Counted As Righteous

June 10

Our righteousness is as ‘…filthy rags…’ to God (Isaiah 64:6). It’s not that He doesn’t want us to be in right standing with His own holy person; it’s simply that we are totally incapable of attaining unto His unfathomable standard on our own. How can we be what we can’t even conceptualize?

What are we to do? Give up? Resign ourselves to lives of futile attempts at self- indulgence and self-fulfillment? Many people do just that—as evidenced by the cycle of hyper work activity punctuated by ardent pursuit of pleasure that defines their existence.

When we are tired of perpetuating the futility of the cycle, perhaps we will be ready to give God’s way a chance. Perhaps when we are weary of the honey of self-gratification that turns to gravel in our mouths, we will employ the method the Word sets forth—we will try Jesus, our great reward for time and eternity.

Romans 4:3 asks what the Word recommends and then informs us of its counsel: “What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness.’” When we simply believe and embrace the plan of salvation—when we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are counted as righteous.