Righteousness by Faith

What is the true significance of the term “Righteousness by Faith”? Paul explains it clearly:

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.” — Romans 3:22

This righteousness comes upon all who believe. It is the righteousness of God, and it comes to us by the faith of Jesus Christ—not through works, effort, or personal merit. The moment a person truly believes in Jesus and receives the gift God has provided, that person is counted righteous in God's eyes. Paul emphasizes this truth throughout Romans, especially in 4:4–5, where he makes it plain that righteousness is not a reward for works, but a gift for faith.

This is where our part comes in. The fight against sin—the battle for victory—is not ours to win. That battle was already fought and won by Jesus Christ. The life of victory is not earned; it is given. It is a gift of God, freely bestowed on all who will simply believe. Our challenge, then, is not to strive to be righteous, but to believe in the righteousness Christ has already provided. This is where prayer and fasting have their place—not to earn righteousness, but to help us overcome our unbelief and cling more fully to Christ.

Many Christians engage in good spiritual disciplines: they fast, pray, read the Bible, go to church, and share their faith. These are good things. But we must remember—they do not produce righteousness. The Jews in Jesus’ day did all these things too. Yet, Paul tells us they missed the righteousness of God because they tried to establish their own through works (Rom. 10:3). Their religious activities became a substitute for simple faith in God's gift.

It is possible to do all the right things—but for the wrong reasons.

The same danger exists today. If our religious actions are driven by the desire to earn God's approval, they may actually become obstacles to faith. Righteousness is not given to those who try hard enough; it is given to those who stop trusting in self and fully trust in Christ.

There never has been—and never will be—a time when we can contribute anything to our salvation. Justification is God's gift. Sanctification is God's gift. Glorification is God's gift (Rom. 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11). If any part depended on our effort, it would no longer be grace. Paul reminds us:

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” — Romans 4:4–5

So what does God ask of us? Believe. Receive. Rest in Christ. Faith is not a work—it is trusting in the work already done. This is righteousness by faith: accepting the perfect righteousness of Jesus as our own, simply by believing God's promise.

Let us hold fast to this truth and never exchange the gift of God for the illusion of earning it.