Christ Our Righteousness
INTRO
I. CHRIST AND THE LAW.
A. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. The word "end" in Greek is telos. It occurs 40 times in the NT, 14 times in Paul. This is a MUCH DEBATED verse with many different interpretations focussed on the meaning of the word "end".
1) termination. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:24.
2) goal. Cf. 1 Tim. 1:5.
3) fulfillment of the law for righteousness. Mt. 5:17.
a) He fulfilled all the righteousness of the law Himself. Mt. 3:15; Ps. 40:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jn. 3:5.
b) He bore all of our unrighteousness on the cross. 1 Pet. 2:24. "It is finished" is when Christ accomplished this on the cross and His resurrection is the proof.
c) His righteousness is given in salvation/justification.
II. CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THE BELIEVER.
"to everyone who believes."
A. Faith is the only means of receiving this gift.
1) A personal application.
2) Faith receives the gift of righteousness: (contra Rom. Catholic; New Perspective)
- regardless of past.
- personal faith.
- not based on size of faith.
- faith brings a new life.
B. Pictures of Christ’s righteousness in the Bible.
1) The tunic of fine linen worn by both Aaron and his sons (Ex. 28:39-43).
2) Joshua the high priest (Zech. 3:3-5).
3) The elect in Isa. 61:10.
4) The prodigal son (Lk. 15:20-23).
5) The wedding guest not properly dressed (Mt. 22:11-14).
6) 1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9; Rom. 3:21-28; 4:3-12; 5:1,17-19, etc.
CONCLUSION