A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD

It is not surprising that the Apostle Paul begins the detailed explanation of his theology in Romans with salvation. It is a logical place to start.

He writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16a)

But where does Paul go next? Forgiveness? Repentance? Asking Jesus into your heart?

No. Paul continues: "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last." (1:17a)

The opportunity for "a righteousness from God" is at the front-end of Paul's recounting of the good news. 

This is a real righteousness. A righteousness to be lived out in our lives on a daily basis. With God's help.

This is made clear in the rest of the chapter.

The common theology of "I'm not perfect, just forgiven" masks a desire to have a righteousness imputed to us from God (to get us across the finish line and into heaven), but without a genuine lived-out righteousness as well.

The sort of righteousness that steers us away from greed, envy, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, arrogance, disobedience, faithlessness, and heartlessness (verses 29 to 31). 

We dare not neglect this "righteousness from God" that is at the center of the good news we claim to believe.