Romans5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!( NIV).
TWO DIMENSIONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
There are two major dimensions of righteousness for the believer:
(a) Gift of righteousness,
(b) Fruit(works) of righteousness.
The gift of righteousness was given to all believers at salvation. We didn't work for it neither did we do anything to merit it. The very righteousness of Christ was imputed to us at salvation so that we can stand before God without feeling guilty and ashamed of our past.
Apostle Paul says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21 NIV). Hallelujah!!! We are the righteousness of God inChrist.
On the flip side, there's another dimension of righteousness Apostle Paul called, "Fruit(work)of righteousness". This is the practical expression of the gift of righteousness. It entails living right.
Apostle Paul says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, FILLED WITH THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV).
In the NLT translation of the bible, it is called, "Fruit of salvation". This fruit of righteousness is expected of the believer so that he can be pure and blameless for the day of Christ(Rapture of the saints).
You cannot dwell on having the gift of righteousness only. There must be a corresponding fruit to show for it. You cannot be living in sin and shouting " I'm the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus" when the fruit of your salvation is not evident.
Just imagine a man with a traveling passport but doesn't have a visa. No matter how he screams at the airport, he won't be allowed to board. God is calling everyone of us to the place of responsibility. Babies are spoon fed but sons are responsible.
Christ must be seen in us through the fruit(works) that we produce: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven"(Matthew 5:16 AMP).
Father, fill me with the fruit of righteousness so that I can stand pure and blameless before you on the day of Christ in Jesus name.