The Faith I Live By

Filled With His Righteousness, April 13

Justified by His Righteousness

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6. FLB 109.1

Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and “God is love.” 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for “all thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172), and “love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him. FLB 109.2

Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; ... without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. “Their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord,” and, “This is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” Isaiah 54:17; Jeremiah 23:6. FLB 109.3

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, ... “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35.... FLB 109.4

The more we know of God, the higher will be our ideal of character and the more earnest our longing to reflect His likeness. A divine element combines with the human when the soul reaches out after God and the longing heart can say, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” Psalm 62:5.... FLB 109.5

The continual cry of the heart is, “More of Thee,” and ever the Spirit's answer is, “Much more.” Romans 5:9, 10.... It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Christ should “all the fulness dwell,” and “in him ye are made full.” Colossians 1:19, R.V.; 2:10, R.V.^{50Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 18-21.} FLB 109.6

Christ is the great depository of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace. FLB 109.7

All may come to Him, and receive of His fullness.^{51Selected Messages 1:398.} FLB 109.8