TWO KINDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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                            TWO KINDS OF  RIGHTEOUSNESS

        There is a possibility that we might become somewhat confused by the
term "righteousness".

        We would ALL agree that the Righteousness of God is IMPUTED to us
when we are saved from sin.

        MOST OF US would agree that it takes little or no effort on our part
to MAINTAIN that IMPUTED righteousness, since it is a gift.  It assures us of
a place in Heaven, on His merits, not our own. 

        We may have "shot ourselves in the foot" by embracing this truth at
the expense of not looking at the other side of the coin.  We may be rowing
with only one oar.

        It is really impossible to OVER EMPHASIZE the IMPUTED righteousness
or "rightness with God".  It is a truth which is, at best, poorly understood.
 It needs to be taught more fervently--as opposed to the  ceremonies of
Moses.

        But here it gets sticky, and we feel reluctant to do much lest we be
guilty of working for salvation.   We may not understand the difference
between the ceremonies of Moses, and the Way of Righteousness.

        There is another Righteousness which we FOLLOW AFTER, and LEARN TO
DO, as a result of having His Righteousness imputed to us.  We LEARN TO WALK
RIGHTLY IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.

        We are told to "Follow RIGHTEOUSNESS, faith, charity, peace" in  2
Tim 2:22.   II Timothy 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God,
and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS:.  

        I John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth
righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 

        Do not forget the IMPUTED righteousness,  but ALSO aim for the
ACQUIRED state of BEING RIGHT before God.
        
       fretwell@aol.com

      http://members.aol.com/fretwell/private/index.html