Reliance, Part II

We rely on the righteousness credited to us by way of faith. We do not rely on our own merit or righteousness to save us. It is through Christ's righteousness that we are saved and not our own. It is in this that we trust, in this that we have faith. As always, we should desire and strive for righteousness but we only do this, as Christians, because we love Him and His ways seem good to us. We do so to honor and respect the God who purchased us but make no mistake, it has nothing to do with what we have done or not done.

Grace is supplied to those who believe in such things. Yes, I should live my life as right as possible for His glory and to bear fruit for His name but these are the only reasons for our right actions. To serve Him in love. In this way, righteousness and right living (or obedience) is now about our love for God instead of living by the written code for our own sake and salvation. We do it for Him, not us.

Psalm 143:1-2

1 O LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.

2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.

Psalm 143:10-11

10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.