Seek Righteousness by G. B. Starr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1916

“Seek Righteousness”

By G. B. Starr

G. B. STARR

RIGHTEOUSNESS is not something which may be wrought out or attained by individual effort on the part of sinful man; but it is something real, to be sought for and obtained from God. “Seek righteousness” is an invitation from God, designed to awaken in individuals the hope of obtaining from the Lord that which they are powerless to work out for themselves.

Jesus Christ came into our world “to make an end of sins, . . . and to bring in everlasting righteousness.” Dan. 9:24. This he accomplished. He brought it in and commanded that it be offered as his free gift to all the world. The commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” embraces the carrying to all the everlasting righteousness wrought out by Christ. For the gospel is the power of God unto salvation from sin “to every one that believeth;” and “therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16, 17. The only righteousness obtainable is “the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” Rom. 3:22.

This is the very righteousness which was imparted to righteous Abel, to Abraham, and to all the saints and seers of old. There is no other, and it is the gift of God to fallen man, the free gift of righteousness, the righteousness of One, the only One who could work righteousness on our behalf. It is the real, the genuine righteousness which works mightily in man to the producing of works of righteousness; and it is obtained by faith, and only by faith. It is not given to man because of anything he does, any service rendered in the cause of Christ, even. It is God’s free, unmerited gift, given royally, without money and without price, to every believer who by faith reaches out the hand for the gift, and by faith takes it. Being a free gift, given solely on the merits of Christ, it is obtainable today—now. Long waiting, long failing to work righteousness on our part, does not make us more fit to receive it, nor make it more easy for us to believe.

The purpose and glory of the gospel is the transfer, the impartation, of the righteousness of Christ to all who receive the gospel. He was made “sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Cor. 5:21. The reality of the transfer of our sins to him, the sinless One, is clearly seen in its effect on him. The wages of sin is death, and his death attested the reality of the transfer of our sins to him. He was assuredly made sin for us and suffered the result in order that as assuredly we might be made the righteousness of God in him, and reap the happy results of transferred righteousness. “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Isa. 32:17. We are safe in his righteousness. We can rest secure forever in its blessed effects. By it we are made eternally secure against sin. Covered with his everlasting righteousness, we are made ready to be presented to God the Father with exceeding joy. In the plan for man’s redemption, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Ps. 85:10.

“Through Jesus, God’s mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God’s character, and not a jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change his law, but he sacrificed himself, in Christ, for man’s redemption. ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.’ 2 Cor. 5:19.

“The law requires righteousness,—a righteous life, a perfect character,—and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as a man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These he offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can ‘be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.’” —“The Desire of Ages,” p. 762.

“The burdened heart must seek in vain For merit of its own; There’s freedom from each crimson stain In Thee, and thee alone.”

Loma Linda, Cal.