RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome D.Sc, D.D,
PERFECTED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry… (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Our righteousness is of God, therefore it’s perfect. We didn’t have to qualify by ourselves; Jesus Christ qualified us before the Father to become partakers of the divine nature; to become partakers of His 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.” How inspiring this is!
Some Christians haven’t understood this; so, they see themselves as unrighteous and imperfect. But if you’re born again, you’re a saint, and that’s your nature, because the One who gave birth to you is perfect. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” The word “complete” means perfected; you’re perfected in Him; Christ is your perfection.
You might want to ask, “Doesn’t our opening scripture suggest that the saints are not perfect, because it talks about “the perfecting of the saints?” No, that verse doesn’t mean making the saints better and more perfect; it’s translated from the Greek word ‘katartismos’ which means equipping or training the saints for the work of the ministry.
Think about this: When a child is born, that child is born as perfectly human as the parents are. The child then starts growing by feeding on the right nourishment. The child needs to be trained, and equipped with knowledge and the right information, to eventually function as adult humans do. That’s what Apostle Paul meant by “perfecting of the saints.”
As you receive the Word of God into your spirit, you’re being equipped to function and carry out the work of the ministry; you’re being trained in the life of righteousness. The righteousness of God is in your spirit, but through the Word, you become more skilled in the doctrine, understanding, and application of your righteousness in Christ.
CONFESSION I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and in union with Him, I’m reigning in life. What blessedness, to be the expression of His righteousness and bear fruits of righteousness, to the glory of His Name! Blessed be God!
FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 28 & Leviticus 4-5
2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 14:1-10 & Genesis 44
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional