Are you righteous or Justified!
If being under the law could make you righteous, why didn’t Jesus tell the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law they were doing a good job?
Is humbleness the only way to holiness?
Please read Luke 18:9-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:” – Luke 18:9
Are you confident in your own righteousness?
Are you comfortable that “doing” what you “do” makes you righteous or complete?
Are you playing half law/half Grace?
It is interesting to me that the group to which Jesus explained this parable was plainly spelled out. Why do you think that is?
I see two people in this parable one with a “love me checklist” and the other with knowledge of who he really is and who we all are and what we are- “broken.” If that doesn’t jive with who you think you are, you might ask yourself if you are thinking you are something more than broken or are you more like the first person in this parable.
Do you have a list of what makes you better or special or more right? Does that secret checklist you have in your mind create a level system with God – some people are worse than other people because their sin is different than mine?
Lets really examine the second man. What was he like?
1) He felt unworthy – Great thing the gift that Jesus gives is free. You nor I could ever hope to measure up.
2) He felt humble – He laid it all out there even to the point of beating himself.
3) He knew what he was and the only thing he needed – He was a sinner and needed mercy.
Now look at what Jesus says about the legalist and the sinner:
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
In other words if you think you are something special because of that legalistic checklist – think again!
On the other hand if you think you are nothing without Christ and His sacrifice, if you know that there is nothing good in you and you have a humble heart – YOU have Hope!
Am I righteous or justified?
