The Sharp Divide

It’s quite surprising how the real deal of salvation has become a context of sharp divide in the Christian circle. It is as the treasure left by a father with the instruction that his two children should live on it. One feels they should not venture into something else while the other feels it’s wise to add more to it. There comes the problem of interpreting “live on it”. I see both of them interested in what will bring honour to the name of the departed father but from different lenses.

A section of the church feels very uncomfortable when they hear the other talk about GRACE. When words as “we are longer under the law” is taught at these places, they seem not to be comfortable with it. Some call it heresy. This section of the church equates RIGHTEOUSNESS to living up to some moral standards earmarked by the church and those who are not on same page are probably backsliding, unbelieving and if possible on their way to hell. Simply put, they are not RIGHTEOUS.

There is a general misconception of this kingdom concept. Righteousness to the ordinary man is doing something or thinking what is morally right. Friend, that’s dictionary definition. Righteousness has nothing to do with that though could give birth to that. The only definition of righteousness simply put is RIGHT STAND WITH GOD! A constant one that doesn’t need sacrifice renewed.

“For they don’t understand that Christ has died to make THEM RIGHT WITH GOD...” (Rom10vs3-The Living Bible)

“For they being ignorant of God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS…” (Rom10v3- KJV)

There was an event in the Garden of Eden that distorted the right standing of man with God. Man began to operate in a wrong position as against God’s original plan. This then made it difficult for man to have a right stand with God. Hence, there was nothing like righteousness in the old covenant. Some men operated under this as the case of the Spirit of God that comes upon the anointed men of old but was not within. It is obvious there wasn’t Holy Spirit unleashed then same as RIGHTEOUSNESS but some still operated in the capacity of the Spirit. It wasn’t their nature. It was an honorary degree they enjoyed.

The right standing was sought for through human efforts and works until Jesus came to restore the stand of man before God in a spiritual capacity. That is when the scriptures say “Now, you can come boldly to the throne of Grace”. The door is opened now not for any other thing but because you bear the name of the sacrifice.      

“For they don’t understand that Christ has died to make THEM RIGHT WITH GOD. Instead they are trying to make themselves good enough to gain God’s favour by keeping the Jewish laws and customs, BUT THAT IS NOT GOD’S WAY OF SALVATION” (Rom10vs3-The Living Bible)

Those doctrines are good anyway, but as good as they are the TRUTH is they don’t count for righteousness. Grace gave birth to righteousness. They work hand in hand. A man’s righteousness therefore is not a question of living by the standards set up by man or doctrines of denominations that exist in the body of Christ. The only ticket to RIGHTEOUSNESS is salvation. Believe!

(You can read the full treatise on Righteousness in Olufemi Ibitoye’s book- “I am Not a Sinner”).

Does this then validate those who are on the other divide who feels we are in the era of grace, my conduct does not determine my righteousness so I can do as I please? Let’s look into this critically next week.

As you go this week, why not check your salvation again, is it a product of conviction or doctrine?

Be Innovated.

Olufemi Ibitoye

@toyeolufemi