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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: I learned in catechism that it is wrong to claim to be righteous, but in a Bible study I am attending, the materials often give Bible verses about being righteous. This is troubling me. How can this be explained? – L.R.

 

Dear L.R.: Some people confuse living righteously with being self-righteous. To be self-righteous is claiming to be better than others and proud of it. Jesus told the story of the proud Pharisee who stood up and prayed about himself, saying, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men … or even as this tax collector” (Luke 18:11, NKJV). But Jesus condemned his self-righteous attitude, commending instead the tax collector for his humble prayer for mercy.

True righteousness – the kind of righteousness the Bible urges us to have – comes only from God. By nature we are unrighteous and sinful, but when we come to Christ, our sins – like filthy garments – are cast aside and we become clothed with the perfect righteousness of Christ. Now God counts us as righteous in His sight, because He has imparted to us “the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:9, NKJV).

To live righteously is impossible in our own power, but as we submit to the control of God’s Holy Spirit, we find strength to live the way we should. The Bible says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all … , teaching us that … we should live … righteously … in the present age” (Titus 2:11–12, NKJV).

God’s will is that we would be righteous in our living. God is holy, and the plan of redemption has holiness as its goal. This is not a pious pose. Christian living flings open the windows to real joy. Those who have been saved know the meaning of abundant life.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)