What does God's righteousness do for every believer?
God's righteousness is imputed to and covers every believer, without distinction between Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, or black and white. It comes by the faith of Jesus Christ and serves as the believer's armor, held in both hands for the battle.
Les explains that Paul often used contemporary things to make a point, such as the Roman soldier. In battle the soldier carried a weapon in his right hand and a shield in his left. Paul applies this analogy to believers, but instead of a sword and shield, they have righteousness in both hands. Les then points back to Romans 3:22, where the righteousness of God, which is by the faith of Jesus Christ, is unto all and upon all who believe. This is not something only a few believers can have; it is for every believer. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, black and white, rich and poor. The righteousness of God has been imputed to and covers every believer.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
More Questions
How is God's righteousness appropriated according to Romans 3:22?
The righteousness of God in Romans 3:22 is appropriated 'unto all, and upon all them that believe'—faith alone, with nothing added.
Do I need to do something in addition to believing to receive God's righteousness?
When people try to add our own obedience or actions to receive righteousness, the answer is no; you don't do anything, you simply believe.