Today’s encouragement comes from Rom. 1:17, where we read these immortal words:
“For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’ “ (ESV)
There are essentially two “righteousnesses” that all of us sinners inevitably seek to avail ourselves of: a “righteousness” of our “own,” (Rom. 10:3); or the “righteousness of God.” Our “own” righteousness is sought through “law” obe-dience (Rom. 10:5). The righteousness of God is apprehended by faith in Christ alone (Rom. 1:17; 10:4).
These two “righteousnesses,” and their adherents, are diametrically opposed to each other. They can never be reconciled. “Self/law” “righteousness” leads to Satan and hell. God’s righteousness received by faith leads to Christ and glory.
[Puritan quote of the day: "[Christ] was love itself clothed with man's na-
ture . . . " —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
