What does God see when He looks at a believer covered by His righteousness?
Scripture teaches that God sees the outer covering, which is Christ. He does not see the believer's own righteousness, described as filthy rags; He sees Christ's righteousness draped over them, received by faith. This covering is God's work, not human effort, so self-crucifixion is impossible.
Les explains that the righteousness in view is not our own; ours is nothing but filthy rags. It is the righteousness of God, which is by the faith or faithfulness of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe. Les likes the word upon because it pictures being draped with a blanket or cloak that totally covers the believer. Therefore, whenever God looks at a believer, He sees that outer covering, and that covering is Christ. This is what it means to put on Christ: what God sees is not me or you, it is Christ. It happens by a work of God, not by human effort. Les illustrates this by asking whether we can crucify ourselves: it is impossible, because salvation is done in the invisible realm, in the Spirit.
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 given to all who believe?
God's righteousness is by the faith or faithfulness of Jesus Christ and is unto all and upon all who believe.