Monday, 29 December 2025
WE REIGN BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
Did you notice from our opening scripture that righteousness is a gift from God? It's not something you're going to work out or attain by your good works or “performance.” Rather, it’s a gift you have to receive. It’s been given to the whole world, but have you received it?
You've got to receive it if you haven’t done so; all you have to do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and say, “Lord, I accept and receive your righteousness. I confess that you’re Lord of my life, believing in my heart that God raised you from the dead. Amen.” He makes you as righteous as Himself because what He gives you is His own righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Also, Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice it didn’t say being justified by how much money you have or how much you struggle to please God. Rather, it says being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. What is it to be justified?
It means to be declared righteous. It actually means to be declared not guilty, discharged and acquitted. How gracious the Lord is! He acquitted us; so, what about our sins? Before we were born again, they were washed in His blood; when we believed and confessed His Lordship, we became new creatures without a past and thus justified. Hallelujah!
Then He tells us something remarkable that happens with those who receive this gift of righteousness: they reign in life: “…much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness... reign as kings in life...” (Romans 5:17 AMPC). In Christianity, we’re not victims, paupers or beggars. In true Christianity, we reign in life by Jesus Christ. He gave us His Name to live by; so, we live and walk in His Name, reigning by grace through righteousness. Hallelujah!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness by which I reign in life through Jesus Christ. I live triumphantly every day, walking in your righteousness, excellence, and exercising dominion over Satan and the systems of this world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV; Romans 5:17-21; Revelation 5:10
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 20 & Zechariah 12-14
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 5:1-11 & Ezra 8