please obey, so that on that day when you see Him as the Son of God you may not be fearful and ashamed, but welcomed into Paradise.

 

Consider also: Isaiah 64:6-8; John 14:6

We May Have Confidence

"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

I John 2:26-28

 The apostle makes it clear that there are many who seek to seduce the Christian; they try to turn him from the faith and try with all their might to prove the Christian stands on faulty ground.  But for the Christian, those regenerated by the Holy Spirit and believers of the gospel given by Jesus Christ (that life comes only by His blood), he stands on the surest foundation.  The Spirit indwells him and remains so that even at man's and Satan's best attack the believer in the hand of God shall not be removed nor destroyed.  In fact, all who belong to Jesus will have confidence at His appearance  because of His righteousness applied in their stead. They will not be ashamed and fearful as those who have refused Him will.

 

When the heathen rage at the Christian for displaying the righteousness of Christ we should not be appalled.  We have the warnings from Christ Himself that if we love Jesus the world will hate and despise us because they have hated and despised Him.  John reiterates that by warning that many will seduce us.  We will be falsely accused.  We will be laughed to scorn.  Whatever they have done to our Lord they will do to us when given the opportunity.  But on that faithful day when Jesus appears to us all as He truly is, the righteous Son of God, we will glory in His presence while the world trembles at His judgment.

Consider also: Luke 6:47-49; John 15