Which Righteousness is “Right”?

Romans 10 continues the discussion about sovereignty, righteousness and the law. Let’s read the first few verses of this chapter: Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.  Is there a righteousness that is right and a righteousness that is wrong? The answer is “yes”. Paul is saying here that the Israelites were seeking a righteousness that came through the law, a set of rules and requirements. They had a desire or a zeal for God but they were ignorant of God’s righteousness through Christ and sought the “wrong” righteousness through the requirements of the law. Sincerity is not enough. Though many Israelites were sincere about obtaining righteousness, they didn’t have the knowledge of Christ. The righteousness of God does not come through the law but comes through Jesus Christ. I really like what Paul says in verse 4: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Christ came to fulfill the law. He is the embodiment of the righteousness that appears in the law and cannot be achieved by man.

What are you counting on to obtain righteousness with God? Are you counting on your own efforts and good works or the righteousness that is through Jesus? Only the righteousness available through belief in Jesus is “right”…all other ways to righteousness are wrong.