In the gospel we learn that our own righteousness is not enough to save us. Our good deeds are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We learn that all mankind is sinful and under the just condemnation of God’s wrath. Therefore we are not right with God. Sinful man must call on Jehovah Tsidkenu, which means “the Lord Our Righteousness” to be saved from the judgment of God.

Tsidkenu is a Hebrew word which means, “right, righteous, justice, declared innocent.” In other words it means to do what is right. God is the epitome of righteousness. He alone is righteous. We can have confidence that God will deal righteously with sin and evil.

It is God’s righteousness that saves us from His righteous judgement. By grace, Christ takes away our sin and clothes us in His righteousness. We receive this gift by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This means that when we receive Christ as our Lord and saviour God no longer sees our unrighteousness, but the beauty and righteousness of His son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the remarkable gift of salvation; to be made right in the sight of God, to have our sin removed and dealt with.

 It is through the finished work of Christ on the cross that we are made right before God. By grace Christ takes away our sin; by faith, we receive His righteousness; by mercy God forgives and removes all our sin. Due to the fact that none of us are righteous in and of our own doing, God sent His son into the world to be the Saviour of the world.

Because none of us can be righteous by our own efforts, God sent His Son into the world to be the Saviour for all who call on His name. Christ was that perfect sacrifice for sin. Those who turn to Him in faith and repentance, lose their unrighteousness and gain His righteousness. Today, as you go about your day ponder on the words of 2 Corinthians 5:2, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”