“...that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith”.

Philippians 3:8b-9

 

IN PHILIPPIANS 3:4-6, the apostle Paul lists what might be called his spiritual resume. He describes those things over which he could boast. “Of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee”. Indeed, “concerning the righteousness, which is in the law, blameless”. Paul says, “If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so” (Phil 3:4).

And yet, Paul does not boast. Why not? Because he views all these achievements “as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (3:8). Paul understands that in some men’s eyes, his “spiritual resume”, his achievements, would seem most impressive. Nevertheless, in terms of granting him standing before God, all these things are truly “as rubbish”.

But praise be to God, Paul—and any one of us—may stand in the presence of God, accepted by Him, not because of any righteous merit that is in us, but rather, because of the righteousness “which is through faith in Christ”. This is the perfect righteousness of Christ that we may receive and be clothed in through faith. Our only hope, our salvation, lies not in ourselves, but in Christ alone through faith.

 

Pastor Craig publishes  "A Word from God's Word" weekly in the "Kootenay News Advertiser".

About the Author

Pastor Craig has served as Senior Pastor of Cranbrook Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018. His passion is for preaching and teaching God's Word, as it is through the proclamation of the gospel that God does His work in people's lives.