The Free Gifts of Holiness and Righteousness in Christ

In the heart of the Christian faith is the incredible truth that God, through Jesus Christ, has freely given us the gifts of holiness and righteousness. These are not qualities we can achieve on our own; they are divine attributes bestowed upon us by faith in Christ. By trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are born anew, made holy and righteous before God, not by our works but by God’s grace and love.

Holiness and Righteousness: Gifts Through Faith, Not Works

The Bible teaches that holiness and righteousness cannot be earned by human effort. Scripture is clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This free gift is given to us through our faith in Christ, who was crucified and resurrected to bring us into God’s family as holy and righteous children.

Our holiness and righteousness are not a result of personal perfection but are found in Christ alone. Through faith in Him, we receive a new birth into a life where God sees us as holy and righteous. This transformation is not achieved by works but by trusting fully in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Made Holy and Justified by Faith in Christ

By placing our faith in Christ, we are justified and sanctified before God. Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This justification means that God no longer sees us as sinners but as His righteous children, clothed in Christ’s perfection.

The blood of Jesus washes away our sins, and His resurrection gives us new life. When we accept this by faith, we are reborn into a life that is holy before God. We are no longer condemned by our past sins but live in the freedom and holiness granted by Christ’s sacrifice.

Seek First the Kingdom and His Righteousness

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This verse emphasizes that God’s Kingdom and righteousness are at the center of our new life in Christ. To seek God’s Kingdom means to embrace the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, guiding us in holiness.

The righteousness of God is revealed through His Word. Scripture itself is the living expression of God’s righteousness, showing us His standards, His love, and His goodness. As we grow in understanding His Word and yielding to the Holy Spirit, we embody God’s holiness and righteousness.

Holiness: The Spirit of God Within Us

So, what is holiness? Holiness is more than just moral purity; it is God’s very presence within us. Romans 1:4 describes Jesus as “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead.” The Holy Spirit, dwelling in us, brings us into God’s holiness and enables us to live a life that reflects His nature.

Holiness is the Spirit of God, the Kingdom of God, and the presence of God within us. When we walk in the Spirit, we are walking in God’s holiness. It’s a gift we receive by faith, not a goal we achieve through self-effort. Through the Spirit, we become vessels of God’s presence, carrying His holiness into the world.

Righteousness: The Word and Love of God

Righteousness, like holiness, is also a gift received by faith. Righteousness is rooted in God’s Word and reflects His love, wisdom, and goodness. Through His Word, we understand what it means to live in right standing with God. Hebrews 5:13 describes God’s Word as the “Word of righteousness,” indicating that our righteousness is established through Scripture.

The righteousness of God is not just a moral standard; it is an outpouring of His love. Love is the foundation of God’s character and the fulfillment of His commands. As Jesus said, “By this, all people will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This love is the essence of righteousness; it is the goodness and wisdom of God flowing from our lives.

Walking in Holiness and Righteousness Through Faith

We are called to walk daily in the holiness and righteousness God has given us. This walk is empowered by the Spirit and grounded in His Word. Holiness and righteousness work in us as we embrace God’s Spirit and align our lives with His Word.

Romans 8:10-11 explains, “If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” By yielding to the Spirit, we experience the life of God that empowers us to live holy and righteous lives, not by our strength but by His.

Conclusion: Living in the Light of God’s Free Gifts

Holiness and righteousness are free gifts from God, given through faith in Jesus Christ. They are not achievements but attributes we receive by accepting His grace and allowing His Spirit to work within us. When we live in the light of these gifts, we reflect God’s love, wisdom, and goodness to those around us. This life of holiness and righteousness is our testimony to the world, a witness of God’s transformative power through Christ.

Let us embrace the free gifts of holiness and righteousness, walking daily in God’s Spirit and grounded in His Word, allowing His presence and love to shape us, and sharing His light with the world. Through these gifts, we are empowered to live as sons and daughters of God, reflecting His nature and fulfilling His purposes on earth.