Introduction
Do you ever feel like your efforts to be “good enough” fall short? Do you worry whether God will accept you because of your failures? I’ve felt that too.
Yet the Bible offers a different way. I write as someone who has wrestled with guilt and grace. In this post, we’ll explore the truth of being righteous by faith. We’ll see why God’s righteousness matters, how Jesus bridges the gap, and how you can live by faith today.
The Problem: Our Efforts Always Fail
First, Paul states a hard truth: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Thus, no matter how much we try, our best works won’t earn God’s favor. We hit a wall.
Also, because God is holy and just, He cannot simply ignore our sin. That justice demands a debt be paid.
So we face a dilemma: we need righteousness, but we lack it.
God’s Righteousness Revealed
Yet God is righteous, He always acts rightly. And He desires a relationship with humanity.
Therefore, He provides a solution through Jesus.
Romans 1:17 introduces the key: “The righteous will live by faith.”
That means God’s righteousness is revealed through the Gospel, and we receive it by faith.
In other words, God doesn’t count our own attempts. Instead, He credits to us the righteousness of Christ when we believe.
The Bridge: Jesus as Our Righteous Substitute
Because we are sinners, we could not approach God on our own. But God sent Jesus in our place.
On the cross, Jesus took our penalty. He lived perfectly, though we did not. Then He died and rose again.
Thus Jesus becomes the bridge that spans the gap between God’s holiness and our brokenness.
When we place faith in Jesus, we are united with Him. Then God treats us as righteous, not based on what we did, but on what Jesus did.
Righteous by Faith — Not by Works
So here’s the core truth: there is no amount of good work we can do to earn righteousness.
You can’t check off enough good deeds, have perfect family background, or live the “religious” life.
God looks at our heart. He sees whether we trust in Jesus.
Romans 4 illustrates Abraham’s faith being counted as righteousness. That principle applies to us.
Living by Faith: What Changes
Once we trust Jesus, we begin a new life. Our old ways fade, and we walk in newness.
But living by faith isn’t passive. It means we trust God moment by moment.
We live by faith when we pause to say, “God, I trust you for this.”
We live by faith when we resist anxiety, cling to promises, obey even when we don’t see full results.
In that process, our faith grows. And God shapes our character.
Story Example: Sarah’s Burden
Sarah was raised in a Christian home. She tried to do everything “right.” She volunteered, gave to charity, studied her Bible. Yet deep down she felt anxious: “Will God accept me today?”
One Sunday, a preacher read Romans 1:17 and explained “righteous by faith.” Sarah realized she had been living on performance, not grace.
She bowed her head and prayed:
“Jesus, I believe you died for me. I leave my efforts behind. I receive your righteousness by faith.”
From that moment, her spiritual life changed. She still serves, still reads Scripture, but now out of gratitude, not fear.
You may relate. Perhaps you’ve been trying to earn God’s favor too.
How to Apply “Righteous by Faith” Today
-
Reflect on the Cross
Spend time today thinking about what Jesus has done for you. -
Identify Work-Based Habits
Ask: In what area am I trying to earn God’s favor by effort? -
Re-declare Faith
Speak a short prayer: “Lord, I believe in you. I trust your righteousness and not my works.” -
Live Daily by Faith
In small decisions (money, relationships, time), lean on God rather than your performance. -
Rest in His Presence
Remind yourself: you are accepted in Christ.
Interactive Moment
Quiz: Do You Live by Faith or by Performance?
| Question | Mostly Yes (Performance) | Mostly No (Faith) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Do you feel you must earn God’s acceptance daily? | ||
| 2. Do you fear that one mistake will cancel your standing with God? | ||
| 3. Do you secretly compare your “holiness” with others? | ||
| 4. Do you rest in Christ’s work rather than your own? | ||
| 5. Do you feel free to serve God even when you’re weak? |
If you answered Yes to many in column 1, you might be leaning too heavily on performance.
If you answered Yes to many in column 2, you are moving toward living by faith.
Poll / Survey (for your readers):
Which challenge do you face most when trying to live by faith?
Trusting God’s timing
Letting go of performance
Overcoming guilt for past failures
Consistency in faith in small decisions
(You can embed via your blog platform or ask in your social media.)
Summary & Encouragement
To conclude:
-
We all face the problem of sin and inability.
-
God’s righteousness is not something we earn.
-
Jesus is the substitute who bridges the gap.
-
We receive righteousness by faith, not by works.
-
Then we live daily by faith, trusting God’s promises.
So today, rest in this truth: you are accepted because of Jesus, not because of your performance. Choose faith. Walk in grace. Let God’s righteousness shape your life.
If this message spoke to you, feel free to comment your insights, take the poll, or share with a friend.
May you be empowered to live righteous by faith, confident, secure, and free in Christ.
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@PossibilityPluspm for inspiring videos