How Can a Man Be Righteous?

Bildad, one of Job’s friends, asked a penetrating question: “How then can a man be righteous before God?” Of course, we know that by his own works or merit no man can be righteous before God. If man is to be righteous, he must be made so by God. This the Father does through the Son. Through the Son we are justified. By the Son’s blood we have redemption. Some tell us that man has absolutely no responsibility in his salvation. If this be true, man would not even be required to have faith. However, we know that without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus plainly taught that one must do the will of the Father, else he would not inherit the kingdom of God. He also taught that one must hear and do His words if he would build upon the rock.

Man’s doctrines, opinions and perversions do not make one righteous, nor does God make one righteous who abides in those doctrines and opinions. However, obeying from the heart the Word of God does make one righteous. Which are you doing?