In the first of this series of papers we spoke about our standing in righteousness and sanctification before Clod. We saw that, by the work of Christ, as brought out in Romans, we are made the righteousness of God, so that we are justified from all things through our Savior’s death and resurrection. We also saw that in Hebrews the same work is presented as perfectly sanctifying us and fitting us to worship within the Sanctuary in the presence of a thrice holy God. We must, however, carefully remember, as we noticed at the time, that in both cases we were only considering our standing before God, and not our state. And having thus briefly considered the former, and subsequently spoken of the new life within us, we may now look at the two ways in which that life flows out of us leading to practical righteousness, and holiness or sanctification.
Two Righteousnesses
If we look at Romans 3, we find the righteousness of God is the constant theme, but if we look at Rom. 6, although we find righteousness continually spoken of it is never the righteousness of God; the reason of the difference being that there are two righteousnesses perfectly distinct; one is God’s: the other is the believer’s, and while in Romans 3, the former is the theme (connected with our standing), in Romans 6, it is the latter (connected with our state). For an instance of these two, let us look for a moment at the first person who is clearly said to have both. We are repeatedly told that Noah was a just and righteous man, and also that he was a preacher of righteousness. We know that he was not a preacher of what we call “the gospel,” but that his preaching and practice were characterized by righteousness of walk and ways. This is analogous to the righteousness of Romans 6.
Noah Had One and Was Heir to the Other
If we now turn, however, to Hebrews 11, we there find that Noah “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Mark the language well. In the first place he is an heir to it, which implies two things – the one, that he does not have it yet, and the other, that he has not worked for it – no man can work for what he inherits; and secondly, this righteousness is by faith. Turning to Romans 3:2222Even 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 3:22), (so perfectly does Scripture explain itself), we see clearly that the righteousness which is by faith, is the righteousness of God. We thus see that Noah lived in one righteousness, and became heir to another. The reason he was only heir to the righteousness of God is explained, in Romans 3:2525Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25), where it is shown that God could not declare His righteousness, in passing over Noah’s sins, until an adequate propitiation had been made by the death of Christ.
By considering this case we see that the righteousness in which Noah stands (or will stand) before the throne, is the righteousness of God, as seen in the perfect work of Christ, whereas that in which he lived and glorified God on earth was his own practical righteousness.
In Ephesians 4:2424And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) we read that the new man is created anew in “righteousness and true holiness,” or practical righteousness and sanctification. Walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:22God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:2)) includes these two things, (see Luke 1:7575In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:75)), as is seen in the end of Romans 6, when both are connected as the result of a godly walk (Romans 6:19,2219I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. (Romans 6:19)
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22)).
(To be continued.)