We shall continue with our theme on Freedom from Condemnation. So far we have
considered the weight of condemnation and how it can hinder spiritual growth. We have
seen that there is a difference between Condemnation and conviction. In this Episode
we shall consider the topic-Righteousness is a Gift.
Most of us believe that righteousness means living a perfect life. But biblically,
righteousness actually means right standing with God. Righteousness is a free gift
which we receive through salvation in Jesus Christ. Like we all know, a gift comes
without conditions, rules, or exceptions. All we need do is to accept it. So we do not
earn or deserve the gift of righteousness, because we miss it all the time. And because
it’s a gift we just need to accept it, not to earn it.
Romans 5:17 states that, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned
through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and
the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
The free gift of righteousness referred to in this scripture means the unmerited,
undeserved and unconditional gift of right standing with God, which we receive through
faith in Jesus Christ.
The New Covenant offers us permanent right standing with God through Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 5:21states-God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we
might become the righteousness of God. Because Jesus Christ was willing to take our
sins and God's punishment for those sins which he did not deserve, God has given us
the righteousness of Christ which we do not deserve.  The "righteousness" Paul is
speaking of here is not our good works or rituals. It is Christ's righteousness which God
has given to us as a free and undeserved gift.
The implication of receiving the free gift of righteousness is that our sins are forgiven so
we no longer need to live in guilt and shame or feel condemned. It means we have been
declared righteous, justified and accepted by God.
This gift of right standing means that you can have a relationship with God that is
secure, because it is not based on what you do for God, but on what Christ has done for
you.
In Philippians 3:9, Apostle Paul states-And be found in Him not having a righteousness
of my own that comes from the Law but that which is through faith in Christ; the
righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Paul was here emphasizing
the inadequacy of self righteousness and stressing that righteousness is credited to us
by God, not because of our good works or efforts but because of our faith in Christ.

We have seen in the previous Episodes that inspite of God’s forgiveness and the clear
statement that we are not under condemnation, the devil most times through other
people tries to discourage us and place us under condemnation.
As a result most of us are more aware of our short comings and errors than of the
redemption and gift of righteousness. Condemnation consciousness causes us to feel
separated from God and from intimacy with Him. It produces a constant fear of not
being right with Jesus which causes us to make effort to get right by our own works and
strength and when we fail we feel more condemned.
In 1 Corinthians 15:34, Apostle Paul urges us -Awake to righteousness and do not sin;
for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. Paul is here
urging the Corinthians to wake up to the right mindset and behavior; to step into the
reality of their righteousness in Christ. He expresses concern that some of them were
ignorant of the gift of righteousness given to them. Paul urged them to wake up from sin
consciousness to righteousness consciousness. You wake up to something that already
exists. Sin consciousness makes people live as if Jesus did not make any sacrifice for
our sins.

This is why we are focusing on the free gift of righteousness in this Episode because
the most effective way to gain freedom from condemnation is to develop a
righteousness consciousness.
A righteousness consciousness is a deep seated awareness of the fact that you are
innocent, acquitted, forgiven and have good standing with God. It is the act of
embracing your identity as a child of God who has been forgiven and justified because
of your faith in Jesus Christ. A righteousness consciousness would remind you
constantly that your sins have been forgiven and that God saved and loves you not
because you earned His love or deserve it but because of Christ’s sacrifice. A
righteousness consciousness will constantly remind you that there is nothing to be
ashamed of or feel guilty about because Christ accepts you the way you are. It would
help you to see yourself the way God sees you. A righteousness consciousness will
remind you that the Holy Spirit is always with you; He would convict you of your sins
whenever you miss it and would help you to make amends and change things you need
to change.
We need a righteousness consciousness in order to receive deliverance from feelings of
condemnation.
How then do we develop a righteousness consciousness. This requires deliberate effort.
Our minds are the battlefields so we need to regularly renew the mind with the Word of
God. We need to constantly reflect on those bible verses that emphasize our
righteousness in Christ. Scriptures like Romans 5:17. 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Philippians
3:9 that we referred to above. We need to remind ourselves daily that we are forgiven,
justified and righteous in the eyes of God. We need to read books and listen to

teachings that reinforce our righteousness consciousness. Personally I avoid books and
teachings that would reinforce sin consciousness or make me feel unworthy. You need
to spend time with people who encourage and support you on how you can be a better
version of yourself and avoid people who only remind you of your mistakes and
weaknesses. We need to constantly remind ourselves of God’s goodness and blessings
in the past and His faithfulness.
Then you have to go a step further to speak to your feelings and against negative
utterances from other people. Declare the truth of the Word of God. Proclaim your total
forgiveness and the power of the blood of Jesus over your life. As you do this over and
over, your mind would gradually be transformed and submit to the truth that you are
completely forgiven, righteous and free from condemnation.