The following series is based on a book written by Jeremy and Sushma Ballard, “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook), Barnes & Noble (Paperback & eBook), and Apple Books (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work Jeremy and Sushma are doing.
In our journey of faith, we often hear about the incredible gifts that come with accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. Today, we focus on two profound gifts that define our salvation: grace and righteousness. These gifts are not just theological concepts; they are divine realities that transform our lives and shape our eternal destinies.
Paul passionately explains these gifts in Romans 5:12–21. He contrasts the devastating effects of Adam’s sin with the redemptive power of Christ’s obedience. Through Adam, sin entered the world, and death came as a result of sin. This curse of death has been passed down to each of us because we are all descendants of Adam and have all sinned (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Just one sin warrants death, and thus, we all stand condemned under the weight of sin.
However, the story does not end there. The good news is that Jesus offers us a gift that can justify our death sentence. He took our place on the cross, demonstrating the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. As Paul writes, “But the gracious gift is not like the offense. For if by the offense of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many” (Romans 5:15).
This “free gift” Paul speaks of is twofold: grace and righteousness. Grace is God’s unmerited favor—His generous and loving kindness extended to us, not because we deserve it, but because He is good. Righteousness is the state of being right with God, a standing made possible by Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
Growing up, I remember learning the difference between mercy and grace. Mercy is when God withholds the punishment we deserve. Grace, on the other hand, is when God gives us blessings that we do not deserve. It is not just the absence of punishment but the presence of God’s favor. Grace does not always mean prosperity or an easy life, but it does mean God’s presence, guidance, and provision in our lives.
The greatest expression of God’s grace is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This gift includes the Holy Spirit, who guides us through life, helps us in our weaknesses, and intercedes for us in prayer (Romans 8:26). It also includes Jesus’ promise to meet our needs and lead us through every situation.
Righteousness, on the other hand, is about being made right with God. Because of our sin, we are like “filthy garments” before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). But through Jesus, we are cleansed and clothed in righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 beautifully illustrates this: “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation.”
Imagine a child playing in the mud, coming home dirty and smelly. His parents give him a bath and dress him in clean clothes. This is what Jesus does for us spiritually. We are dirty because of our sins, but Jesus cleanses us and clothes us in His righteousness. We are no longer seen as sinners; we are seen as righteous in God’s eyes.
While God’s grace covers our sins, it does not mean we can live however we want. God’s grace empowers us to live righteously and grow in holiness. This process often involves discipline. Hebrews 12:9–11 reminds us that God, like a loving Father, disciplines His children to produce holiness and righteousness in us:
“Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
When we face struggles or challenges, it is important to examine ourselves and ask if God is using these difficulties to discipline us. Discipline is part of the process of being clothed in righteousness. However, it is also important to note that not all struggles are a form of discipline. Sometimes, struggles are a natural part of living in a sinful world, or they may be spiritual warfare.
The gifts of grace and righteousness mean that our sin debt is erased, and we can stand before God without fear of condemnation. We are made righteous not by our own efforts but by the finished work of Jesus Christ. This righteousness allows us to be in the presence of God, not only now but also for all eternity. We are spared from eternal death and hell and given the hope of eternal life with our Creator.
These are the greatest gifts we could ever receive. They are the foundation of our salvation and the reason for our hope. Let us not take them for granted but live each day in gratitude and obedience, fully aware of the incredible price Jesus paid for us.
God’s grace and righteousness are gifts beyond measure. They are the essence of the gospel and the heart of our salvation. As we reflect on these truths, let us commit to living lives worthy of the calling we have received, growing in grace and righteousness, and sharing these incredible gifts with others. Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation; let us respond with grateful hearts and lives fully surrendered to His lordship.
Next time, we will discuss the importance of living for Jesus.
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