Our environment often measures worth by performance, status, or appearance. Through this lens, the concept of righteousness through faith can seem foreign. However, this is the very foundation of the gospel. Righteousness isn’t something we earn, but a gift we receive; neither is salvation a reward for good behavior, but the result of believing in Jesus Christ, the one who was good on our behalf.

The Bible tells us plainly, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV). No one is exempt. From the most upright citizen to the most broken soul, we all stand in need of a Savior. In His mercy, God made a way for us to be made right with Him—not through our efforts, but through faith in Jesus.

This is the heart of salvation: “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, NKJV). Grace is unearned, undeserved favor; faith is our response to that grace. Believing in Jesus, and in His death, burial, and resurrection, makes us righteous in God’s eyes.

Righteousness isn’t a feeling, but a spiritual position. The moment we accept Christ, we’re declared righteous, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what He did. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV). This exchange between God and us is the cornerstone of our salvation.

Despite this, many believers struggle with guilt and condemnation; they feel unworthy of God’s love. Thankfully, Romans 8:1 assures us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...” The enemy wants us to live in shame, but God calls us to live in freedom. Righteousness gives us the boldness to approach Him, not as beggars, but as beloved children.

Living in righteousness doesn’t mean we never sin. It means we have an advocate, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us. It means we don’t run from God when we fall, but to Him. The more we understand our righteous identity, the more empowered we are to live holy lives, not out of fear, but out of love.

This righteousness also equips us for spiritual battle. Just as soldiers wear armor into combat, believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14, NKJV). The breastplate protects our heart, which is very important to God. When we know we’re righteous, we guard our hearts against the lies of the enemy.

Salvation isn’t the end of the journey, but the beginning. As we grow in our understanding of righteousness, we begin to walk in the authority and confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. We’re no longer slaves to sin, but sons and daughters of the Most High.

This isn’t just good news, but the best news. We’ve been saved, not by striving, but by believing. We’re righteous, not by merit, but by mercy. Additionally, we’re loved, not because we’re perfect or flawless, but because God is. This our true identity.