Thoughts and Sentiments of a renewing mind

How Are Christians Made Righteous?

A Sermon on Justification by Faith

Text: "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Introduction

What does it mean to be righteous? In a world filled with guilt, shame, and moral failure, how can sinful human beings stand before a holy God and be declared righteous? The Bible gives us a glorious answer: Righteousness is not earned; it is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, we will explore the biblical truth of how Christians are made righteous. We will examine:

The Problem of Unrighteousness – Why we need righteousness.
The Provision of Righteousness – How God provides it through Christ.
The Possession of Righteousness – How we receive it by faith.
The Proof of Righteousness – How it transforms our lives.

1. The Problem of Unrighteousness

Before we understand how we are made righteous, we must first recognize our natural state before God.

A. All Have Sinned

Romans 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

No one is exempt—every human being is born in sin (Psalm 51:5).
Our best efforts cannot make us righteous before God (Isaiah 64:6).

B. The Wages of Sin Is Death

Romans 6:23 warns, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Without righteousness, we face eternal judgment (Revelation 20:15).

C. The Law Exposes Our Sin

Romans 3:20 says, "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

The Ten Commandments reveal our guilt but cannot save us.
We need a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves.

2. The Provision of Righteousness

Since we cannot produce our own righteousness, God provides it for us through Jesus Christ.

A. Christ Became Sin for Us

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took our sin upon Himself.
On the cross, He bore the punishment we deserved (Isaiah 53:5).

B. Justified by His Blood

Romans 5:9 declares, "Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God."

Justification means being declared righteous before God.
Christ’s sacrifice fully satisfies God’s justice.

C. The Righteousness of God Revealed

Romans 1:17 says, "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"

This righteousness is not our own but is given to us through Christ (Philippians 3:9).
It is perfect, complete, and eternal.

3. The Possession of Righteousness

How do we receive this righteousness? Not by works, but by faith alone.

A. Justified by Faith, Not Works

Romans 3:28 states, "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

Salvation is not based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work.
Even Abraham was justified by faith (Romans 4:3).

B. The Gift of Righteousness

Romans 5:17 says, "For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."

Righteousness is a gift, not a wage.
We receive it by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

C. Faith in Christ Alone

Galatians 2:16 declares, "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ."

No religious ritual, moral effort, or good deed can save us.
Only faith in Christ’s death and resurrection brings righteousness.

4. The Proof of Righteousness

True righteousness transforms how we live.

A. A New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Justification leads to sanctification—a changed life.
Good works are the fruit, not the root, of righteousness.

B. Walking in Obedience

1 John 2:29 says, "If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him."

True faith produces a desire to obey God.
We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that remains alone.

C. Assurance of Eternal Life

Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Because we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, we have peace with God.
Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Conclusion: How Are Christians Made Righteous?

We are unrighteous by nature—sinful, guilty, and deserving judgment.
Christ provides righteousness—He took our sin and gave us His righteousness.
We receive it by faith—not by works, but by trusting in Jesus alone.
It transforms our lives—leading us to live for God’s glory.

Invitation

Are you trying to earn God’s favor through your own efforts? You will never be good enough. But Jesus is. Today, you can be declared righteous by repenting of your sin and trusting in Christ alone.

If you have never trusted Christ, call on Him today (Romans 10:9-10).
If you are a believer, rejoice that your righteousness is secure in Him!

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)