Are You Righteous?

 “I am innocent” is the concluding verse in the worship song, “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”  Really? This truth seems beyond our ability to believe, but we must consider the awesome price and reason to grasp this reality.  Romans 5:9 states we are “now justified by His blood.” A powerful definition of justified is “just as if I’d” been perfect.

 Scripture in Leviticus 17:11 confirms that the life is in the blood and that there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. How much more true when we realize that the blood of Jesus on the cross that He poured out willingly is the life of God with infinite value.

It is a wonderful thing to have our sins forgiven, but what Jesus did for us is much more!  Consider this illustration: suppose you are arrested for going 60 in a speed zone of 40 mph. When you are before the judge he could choose to show mercy and say it is forgiven, you are free to go.  Guilty but pardoned.  However, what if upon inspection it is discovered that the policeman’s radar gun was set 20 miles per hour too fast.  In this case you are justified, just as if I’d been perfect, because the evidence supports the verdict not guilty and you are free to go as a completely innocent driver.  Notice this truth in 1 John 1:9, how the blood of Jesus cleanses us, “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sin AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus talked about the “ruler of this world” coming but then reassured His followers that “he has nothing in Me.” John 14:30. Since through the blood of Jesus we are supernaturally joined to Him, that is we are in Him and He is us, we likewise share the same truth, “Satan has nothing in us.” 1 John 5:18 points out this same truth about the one who is born of God, “the wicked one does not touch him.”  No wonder Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony.

The Bible teacher asked his students (and I ask you), “How many of you are righteous?”  After some deliberation, only one or two raised their hand.  Wrong answer?  2 Corinthians 5:21 states that Jesus became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Righteousness, or being right with God, suggests that everything contrary to His nature is removed and secondly, you have an intimate position of closeness being right with God.  Yes, believe it and receive it by giving thanks, you are righteous.  In God’s eternal court, you are innocent! 

Treasure the fact and declare it, “I am justified by the blood of the Lamb, it is just-as-if-I’d been perfect.”  Jesus, You are my righteousness and in You I am righteous forever.

Song quoted; Washed by Upperoom lyrics, found on YouTube

Many Will Be Deceived vs. Love of the Truth

One of the most terrifying statements Jesus made about the end times is that many will be deceived.  No wonder whenever the disciples asked him about what will happen, as in Matthew 24, his first words were, "Take heed that no one deceives you."

While there are many areas in which a believer may be deceived, there are three glowing areas that are rapidly becoming the focus of the battleground.
First, Jesus is God, and the Son of God.  You would think this would be elementary, but in the intellectual, accommodating world, many are trying to say He was a great teacher, or just a man, or one of many spiritual leaders to help us find truth. 

Second, Jesus is the only way to heaven.  People want to accuse Christians of saying that "their religion" is better than others.  The point isn't the argument over whose religion is better, but rather there is only one perfect man who rightfully could pay the price for man's sins.  Jesus is the only one who qualifies to justly take away our wrongs

Thirdly, that God who is love will also be a righteous judge.  Even well known pastors with large followings are beginning to question God sending someone to hell.  Sometimes people like to act as if they are more merciful than God.  Jesus shows the absolute love of God for us in paying an incredibly awesome price for sin.  Clearly He did it to forgive man's sin and to bring us back to the Father.  His infinite mercy is shown in not only taking every single person's sins, but also in opening the doors of heaven and inviting everyone to "Come to Me."  Even though He desires everyone to be saved, He respects the decision of those who choose to reject Him and all the mercy He extended in taking their place in suffering the consequences of their sins.  God will not and can not cheat.  Every sin is paid for, either by Jesus Christ's death, or by the offending person himself.  God is just.   Man will get what he sows. God is absolutely merciful carrying and putting to death the consequences of every man's sins.  His nature is both perfect love and perfect justice.  Otherwise He could not be who He is. 

The Word, in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, stresses that Satan will come with all power, signs, and lying wonders to deceive many.  Notice why: BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH.   Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, including the truth about Jesus.  He will do this for everyone who is teachable.  One of my favorite short Scripture verses is "Let God be true and every man a liar."  Romans 3:4    Our theme at CedarWood for this year, "Got Truth" is based on Proverbs 23:23  Buy the truth and do not give it up at any cost.  Ask God to give you a love of the truth, and a refusal to never compromise it.  Otherwise, you will be deceived.