Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: Put No Trust in Their Own

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In the Christian tradition, righteousness is understood as a state of moral purity or uprightness that is in alignment with God's standards. For the saints, or those who are set apart as holy in Christ, righteousness is not something that can be achieved through their own efforts or merits. Instead, it is a gift from God, imparted through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, where the saints are consistently reminded to place their trust not in their own righteousness, but in the righteousness of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the futility of relying on one's own righteousness. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah declares, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). This stark imagery underscores the inadequacy of human righteousness when compared to the holiness of God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates this principle with clarity. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, "and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith" (Philippians 3:9). Paul, once a Pharisee who meticulously followed the law, came to understand that true righteousness is not derived from legalistic adherence but through faith in Christ.

The Role of Faith

Faith is central to the concept of righteousness for the saints. It is through faith that believers are justified and made righteous before God. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . This passage highlights that righteousness is accessible to all who place their faith in Jesus, regardless of their past deeds or status.

The saints are called to live by faith, trusting in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," recounts the accounts of numerous individuals who lived by faith, demonstrating that righteousness is a result of trusting in God's promises rather than one's own abilities.

Humility and Dependence on God

A key characteristic of the saints is their humility and dependence on God. They recognize their own limitations and the need for divine intervention. The psalmist captures this sentiment in Psalm 71:16, "I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone" . This verse reflects the understanding that it is God's righteousness, not their own, that sustains and empowers them.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, further illustrates this dependence by acknowledging his own weaknesses and the sufficiency of God's grace: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This passage reveals that the saints find strength not in their own capabilities, but in the grace and power of Christ.

Practical Implications

For the saints, putting no trust in their own righteousness has practical implications for their daily lives. It fosters a spirit of humility, gratitude, and reliance on God. It also encourages a life of obedience and service, motivated not by a desire to earn righteousness, but as a response to the righteousness already received through faith.

The saints are called to continually seek God's guidance and strength, acknowledging that apart from Him, they can do nothing (John 15:5). This dependence on God is not a sign of weakness, but a recognition of the true source of righteousness and strength.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:6-8
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he ... Behold, he putteth no
trust in his saints; yea, the ... of Job reference is made to a righteousness of a ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

Lii. Trust in God.
... not seek first our spiritual welfare, but put that altogether ... fear the Lord, ye that
are His saints: for they ... the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lii trust in god.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, are caught up ... she gave to Hercules,
and which he put upon him ... own, did not submit to the righteousness of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... III. Nay, but put the case were man perfect, yet should he not know his soul, but ...
And it is not the created inherent righteousness of saints glorified, that ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... he was asked, "Unto which of the saints wilt thou ... no means: I take particular care
to put each of ... The human righteousness of Christ, at least the imputation of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm

An Awful Contrast
... unto God, without blemish and without spot, that he might put away the ... you prefer
these to the fair white linen which is the righteousness of saints, if you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/an awful contrast.htm

On the Conception of Our Lady, Also on Her Birth
... may come to understand with all the saints, the Height ... I told you how man must first
put away all ... on anything whatsoever; and in false righteousness desire to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon iii on the conception.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... tilled and dressed his land and put in the ... What the saints, sages, and saviors have
accomplished, you ... the heart that is earnestly seeking for Righteousness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... But do not make it a pretence to put off thy ... an unregenerate person, and hast no
title to the saints' rest ... curse of the law, or as a legal righteousness, or any ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

The Love of God Its Own Reward
... I will make mention only of his righteousness. ... IS within your reach, if you will
but put out your ... safe through death, and to say with all his saints and martyrs ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon ix the love of.htm