Christ Our Righteousness, June 24

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25.AG 183.1

Christ is called “the Lord our righteousness,” and through faith each one should say, “The Lord my righteousness.” When faith lays hold upon this gift of God, the praise of God will be upon our lips, and we shall be able to say to others, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). We shall then be able to tell the lost concerning the plan of salvation, that while the world was lying under the curse of sin, the Lord presented terms of mercy to the fallen and hopeless sinner, and revealed the value and meaning of His grace. Grace is unmerited favor.... It was grace that sent our Saviour to seek us as wanderers and bring us back to the fold....AG 183.2

No man can look within himself and find anything in his character that will recommend him to God, or make his acceptance sure. It is only through Jesus, whom the Father gave for the life of the world, that the sinner may find access to God. Jesus alone is our Redeemer, our Advocate and Mediator; in Him is our only hope for pardon, peace, and righteousness. It is by virtue of the blood of Christ that the sin-stricken soul can be restored to soundness....AG 183.3

Apart from Christ we have no merit, no righteousness. Our sinfulness, our weakness, our human imperfection make it impossible that we should appear before God unless we are clothed in Christ's spotless righteousness....AG 183.4

When you respond to the drawing of Christ, and join yourself to Him, you manifest saving faith.... Faith familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God, and, living with an eye single to the glory of God, more and more we discern the beauty of His character, the excellence of His grace. Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven.... We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the Chief among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image.^{55Selected Messages 1:331-335.}AG 183.5