THIS ONE THING or
THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE MINDSET

" . . . Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus . . ." (Philippians 3:7-16)

Devotion 4 of 13

BEING FOUND IN HIM

" . . . And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

At once we see that Paul's attitude is immediately related to salvation. To be "found in Him" refers to the time when we will all appear "before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Cor 5:10). How we appear, or are "found," at that time is everything! As you can see, being "found in Him" is not unrelated to effort on our part--hearty effort! Neither, indeed, is it all automatic.

And how is it that Paul wants to be found? He knows righteousness will be the issue! Will he be righteous before God or not? There are only two types of righteousness recognized by God and both have to do with what He has initiated. The first is a righteousness that "comes from the Law." It is based upon the doing of the individual. In the energy of the human nature alone, an effort is made to do all the Lord has commanded. Paul has already said he excelled in natural advantage and such personal effort as is here described (vs 5-6). However, it was all futile, every jot and tittle of it! He threw it all overboard in preference of another righteousness--one that "comes from God."

This is the righteousness announced by the Gospel of Christ. "For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" (Rom 1:17). It is a righteousness that is conferred by God "without the law" (Rom 3:21). As it is written, "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" (Rom 3:22).

The righteousness of the Law depends upon man, and MUST be given up in order to obtain the righteousness of God (which is the only acceptable righteousness). It is no wonder Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Matt 6:33). Those without this righteousness are, in fact, "unrighteous," and can in no way inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9). When Jesus comes again, He will find us. How we appear in His eyes will determine our eternal destiny. It is not possible to be more serious.

Our text carefully states this righteousness is realized "through faith." That is the spiritual hand, as it were, that takes hold of the righteousness announced in the Gospel. Repeatedly, the Spirit underscores this reality. "This righteousness from God comes THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ . . . HIS FAITH is counted for righteousness . . . the righteousness that he had BY FAITH . . . the righteousness that comes BY FAITH . . . the righteousness that is BY FAITH" (Rom 3:22; 4:5,11,13; 10:6 NIV). This is righteous conferred by God because of faith.

Paul knows this is the ONLY way to be accepted by God. For God to ignore this requirement would invalidate the death of Christ. Not only is the initial belief of the Gospel and trust in Christ required, it must be maintained. There are competing influences--religious influences--that contradict this means of acceptance. They tend to blind the eyes of the heart and cause men to live in delusion. Knowing this, Paul threw all such things overboard, considering them worthless and contaminating refuse, or dung. He knew it was possible to be "found" in Christ, NOT having His own righteous, but in possession of God's righteousness. By having any other frame of mind, than is described in this text, however, it simply is not possible for you, or anyone else, to be found righteous! The rarity of this view confirms its value.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus, for bringing Your own righteousness within the reach of faith.

-- Tomorrow: THAT I MAY KNOW HIM AND THE POWER . . . --