Having the righteousness of God means God now sees believers covered in Christ's righteousness, not their own, through faith alone.
Righteousness is not about human effort or being 'holier than thou.' It is God's declaration that a believer is right with Him, based on the finished work of Christ. This righteousness is imputed and placed upon all who believe, so that God sees Christ's righteousness when He looks at us.
Romans 3:22 — This verse directly defines the righteousness of God as being through faith in Jesus Christ, which is the core of the question.
The Bible reveals that apart from the law, a righteousness from God has been made known (Romans 3:21). This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, without distinction (Romans 3:22). It is not earned by law-keeping or works, but is received by faith. As Isaiah said, 'I will greatly rejoice in the LORD... for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness' (Isaiah 61:10). Furthermore, this righteousness is imputed to believers (Romans 4:11,24).
Les teaches that the righteousness of God is not something we achieve but a standing God gives us. It means being declared righteous, or right with Him, through faith in Christ, apart from works. This righteousness is imputed to us and placed upon us at the moment of belief, so that God no longer sees our sin but sees Christ's righteousness. Les emphasizes that this is a gift, not a reward, and it is appropriated by faith alone, plus nothing.
According to Les, we receive this righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 says it is 'upon all them that believe' (Clip 4). It is not by keeping the law, joining a church, or being baptized, but by believing in the finished work of the cross (Clip 4, 7). As Les says, 'it has been imputed to us, and it has been placed upon us when we believed' (Clip 5).
Les teaches that when God looks at a believer, He doesn't see the individual sinner but sees Christ and His righteousness. As he puts it, 'God looks on us and He doesn't see Les Feldick. He doesn't see you by name. He sees Christ in His righteousness' (Clip 5). This is the beauty of being covered with God's righteousness.
Les explains that man's righteousness—good works, religious deeds—is never even mentioned in the context of salvation. Romans 3:22 speaks only of the righteousness of God, not man's (Clip 4). God's righteousness is perfect and just; it is a declaration, not an achievement. As Les says, 'God can never do anything amiss... whatever God does is going to be absolutely fair, and just, and right' (Clip 3).
How Are We Reconciled to God? 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Explained
It's in heaven. And so we are now citizens of heaven, because we are members of that Kingdom of Christ. Now granted that Kingdom is one day going to come back on the earth, and we're going to come with Him, and I believe we're going to rule and reign with Him as members of that Kingdom in heaven.
Defining Righteousness
Les dispels the idea that being righteous means being holier-than-thou; it simply means God has declared us right with Himself, as with Abel.
Redemption Explained: From Law to Grace (Romans 3 & 6)
We have to recognize that now it's a whole different set of circumstances, but now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, or is put in the spotlight, if you please, with being witnessed by the law and the prophets. See, nothing flies in the face of that which is gone before. It all fits in its proper unfolding of the Word, and then you come to verse 22.
God's Righteousness Defined
Les explains that the righteousness of God means whatever God does is absolutely fair, just, and right, revealing His character.
Righteousness by Faith Alone
Les emphasizes that righteousness is by faith in Christ, not by works, and it is appropriated to all who believe, plus nothing.
Covered with God's Righteousness
Les teaches that believers are covered with God's righteousness, so God sees Christ's righteousness, not our own, when He looks at us.
What Does "Saved by Faith" Really Mean? Romans 1:16-17
Now they're all right in their rightful place after salvation, but so far as our salvation is concerned, it's based totally upon our faith in the Gospel, in what God has said concerning the finished work of the cross. All right, let's go on to verse 17. For therein, that is in the power of God, in the Gospel, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed.
Righteousness Not by Works
Les clarifies that righteousness is not gained by repentance, baptism, or commandments, but only by faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22: 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:
This is the key verse on how the righteousness of God is received—through faith in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 61:10: I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah proclaims being clothed with righteousness, illustrating the covering that believers receive.
Philippians 3:20: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
This connects our heavenly citizenship, which is part of being in Christ and receiving His righteousness.
No. Les Feldick teaches that the righteousness of God is not by works or law-keeping, but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a gift that is imputed to us, not earned.
Les teaches that when we believe, we are covered with God's righteousness, and God sees Christ's righteousness instead of our sin. This gives us the ability to stand in God's presence.
Being righteous simply means being put on a footing with God so that we can communicate with Him. It is not about being holier-than-thou but about being declared right with God.
Watch the Teaching: How Are We Reconciled to God? 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Explained