The goodness, truth, and love of the Christian life
Part 2
We see this conflict in the early centuries of the Christian Church: is Christianity a faith for the perfect (or those close to it) or is it a way of life open to all who will put their trust in Christ? We see the appeal of the perfectionists, for faith does bring perfection so close – in fact, it makes it real, but not permanent. Thank God that Christianity opted for a faith based on grace rather than righteousness. However, we see the appeal of the righteousness approach – one that is repeatedly acted out in human society – and worthy of great praise it is. For people of great faith, commitment and strength of character commit themselves to a life which is understood to be righteous through keeping a certain code comprising noble actions. Compared to those who lazily rely on grace, they deserve our admiration. When faithfulness is so difficult, when so many have given up the struggle against temptation saying, “God will forgive me”, those who strive for righteousness grit their teeth and hang on to the way of life that they believe their faith requires.
The fatal flaw in the way of righteousness is that its attainment can become perceived as no longer God’s gift, but something you have earned. Therefore, the joyful leaning on God, grateful for his grace, becomes a standing on our own two feet and falsely claiming that what really comes from God is rightfully ours. And this is if our own righteousness was possible. Experience shows us that it is not, and so presumed righteousness becomes a self-deceiving self-righteousness, and ultimately an arrogant usurpation of what is owed to God. As Paul discovered, righteousness simply cannot be earned.
Spiritual Devotion 