Christ Our Righteousness

Chapter 7 - A Fundamental, All-Embracing Truth

In preceding chapters the subject of Righteousness by Faith has been dealt with largely in its historical aspect,-the time, the place, and the manner in which the Lord chose to bring His people face to face with this vital, fundamental truth of the gospel for the purpose of adding strength, power, and expansion to the proclamation of the third angel’s message which had been so signally entrusted to them. We now come to an analysis of the subject in its broad aspect, as it is presented in the writings of the Spirit of prophecy. COR 70.1

The Minneapolis Conference adjourned with the minds of the delegates in more or less uncertainty and confusion regarding the message of Righteousness by Faith that had been set forth. But the presentation of this vital truth, with all the agitation, discussion, and perplexity it occasioned, was not in vain by any means. It started new thought and study regarding the great theme of justification by faith, and led many into a better, richer appreciation of the Saviour as their substitute and surety. Among the greatest of all the blessings that have followed that meeting has been the abundant instruction which the Lord has sent to His people through the Spirit of prophecy regarding our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and how to live His life by faith. This instruction is truly illuminating. COR 70.2

It is worthy of note that since the Minneapolis Conference there have come to us, through the Spirit of prophecy, the following volumes of instruction: COR 71.1

“Steps to Christ,” in 1892. COR 71.2

“Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” in 1896. COR 71.3

“The Desire of Ages,” in 1898. COR 71.4

“Christ’s Object Lessons,” in 1900. COR 71.5

“Ministry of Healing,” in 1905. COR 71.6

“Acts of the Apostles,” in 1911. COR 71.7

It is well known to all who have read these books that the great dominant theme is Christ,-His victorious life in humanity, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and how He now may be made unto us poor mortals, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. COR 71.8

Besides these intensely spiritual books, scores and scores of messages have been sent to us through the Review and Herald, which contain the clearest and most helpful instruction regarding the subject of righteousness by faith. All this is of priceless value to the church. It throws a flood of light upon the great problem of redemption in all its phases. COR 71.9

In studying further into the subject of Righteousness by Faith, as set forth in the Spirit of prophecy, it is important that there should be a clear understanding of its scope. This is not a doctrine of limited intent or of minor consequence. It is not a subject with which one may or may not be familiar and fare as well. Righteousness by Faith, in its larger meaning, embraces every vital, fundamental truth of the gospel. It begins with man’s moral standing when created, and deals with- COR 71.10

1. The law by which man is to live. COR 72.1

2. Transgression of that law. COR 72.2

3. Penalty for transgression. COR 72.3

4. Problem of redemption. COR 72.4

5. Love of Father and Son which made redemption possible. COR 72.5

6. Justice in accepting a substitute. COR 72.6

7. Nature of the atonement. COR 72.7

8. Incarnation. COR 72.8

9. Sinless life of Christ. COR 72.9

10. Vicarious death of the Son of God. COR 72.10

11. Burial, resurrection, and ascension. COR 72.11

12. The Father’s assurance of a satisfactory substitution. COR 72.12

13. The coming of the Holy Spirit. COR 72.13

14. Ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. COR 72.14

15. The part required of the sinner in order to be redeemed. COR 72.15

16. Nature of faith, repentance, confession, obedience. COR 72.16

17. Meaning and experience of regeneration, justification, and sanctification. COR 72.17

18. Need and place of the Holy Spirit and word of God in making real to men what was made possible on the cross. COR 72.18

19. Victory over sin through the indwelling Christ. COR 72.19

20. Place of works in the life of the believer. COR 72.20

21. Place of prayer in receiving and holding the righteousness of Christ. COR 73.1

22. The culmination and deliverance in the return of the Redeemer. COR 73.2

This is the great sweep of truth embraced in the short phrase “Righteousness by Faith.” “A small key,” says Pierson, “may open a very complex lock and a very large door, and that door itself may lead into a vast building with priceless stores of wealth and beauty.” The brief phrase, “Righteousness by Faith,” opens the door to all the priceless stores of the wealth and glory of the gospel in Christ Jesus our Lord. COR 73.3

It is worth while to note at this point some of the expressions found in the writings of the Spirit of prophecy which serve to introduce or provide appropriate framework for this beautiful truth. COR 73.4