TEXT:"SIMON Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained the like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:"-2 Peter 1:2

Righteousness means rightness or goodness. The righteousness of God, therefore, is the rightness or goodness of God. Just as there is the righteousness of God, there is also the righteousness of man, which is as filthy rags, Isaiah 64:6. What is right or good in the sight of man, may be an abomination in the sight of God and vice versa, Luke 16:15.

The righteousness of God is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is not of ourselves. It is the gift of God, and not of works, lest any man should boast. However, we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has prepared that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:8-10.

Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith. The scripture says he believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness, Genesis 15:6. After this, he obeyed the commandment of circumcision, the works of the law. Faith in Christ plus works equal the righteousness of God.

Conversely, works without faith in Christ Jesus equal the righteousness of man. This was the problem with the Jews, Romans 10:1-4. However, our brother James, while writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, in James 2:14, is not contradicting what Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-10, but was complementing it. What James is saying is that, if you say you have faith, and does not show its corresponding works by obedience. That faith will die and as such, it cannot save you.

For instance, if you studied Law in the school, and you are qualified as a lawyer, but you did not engage in any form of practice, nobody will know or even address you as a barrister. Your certificate will only be gathering dust wherever you have kept it. If you are a lawyer, then practice Law. In like manner, if you are a Christian, practice Christianity. Practice what you preach! This is what James is writing about. And this is the righteousness of God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C.