July 3

And Righteousness.—1 Corinthians 1:30.

JEREMIAH when prophesying of Christ, says, "And this is the name by which he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness." (Jeremiah 23:6.) Christ is righteousness in every sense of the word. His will is the only rule of righteousness—his nature was the essence of righteousness—his life was righteousness embodied. Righteousness living, speaking, and acting, in all places, and under all circumstances. He is the prince of righteousness—he came to bring in an everlasting righteousness—his throne is a throne of righteousness—and his rule and dominion is a reign of truth and righteousness. But he is the righteousness of his people. In him alone have they justifying righteousness. They have no righteousness to present before God, therefore cannot be just in his sight. But by faith in Jesus, the just one, who is the mediator between God and man, God can, and does justify them freely from all things, and considers them, and treats with them as righteous before him. Yes, the Lord is well pleased with all who believe in him, for his righteousness sake, who magnified the law, and made it honorable. Then there is internal righteousness, righteousness of heart and life, and Christ is also the source and author of this. His precious blood cleanseth us from all sin. He sprinkles the clean water of spiritual influence on the foul polluted hearts of those who believe in him, and he writes his law upon the hallowed tablets of their souls, and then they run in the way of his ordinances and statutes, with delight. He is also the Righteousness of all the services of his people. God cannot accept of any sinful, or even imperfect service. Frail man cannot present a perfect offering to God. How then are our services accepted? Through the righteousness of Christ. He stands as Mediator between God and us. God can treat with his righteous Son, and through him with us. And Jesus, by his all meritorious righteousness, renders our otherwise totally unworthy services, acceptable to the Father. Thus our obedience is accepted; thus our praises and prayers are all accepted; and thus, through Christ's righteousness, do we constantly stand accepted of God. Let us beware of self righteousness; let us remember, a righteousness is indispensable, and thus may we be constrained to trust alone to Christ, who is our righteousness, strength, and salvation.

"Jesus, thy blood and righteousness, My beauty are, my glorious dress; 'Midst flaming worlds, in these array'd, With joy shall I lift up my head."