Righteousness is the object of our spiritual thirst. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Matt 5:6). Why is this the case? When a soul knowingly confronts the living God, it registers upon the individual that unrighteousness in any and every form is completely unacceptable to God. The Spirit declares with power, "that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God." He indicates that it is alarming that anyone professing to know the Lord could be ignorant of this fact (1 Cor 6:9-11). God is righteous (Psa 145:17; Isa 7:9; Dan 9:14). He will not under any circumstances countenance or walk with the unrighteous. Unless the individual is brought into a state of absolute righteousness, he will punished in the day of judgment (2 Pet 2:9).

Paul abandoned all earthly advantages in order to possess a righteousness from God (Phil 3:9). He had heard and embraced the Gospel of Christ., which announces a "righteousness from God" (Rom 1:17, NIV). He was representative of every who believes that Gospel, which is "the power of God unto salvation." It is powerful to accomplish the salvation of God because it announces a righteousness that will make people acceptable to God. Hallelujah! This is a "righteousness apart from the Law" (Rom 3:21), not depending upon human accomplishment, but upon Divine grace and mercy. It is a righteousness that is "received" or accepted, not developed (Psa 24:5). It is appropriately called "the gift of righteousness" (Rom 5:17). That is why Scripture speaks of the people of God as being "made righteous" (Rom 5:19). However, man is not passive in this arrangement. There is something that must be done on the human side of the equation. FAITH is the appointed means of appropriating this righteousness. The "righteousness of God" Himself is granted "through faith" to all who believe (Rom 3:22). It is called "the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (Phil 3:9, NIV). Where faith does not exist, righteousness cannot be granted. Where faith is found, God will give righteousness--His own righteousness.

In view of this circumstance, our responsibility is clear. We are to "live by faith," seeking to be "strong in faith," fighting "the good fight of faith," and keeping the faith. Apart from this, we cannot be right!