> One of the beautiful mysteries of the Christian life is the dual nature of the believer’s righteousness. On the one hand, every Christian is clothed with perfect righteousness the very moment they trust in Christ. On the other, we all know that—practically—none of us is perfected yet! We still wrestle with sin, weaknesses, and shortcomings. How can both these realities be true? How should they shape our assurance, daily walk, and relationship with God?
Let’s explore the biblical truth that our righteousness is both a finished gift and a continuing journey—grounded in the work of Christ and expressed as we daily grow in love and obedience.
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The Dual Nature of the Believer’s Righteousness: Christ’s Gift and Our Growth
1. Imputed Righteousness: The Perfect Standing Christ Gives
When a person first believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the Bible teaches that Christ’s perfect righteousness is credited (imputed) to them. We are not accepted by God because of our works or goodness, but solely because of Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
(2 Corinthians 5:21)
This imputed righteousness is not something we achieve—it’s a status we receive by faith. The apostle Paul rejoiced in this gift:
“…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
(Philippians 3:9)
As Martin Luther so clearly put it:
“This is that mystery which is rich in divine grace to sinners: wherein by a wonderful exchange, our sins are no longer ours but Christ’s; and the righteousness of Christ not Christ’s but ours.”
We stand fully accepted, not because of our own righteousness, but entirely because of what Christ has accomplished for us.
2. Growing in Holiness: Becoming More Like Jesus
While our position before God is secure the moment we believe, personal holiness—actually living out God’s righteousness—remains a lifelong journey. At conversion, we are not instantly made perfect in character. God’s will is that we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:18) and progressively become more like Jesus.
“For this is the will of God: your sanctification…”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Paul exhorts believers:
“I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
(Ephesians 4:1)
God’s goal is to conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). This is a life-long, Spirit-empowered transformation, motivated not by fear or earning, but by love for the One who saved us.
As J.C. Ryle observed:
“The heart that has really tasted the grace of Christ will instinctively hate sin.”
3. We Are His Workmanship: God Works In Us
Our transformation is ultimately the work of God Himself. We are not left to strive in our own strength. Instead:
“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
God is the Master Artist, shaping us through the Holy Spirit’s power. Paul assures us:
“…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 1:6)
Even our willingness and ability to pursue holiness comes from God:
“…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
(Philippians 2:13)
John Stott reminds us of our utter dependence on the Lord in this process:
“Sanctification is not a self-improvement program. It is the continual work of the Holy Spirit, conforming us into the likeness of Christ.”
4. We Cooperate to Express Our Love and Gratitude
If Christ has done it all, why grow in holiness? The answer: not to earn merit or pay God back, but to express love and thankfulness for what God has already done. We participate—cooperating with the Spirit, resisting the devil, putting off the old self, and putting on the fruits of the Spirit—as an overflow of gratitude.
“Therefore, my beloved…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…”
(Philippians 2:12–13)
It’s an active pursuit:
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
(Galatians 5:16)
Charles Spurgeon brilliantly captured this balance:
“While we rest our souls on Christ’s finished work, we must not be idle as to our sanctification, but strive against every sin, and endeavor to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect.”
Our daily calling is to let the Spirit produce His fruit in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—and to press on against our old nature.
Conclusion: Righteous and Growing
Believer, you are already righteous in Christ—fully known, fully loved, and completely accepted. But God loves you too much to leave you as you are! He is at work making you more like Jesus each day. You are His child—His masterpiece in progress.
So, rejoice in your secure standing. Pursue holiness not to gain acceptance, but out of thankful love. Take heart—He who began this good work will surely finish it!
Remember:
“And we all…are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
Resources for Further Study
- Books:
- The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
- Holiness by J.C. Ryle
- Basic Christianity by John Stott
- The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
- Scripture References to Explore:
- Romans 3:21–26
- 2 Corinthians 5:17–21
- Philippians 2:12–13
- Ephesians 2:8–10
- Galatians 5:16–25
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3
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