Lord’s Library compares the Gospel of Jesus Christ vs. self-righteousness to showcase Christ’s Finished Work of salvation.
The idea of self-righteousness can take many subtle forms in the Christian life. It often begins with a sincere desire to live rightly before God, yet can quietly shift into confidence in one’s own goodness. Many believers wrestle with questions of worthiness—how to balance obedience, humility, and assurance of salvation.
What does it truly mean to be righteous in God’s sight? Scripture offers both warning and comfort on this subject, pointing us to where true righteousness is found and how it is received by faith.
This contrasts the true Gospel of grace with an imitation, revealing how only the Finished Work of Christ saves—and how every other message, no matter how appealing, ultimately leads away from the Cross.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ vs. Self-Righteousness
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus as the Messiah, Savior, and Son of God. It encompasses His life, teachings, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, offering the promise of forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and reconciliation with God to all who believe. See the following key Bible verses, which paint a vivid picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This verse is perhaps the most well-known passage in the Bible, succinctly summarizing the essence of the Gospel. It showcases God’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the condition of faith leading to eternal life.
- Mark 1:14-15: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Christ begins His ministry by announcing the arrival of the Kingdom of God and calling for repentance and faith in the Gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the core elements of the Gospel: Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection, all in accordance with the Scriptures.
- Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Here, Paul underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and its universal applicability, offering salvation to all who believe.
- Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity of faith in His name for eternal life.
Self Righteousness
Self-righteousness is the belief that one can achieve righteousness before God through their own “religious works.” Religious works can mean also “good deeds” or adherence to ‘the law” – which refers to the Law of Moses. Scripture is clear that human works, no matter how “righteous they may seem”, are insufficient to justify one before God the Father. What the Bible teaches is that salvation is by grace through faith, in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and not by works, so that no one can boast, as it is written.
The Apostle Paul addresses this directly in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” These Gospel-centered Scriptures from Ephesians make it clear that salvation is purely a gift from God. Grace, by definition, is an unmerited favor. The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as “Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him. The application of Christ’s righteousness to the sinner.”
Another important passage is found in Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” This Gospel-centetered verse from Titus Cements that salvation is entirely an act of God’s mercy, confirming that one is saved by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, which God graciously bestows upon those who believe on His Son.
A frequent question arises about the relationship between faith and works surrounding James 2:17, which says: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This Scripture does not contradict salvation by grace through faith but rather underscores that true faith results in good works. The works are not the basis for salvation but the evidence of genuine faith.
Paul explains further in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Good works flow from the transformed life of a believer as a result of salvation, not as a prerequisite to earning it via good deeds.
Ultimately, the meaning of self-righteousness is contrary to the message of the Gospel. The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is the only basis for salvation. Jesus even declared it in John 19:30: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
At that moment, the debt for sin was paid in full by Christ, and no human works can add to that sacrifice. Those who trust in their own righteousness are relying on a foundation that cannot save. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:9: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Remember, even our “best” works are insufficient. See Isaiah 64:6: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” This verse drives home the point that, apart from Christ, even the most virtuous acts are tainted by sin and inadequate before a holy God.
Christ is the fulfillment of the law. Matthew 5:17 says: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” By trusting in Christ, believers receive the benefits of His perfect obedience to the law.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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