GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS FULFILLED IN US

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4, KJV)

The righteousness of God is one of the most profound aspects of His divine nature. It is a subject that transcends time and was magnificently revealed in different dispensations—from the Law given to Moses, to the grace and truth that came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, expounded on the reality that God’s righteousness is now fulfilled in us who live by the Spirit. This is not merely an abstract theological truth, but a practical and transformative reality that should govern our daily lives.

The Revelation of Righteousness in the Law

Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, had a revelation of God’s righteousness through the Law. To him, the Law was not a mere set of burdensome regulations but a divine reflection of the righteousness of God. His admiration for the Law is vividly expressed in Deuteronomy.

In Deuteronomy 4:8, he exclaimed:

“And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” (Deuteronomy 4:8, KJV)

Moses recognized that the statutes and judgments given by God were not ordinary laws but expressions of divine righteousness. These laws set Israel apart from all other nations, making them a peculiar people unto God (Deuteronomy 7:6).

Further in Deuteronomy 6:25, Moses emphasized the significance of obedience to the Law:

“And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.” (Deuteronomy 6:25, KJV)

For Moses, righteousness was not just a theological concept; it was a way of life. Obedience to God’s commandments was seen as a means of attaining righteousness. The Law was their standard of holiness and their path to a right standing with God.

In Deuteronomy 32:46-47, Moses instructed the people with great earnestness:

“Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” (Deuteronomy 32:46-47, KJV)

Moses did not see the Law as an imposition but as life itself. He knew that obedience to God’s righteous decrees would lead to longevity and blessings. This reverence for the Law shaped the identity of Israel as a covenant people.

The Fulfillment of Righteousness in Christ

The coming of Christ introduced a higher revelation of righteousness—one that is not based on human effort but on divine grace. Paul, writing to the Romans, explained the limitation of the Law and the superiority of righteousness through Christ.

The Law was holy and just, but it lacked the power to make men truly righteous because of the weakness of human flesh. Sinful nature rendered man incapable of fulfilling the righteous demands of the Law. But God, in His infinite mercy, sent Jesus Christ in the likeness of sinful flesh to bear the penalty of sin and to destroy its power over humanity. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ accomplished what the Law could not—He made righteousness attainable not by works but by faith.

Paul further clarifies this in Romans 3:21-22:

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.” (Romans 3:21-22, KJV)

This righteousness is not earned by observing the Law but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the righteousness of God imparted to all who believe in Him. The believer, therefore, is not trying to become righteous; he is made righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Manifestation of Righteousness in the Believer

As born-again believers, we are not merely forgiven; we are transformed into vessels of divine righteousness.

1. We Are Made Righteous by Faith

Righteousness is not earned; it is received by faith. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5).

2. We Walk in Righteousness by the Spirit

The same power that raised Christ from the dead now works in us (Romans 8:11). We are no longer slaves to sin but are led by the Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14).

3. We Manifest Righteousness in the Earth

As ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we carry His righteousness into the world. Wherever we go:

Righteousness is established – “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17).
Peace is released – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
Joy is manifested – “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17).

Living Out His Righteousness

Since we have received the righteousness of God, we are called to walk in it. This means living not according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, KJV)

Walking in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and govern our lives. It means living by faith, in obedience to God’s Word, and expressing His love, holiness, and truth in our daily conduct.

As ambassadors of the Kingdom, we embody and extend God’s righteousness to our world. Wherever we go, righteousness manifests through us. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:14:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14, KJV)

When we step into a place, the atmosphere changes. Righteousness arrives with us. Peace follows us. Joy is made manifest because we carry the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17, KJV)

This consciousness should govern our daily lives. We are not ordinary people—we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). We must carry ourselves with this awareness and manifest His glory in all we do.

Conclusion

The righteousness that Moses saw in the Law and marveled at has now been fulfilled in us through Christ Jesus. What was once a requirement under the Law is now a reality in Christ. We are not striving to attain righteousness; we have been made righteous. Our calling is to live out this righteousness, walking in the Spirit, and shining as lights in a dark world.

As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that we are extensions of the Kingdom of God. Through us, His righteousness, peace, and joy are made known. Wherever we step, His Kingdom is manifested.

Hallelujah!