Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #7 — Jesus—Our All In All!

Picture: Counsel #7 — Jesus—Our All In All! CSL 138.1

Righteousness by faith^[105] in Jesus is the best news ever for every aspiring overcomer! CSL 138.2

We simply cannot gain salvation by our own good works or human merit because we are marred by sin. The law, while revealing to us our own moral failures, also exposes our inability to fulfill its demands. Thus, salvation becomes an unattainable goal through human effort. However, there’s Good News! God's grace^[106] intervenes through Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice. By faith, you can accept Christ's righteousness—His holiness and goodness—as your own and be clothed in His perfect character. When Jesus' perfect righteousness is credited to us, it's a gift of God's amazing grace, not something we earn.^[107]   CSL 138.3

Believe in God's extraordinary power to mold you into the image of Christ—perfect in every way. On your own, you cannot erase your sins or transform your heart. But through your surrender to God, trust that He accomplished this for you because of Christ's sacrifice.^[108] CSL 138.4

“All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind.” Isaiah 64:6 GNT CSL 138.5

“Christ’s righteousness can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 88 CSL 138.6

Reflect: How can you effectively communicate the message of righteousness by faith to others who may be struggling with guilt and condemnation? CSL 138.7