Upon What Conditions?
How was this accomplished? Upon what conditions was this wonderful transaction wrought? Was it because the times and conditions in which these men and women lived were favorable to righteousness? Or was it due to the special and superior qualities inherent in those who reached the high tablelands of godliness?COR 13.3
All the records of the times and of individuals give a negative answer. They were people with natures like our own, and their environment “vexed” their righteous souls from day to day. 2 Peter 2:7, 8. They obtained the priceless blessing of righteousness in the one way, the only way, it has been possible for any human being to secure it since Adam sinned.COR 13.4
The way of being made righteous is given great prominence in the New Testament. The clearest and fullest exposition is found in the epistle of Paul to the Romans. At the very beginning of his argument the apostle declares: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.... For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16, 17.COR 13.5
It is the gospel that reveals to men the perfect righteousness of God. The gospel also reveals the way that righteousness may be obtained by sinful men, namely, by faith. This is presented at greater length in the following statement:COR 14.1
“By the deeds [the works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified [accounted righteous] in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law [works of the law] is manifested, being witnessed [approved, accepted] by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” Romans 3:20-22.COR 14.2
In the first part of this statement, the apostle shows the part which the law takes in the problem of justification. “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” The knowledge of sin; not the deliverance from sin. The law points out sin. In so doing it declares the whole world to be guilty before God. Romans 3. But the law cannot deliver from sin. No effort of the sinner to obey the law can cancel his guilt or bring to him the righteousness of God.COR 14.3
That righteousness, Paul declares, is “by faith of Jesus Christ: ... whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [an atoning sacrifice] through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:22-25.COR 14.4
It is through faith in the blood of Christ that all the sins of the believer are canceled and the righteousness of God is put in their place to the believer’s account. O, what a marvelous transaction! What a manifestation of divine love and grace. Here is a man born in sin. As Paul says, he is “filled with all unrighteousness”. His inheritance of evil is the worst imaginable. His environment is at the lowest depths known to the wicked. In some way the love of God shining from the cross of Calvary reaches that man’s heart. He yields, repents, confesses, and by faith claims Christ as his Saviour. The instant that is done, he is accepted as a child of God. His sins are all forgiven, his guilt is canceled, he is accounted righteous, and stands approved, justified, before the divine law. And this amazing, miraculous change may take place in one short hour. This is righteousness by faith.COR 15.1
Having made these clear, forceful statements as to the way of being made righteous, the apostle then illustrates the truth declared by a concrete case. He takes the experience of Abraham as an example.COR 15.2
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” Romans 4:1.COR 15.3
Anticipating his answer, we reply: Abraham had found righteousness. But how-by what method? Paul tells us: “If Abraham were justified [accounted righteous] by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.” Romans 4:2.COR 15.4
Made righteous by works is a suggestion, a proposal,—if such a thing could be. Is that the way by which to obtain righteousness? “What saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it [his belief] was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3. This statement settles forever the way by which Abraham obtained God’s righteousness. It was not by works; it was by faith.COR 16.1