“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:” Matthew 22: 11
Many people have differing ideas about what it means to be righteous. Many think it’s being a good person or having impeccable character.The definitions range from being good, to being better to being the best… but there is only one righteousness that is acceptable in heaven, and that is the righteousness of God. Only God can give it though, and it has nothing to do with how we act. It is a gift from God that comes by placing our faith in Christ and His finished work of redemption.
The above scripture, which is taken from the parable of “The Marriage of the King’s Son” (Matthew 22:2-14), is driving home a point. All the guests were invited, the wedding garments were provided, but one man refused the king’s provision and thought he’d be okay without the wedding garment. The point of the parable was to illustrate the righteousness that comes from God versus man’s attempts at it. Righteousness is not a human quality, nor is it acquired by good works. It is the gift of God (Romans 5:17).
2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Just as sure as Jesus was made to be sin with our sin, we were made righteous with His righteousness! He wore your sin so that you could wear His garment of righteousness and be accepted as one who simply believed in Christ as Lord and Savior! Yes, God initially accepts us as we are, but He doesn’t leave us that way. He wants to transform us and place His garments on us to reflect the new life and the new creation within us!
So, next time someone asks you for your ID, let it remind you of who you really are! Know that your name is written in heaven and that God paid a very dear price so He could call you His own and make you righteous with His own righteousness! That’s the garment He made for you, and it’s not man-made, man-conceived, or man-driven. It’s from God, and it’s the only gift that can give you peace in a world that has lost its compass. But you’ll know where you’re going and who you belong to – Your Father who loves you and guides you into all truth!
With Love,
Pastor Tom
Kingdom Business is Eternal, as are the rewards that come from God. If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please consider partnering with us in prayer, as the Lord leads you, or in financial support. Please visit our website at www.testamentoflove.org to learn more about this ministry! Luke 6:38