The more we learn about the concept of righteousness in Christ, the more we see how crucial it is to comprehend why God gave the law and how it fits into the Christian’s experience. For many, not understanding this has meant that Christ has been cut off from them and Christianity has turned into a hard, painful religion.
As we investigate this subject, our concentration will be on Galatians Chapter three, where the apostle Paul provides a unique perspective on salvation in Christ. But let us commence with Genesis 17:7, in which God makes an unconditional promise to Abraham.
Gen 17:7, ¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
God made this promise to Abraham; however, to whom did it apply? Did it apply to Abraham alone? “I will be a God to you, and your seed after you,” was the promise, and it applied to his seed as well. Why did God make this promise to Abraham? God periodically renewed this promise, but Genesis 15:5–6 gives us the true reason for His actions.
Gen 15:5, And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Gen 15:6, And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
What did Abraham do in order to become righteous? He believed God. God said, “I will make your seed like the stars of heaven.” Abraham’s righteousness was not contingent upon his ability to produce the seed or the stars of heaven; rather, it was a result of his belief in God’s words.