Grace Upon Grace Families

You Are Perfect!

How often have you heard someone say, “I’m not perfect”? It’s a common phrase, often spoken with a sigh, as people look at their flaws, mistakes, or outward circumstances. But here’s the truth: God says you are made perfect.

This perfection isn’t based on your education, wealth, health, or even your own experiences. It’s not something you can earn or achieve through your efforts. Instead, it’s the result of the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross—a perfect sacrifice that fulfilled the will of God the Father and made us whole in Him.

The World’s View of Perfection

The world’s idea of perfection is often tied to outward appearances or achievements. We’re told that we need to be smarter, richer, healthier, or more successful to be “perfect.” But this standard is impossible to meet. No matter how much we strive, we’ll always fall short.

This is why so many people feel inadequate, insecure, or unworthy. They’re chasing a version of perfection that doesn’t exist. But God offers us a different standard—one that’s not based on our performance but on His grace.

God’s View of Perfection

In God’s eyes, perfection isn’t about what we do—it’s about what Jesus has already done. When Jesus died on the cross, He took our sins, our flaws, and our imperfections upon Himself. In exchange, He gave us His righteousness, His holiness, and His perfection.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV)

This verse tells us two incredible truths:

We are already perfect in Christ: Through His sacrifice, we’ve been made complete and whole.
We are being sanctified: While we’re already perfect in God’s eyes, He’s still working in us to reflect that perfection in our daily lives.

The Difference Between Outward and Inward Perfection

It’s important to understand that our perfection in Christ is a spiritual reality, not an outward appearance. We may still struggle with sin, make mistakes, or face challenges in life, but these don’t define us. What defines us is our identity in Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become new creations. Our old selves—with all their flaws and failures—are gone, and we’re made perfect in Him. This doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle, but it does mean that our struggles don’t change who we are in God’s eyes.

Living in the Truth of Your Perfection

Knowing that we’re perfect in Christ changes everything. It frees us from the pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the need for approval. Here’s how you can live in the truth of your perfection:

Declare God’s Truth: Speak Scriptures like Hebrews 10:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 over your life. Remind yourself daily that you are perfect in Christ.
Reject the World’s Standards: Stop comparing yourself to others or striving to meet impossible expectations. Your worth is found in Jesus, not your achievements.
Embrace God’s Grace: When you make mistakes, don’t dwell on them. Instead, thank God for His grace and move forward in His love.
Walk in Confidence: Live boldly, knowing that you are loved, accepted, and perfected by God.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’ve been feeling inadequate or unworthy, take heart. God says you are perfect—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you. His sacrifice on the cross was enough to make you whole, complete, and flawless in God’s eyes.

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” — Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

You don’t have to strive for perfection anymore. In Christ, you already are perfect.

Call-to-Action

What does being “perfect in Christ” mean to you? How has this truth changed the way you see yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to live in the freedom and confidence of our identity in Christ!

Remember, you are perfect—not by your own efforts, but by the completed work of Jesus. Walk in that truth today!

The Role of Curiosity

Learning Beyond Books

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” — Deuteronomy 11:19

When we think of education, we often picture textbooks, lesson plans, and structured classroom settings. But the truth is, some of the most profound learning happens outside the pages of a book. Education is not confined to a desk or a schedule—it happens in conversations, in daily tasks, and in the moments between lessons. As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to teach our children not just academics, but life skills, values, and faith through the everyday moments we share with them.

Education Is a Lifestyle

Deuteronomy 11:19 reminds us that teaching our children is not a one-time event or a rigid curriculum. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about weaving lessons into the fabric of daily life—whether you’re sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, or getting up.

Here are some ways learning happens beyond books:

Conversations: The discussions you have with your children—whether about current events, family values, or their dreams—are powerful teaching moments.
Daily Tasks: Cooking, cleaning, and even grocery shopping can teach math, responsibility, and life skills.
Nature Walks: Exploring the outdoors can spark curiosity about science, geography, and God’s creation.
Family Devotions: Reading the Bible and praying together instill faith and spiritual growth.

Every moment is an opportunity to teach, guide, and inspire.

The Power of Modeling

Children learn not only from what we say but also from what we do. They watch how we handle stress, how we treat others, and how we prioritize our time. This is why modeling is such a powerful teaching tool.

For example:

If you want to teach kindness, let your children see you helping a neighbor or showing compassion to someone in need.
If you want to teach perseverance, let them see you working through a challenge without giving up.
If you want to teach faith, let them hear you pray and see you trust God in difficult situations.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

As parents, we are our children’s first and most influential role models. Let’s make the most of this responsibility by living out the values we want to instill in them.

Everyday Moments as Teaching Opportunities

Here are some practical ways to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities:

In the Kitchen: Teach fractions while baking, discuss nutrition while preparing meals, or talk about the science of heat and chemical reactions.
On a Walk: Point out different plants and animals, discuss the weather, or use the time to talk about God’s creation and creativity.
During Chores: Use household tasks to teach responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work.
At Bedtime: Share stories from your own life, read a Bible passage, or discuss the highs and lows of the day.

These moments may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact.

The Role of Curiosity

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a sense of curiosity. When we encourage them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek answers, we’re fostering a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks.

For example:

If your child asks why the sky is blue, take the time to explain—or explore the answer together.
If they’re curious about how a car engine works, watch a video or visit a mechanic to learn more.
If they wonder about a Bible story, read it together and discuss its meaning.

Curiosity is the spark that ignites lifelong learning.

A Holistic Approach to Education

Homeschooling—and parenting in general—is about more than academics. It’s about nurturing the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. When we embrace a holistic approach to education, we prepare our children not just for tests and grades, but for life.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52

This verse reminds us that true growth involves intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development. As parents, we have the privilege of guiding our children in all these areas.

A Message for Parents

If you’re feeling the pressure to stick to a rigid curriculum or meet certain academic standards, take a deep breath. Remember that some of the most important lessons your child will learn happen outside the pages of a book.

Embrace the everyday moments. Use them to teach, to connect, and to disciple. And most importantly, trust that God is with you in this journey. He has given you everything you need to raise your children well.

Call-to-Action

What are some of your favorite “learning beyond books” moments with your children? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire and encourage one another to make the most of every teaching opportunity.

Remember, education is not just about what’s in the books—it’s about the life you live and the lessons you share along the way.

Was Jesus Striped 39 Times Before Crucifixion?

For years, I’ve heard Christians say that Jesus was whipped 39 times before His crucifixion. Some even claim that all sicknesses in the world fall into 39 categories, and that’s why Jesus endured 39 stripes. Others suggest that Roman law prohibited more than 40 lashes, so the soldiers stopped at 39 to avoid breaking the law.

But here’s the surprising truth: The Bible never specifies the number of times Jesus was whipped. So where did this idea come from, and is it accurate? Let’s explore this topic biblically and historically to separate fact from tradition.

What Does the Bible Say About Jesus’ Scourging?

The Bible provides limited details about Jesus’ scourging. Here’s what we know:

Jesus Was Scourged:
“Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.” — John 19:1 (NKJV)
Scourging was a brutal form of punishment where the victim was whipped with a multi-tailed whip, often embedded with sharp objects like bones or metal.
It Was Part of His Suffering:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
This verse is often cited to connect Jesus’ scourging with our healing, but it doesn’t specify the number of stripes.
The Purpose of Scourging:
Scourging was intended to weaken the victim before crucifixion, making the process even more painful and humiliating.

Where Did the Idea of 39 Stripes Come From?

The belief that Jesus was whipped 39 times likely stems from a misunderstanding of Jewish law and tradition, not Roman practices. Here’s the breakdown:

Jewish Law on Flogging:
In Jewish law, the maximum number of lashes a person could receive was 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). However, to avoid accidentally exceeding this limit, the Jews would often stop at 39 lashes.
Roman Scourging:
The Romans, who crucified Jesus, had no such limit. Roman scourging was brutal and often resulted in severe injury or even death. The number of lashes depended on the severity of the crime and the mood of the soldiers.
Misapplied Tradition:
Over time, some Christians may have combined Jewish flogging traditions with Jesus’ scourging, leading to the belief that He received 39 stripes. However, this is not supported by Scripture or historical records.

Who Punished Jesus: Romans or Jews?

It’s important to clarify who was responsible for Jesus’ punishment. While the Jewish leaders accused Jesus and pressured Pilate to crucify Him, it was the Romans who carried out the scourging and crucifixion.

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him.” — Matthew 27:27 (NKJV)

The Romans had no law limiting the number of lashes, and their scourging was far more severe than Jewish flogging. Therefore, the idea that Jesus was whipped exactly 39 times to comply with Roman law is historically inaccurate.

The Danger of Twisting Scripture

The belief that Jesus was striped 39 times is an example of how traditions and assumptions can sometimes overshadow biblical truth. While it’s not necessarily harmful to believe this, it’s important to base our faith on what Scripture actually says, not on human traditions or assumptions.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

When we add to or twist Scripture, we risk distorting the truth and leading others into confusion.

The True Significance of Jesus’ Scourging

While the exact number of stripes Jesus received isn’t specified in the Bible, the significance of His suffering is clear:

He Bore Our Sins: Jesus endured unimaginable pain to pay the price for our sins.
He Secured Our Healing: Isaiah 53:5 connects His wounds with our healing, emphasizing the spiritual and physical restoration we receive through His sacrifice.
He Demonstrated God’s Love: Jesus’ willingness to suffer shows the depth of God’s love for us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

A Message of Encouragement

Whether Jesus was whipped 39 times or more, the most important truth is that He suffered for us. His sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation, healing, and hope.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV)

Let’s focus on the heart of the gospel—Jesus’ death and resurrection—rather than getting caught up in traditions or assumptions.

Call-to-Action

What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you heard the belief that Jesus was whipped 39 times? Share your perspective in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to study Scripture carefully and build our faith on its unchanging truth.

Remember, the power of the gospel isn’t in the number of stripes Jesus received—it’s in the fact that He willingly suffered and died for us. Let’s honor His sacrifice by living in the fullness of His love and grace.

Are You Saying “Blood of Jesus”?

The blood of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our salvation. It’s the ultimate sacrifice that reconciles us to God, cleanses us from sin, and gives us eternal life.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

But in recent times, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: some Christians use the phrase “the blood of Jesus” in ways that seem disconnected from its biblical meaning. For example, I once watched a YouTube Short where a stray cat wandered into a house, meowing loudly. The lady of the house responded by saying, “Blood of Jesus on you!” as if to cast out the cat.

This raises an important question: Are we using the blood of Jesus in a way that honors its sacred significance, or are we misapplying it out of ignorance or misunderstanding?

The Power of Jesus’ Blood

The blood of Jesus is not a superstition or a ritual—it’s the very essence of our redemption. Here’s what the Bible teaches about the blood of Jesus:

It Brings Forgiveness of Sins:
“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” — Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV)
Jesus’ blood was shed once for all to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God.
It Cleanses Us:
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 (NKJV)
His blood washes away our guilt and makes us pure before God.
It Gives Us Access to God:
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.” — Hebrews 10:19 (NKJV)
Through His blood, we can approach God with confidence and intimacy.
It Secures Our Victory:
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” — Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)
The blood of Jesus is part of our spiritual victory, but it’s not a standalone “weapon” to be used like a magical formula.

The Danger of Misusing the Blood of Jesus

When Christians use phrases like “Blood of Jesus on you” to address situations like a stray cat entering a house, they may not realize the implications of their words. The blood of Jesus is not a tool to be wielded carelessly; it’s a sacred truth that reminds us of our identity and authority in Christ.

Using the blood of Jesus in this way can lead to unintended consequences. For example:

Trampling the Blood of Jesus: If someone says, “I spill the blood of Jesus on this land,” and people walk on that land, they are unknowingly trampling the very symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is deeply disrespectful and aligns with the warning in Hebrews 10:29:

“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” — Hebrews 10:29 (NKJV)

Treating the Blood as Common: Using the blood of Jesus as a ritualistic phrase or a spiritual “tool” reduces it to something common and diminishes its sacred significance.

Our Authority Over Satan

While the blood of Jesus is not a weapon against Satan, the Bible clearly teaches that we have authority over Satan through the name of Jesus Christ and our identity as children of God. For example:

Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons:
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” — Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Believers cast out demons in Jesus’ name:
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…” — Mark 16:17 (NKJV)
We resist the devil by standing firm in our faith:
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 (NKJV)

The name of Jesus is our source of authority, not the blood of Jesus as a weapon. When we pray, declare, or act in Jesus’ name, we are invoking His authority and power.

How to Honor the Blood of Jesus

To avoid misusing the blood of Jesus, we must approach it with reverence and understanding. Here’s how:

Understand Its Purpose: The blood of Jesus is for redemption, forgiveness, and covenant—not for rituals or superstitions.
Pray with Reverence: When you reference the blood of Jesus in prayer, do so with an understanding of its power and significance.
Live in Gratitude: Let the blood of Jesus inspire you to live a life of holiness and gratitude.
Share the Gospel: Use the blood of Jesus as a testimony of God’s love and redemption, not as a ritualistic phrase.

A Message of Encouragement

The blood of Jesus is the most precious gift we’ve ever received. It’s not something to be taken lightly or used carelessly. Instead, it’s a reminder of God’s incredible love and the price He paid to save us.

“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” — 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV)

Let’s honor the blood of Jesus by living in the fullness of its power and sharing its truth with others.

Call-to-Action

Have you ever struggled with how to understand or apply the blood of Jesus in your faith? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to approach this sacred truth with reverence and biblical understanding.

Remember, the blood of Jesus is not a ritual—it’s the foundation of our salvation. Let’s honor it and live in its power every day.

Improving Faith to Bring the Spiritual into the Physical

Faith is the bridge between the spiritual realm and the physical world. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” As believers, we have access to God’s promises, but it’s through faith that we bring those promises into our daily lives.

One powerful way to activate our faith is by continuously proclaiming God’s promises—speaking them aloud, meditating on them, and even displaying them visibly in our homes. When we declare God’s Word, we align our hearts with His will and release His power into our circumstances.

The Power of Proclaiming God’s Promises

Proclaiming God’s promises isn’t just about positive thinking—it’s about declaring His truth over our lives. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we speak God’s Word aloud, we build our faith and create an atmosphere for His promises to manifest.

Here’s how you can practice proclaiming God’s promises:

Speak Them Aloud: Declare God’s promises over your life daily. For example, say, “By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed” (Isaiah 53:5) or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Write Them Down: Write out Scriptures that speak to your situation and place them where you’ll see them often—on your mirror, fridge, or workspace.
Memorize Them: Meditate on God’s promises until they become a part of your thinking. This helps you stay focused on His truth, especially during challenging times.
Pray Them Back to God: Use Scripture as the foundation of your prayers. For example, pray, “Lord, You said in Jeremiah 29:11 that You have plans to prosper me and not to harm me. I claim this promise over my life today.”

Hanging God’s Promises on Your Wall

Displaying Scriptures in your home is a powerful way to keep God’s Word before your eyes and in your heart. When you see His promises daily, they become a constant reminder of His faithfulness and love.

For example, you could create a “promise wall” with verses like:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).

This visual reminder helps you stay focused on God’s truth and builds your faith as you see His promises every day.

List of God’s Promises for Your Life

Here’s a list of Scriptures covering wellness, peace, victory, prosperity, and love. Use these promises to build your faith and declare them over your life:

Wellness

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” — 3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
“He heals all your diseases.” — Psalm 103:3 (NKJV)
“By His stripes, we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

Peace

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NKJV)
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

Victory Over Challenges

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)

Prosperity

“The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand.” — Deuteronomy 28:12 (NKJV)
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV)

Love

“We love Him because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 (NKJV)
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” — 1 John 4:16 (NKJV)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

A Message of Encouragement

Faith is the key to unlocking God’s promises in your life. When you continuously proclaim His Word, meditate on His truth, and surround yourself with His promises, you create an environment for miracles to happen.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

Keep speaking, believing, and trusting in God’s promises. He is faithful to bring them to pass in your life.

Call-to-Action

Which of these promises resonates with you the most? Write it down, speak it aloud, and share it in the comments below to encourage others! Let’s build a community of faith that stands on God’s Word and watches His promises come to life.

Remember, faith moves mountains. Keep proclaiming His promises, and watch what He will do!

If your father is all powerful

Declare Your Righteousness Daily

One of the most powerful declarations a believer can make is: “I am righteous.” Not to boast or intimidate others, but because it is the truth of your identity in Christ. The Bible teaches us that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made righteous through Him (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV). It’s not based on our actions, but on His grace.

Saying “I am righteous” at least once a day isn’t just a statement—it’s a reaffirmation of who you truly are. It shapes your mindset, strengthens your faith, and reminds you of the victory that is already yours in Christ.

The Confidence of a Son

Imagine a boy playing in a basketball or football match. His father watches from the sidelines, cheering him on with excitement. The crowd is watching, and many believe in him, hoping he will lead the team to victory. Yet, on the other side, his opponents are doing everything they can to intimidate him, shake his confidence, and make him doubt himself.

Despite the pressure, this boy knows something powerful—his father believes in him. He plays with confidence, pushing past the opposition, and in the end, he secures the victory. He was never alone in the battle; his father’s unwavering support and belief in him gave him the strength to overcome.

Your Heavenly Father Is Watching Over You

Now, take that same scenario and apply it to your life as a child of the Most High God. God, your Father, is not just watching from the sidelines—He is actively cheering you on, guiding you, and empowering you. He already knows who you are and what you are capable of through Him.

Just as that young athlete faced intimidation from the opposing team, we too face challenges, doubts, and opposition in life. The enemy tries to make us feel unworthy, weak, and incapable. But here’s the truth: God has already declared you victorious. No matter how strong the intimidation, you must keep pressing forward.

Victory Is Your Inheritance

The Bible assures us in 2 Corinthians 2:14 (“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” NKJV). This means that no matter what battle you are facing—whether in your health, finances, relationships, or faith—God’s plan for you is victory. The outcome is already determined, and it is in your favor.

However, just as the athlete must continue playing with confidence despite the opposition, we must also stand firm in our faith. This requires:

Declaring your identity – Speak God’s truth over yourself daily: “I am righteous, I am victorious, I am more than a conqueror.”
Trusting in God’s plan – Even when things seem uncertain, believe that God is leading you to triumph.
Ignoring intimidation – The enemy’s tactics are only as powerful as the attention we give them. Focus on God, not the distractions.
Walking in faith – Take action, knowing that your victory is guaranteed by God’s promises.

Final Thoughts

If your Father is all-powerful, what do you have to fear? The intimidation of the enemy is nothing compared to the power of God within you. Just as the father in the stands believes in his son’s victory, your Heavenly Father believes in you. Keep speaking the truth of who you are in Christ, hold onto His promises, and walk boldly in faith.

No matter what challenges come your way, you will win every battle of life—because God has already declared it (“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” Romans 8:37, NKJV).

Join the Conversation

If this message has encouraged you, take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s build a community of believers who uplift and support one another! Share this post with a friend who needs encouragement today, and let’s spread the truth of God’s promises together!

You Are Righteous!

How often have you heard Christians say, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace”? While this statement acknowledges God’s grace, it often misses the profound truth of our identity in Christ. Yes, the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NKJV) and “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10 NKJV). But these verses describe who we were before Christ—not who we are now as His children.

If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are no longer defined by your sins or shortcomings. You are righteous—holy, blameless, and fully accepted by God. This righteousness isn’t something you earn; it’s a gift you receive through faith in Jesus.

The Story of the Prodigal Child

Let me share an example to illustrate this truth. Imagine a grown child who brings shame to their family through a terrible mistake. The parents are heartbroken, angry, and deeply disappointed. Their reputation in the community is tarnished, and they feel utterly disgraced.

But despite their pain, these parents love their child deeply. They don’t want to lose them. Meanwhile, the child, overwhelmed by guilt and shame, contemplates ending their life.

What do you think the parents will do? Will they abandon the child or cut off the relationship? No. Loving parents will do everything in their power to save their child, welcome them back into the family, and restore the relationship.

This is a picture of God’s love for us. No matter how far we fall or how much we mess up, our Heavenly Father’s love for us never changes. He doesn’t cut us off or abandon us. Instead, He runs to us, embraces us, and restores us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

You Are Righteous in Christ

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, something miraculous happens. Our sins are forgiven, and we’re clothed in His righteousness.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

This means that when God looks at you, He doesn’t see your sins or failures. He sees the perfection of Jesus. You are holy, blameless, and righteous in His eyes.

Does this mean we’ll never sin again? No. We’re still human, and we’ll still make mistakes. But our sins don’t define us anymore. Our identity is no longer “sinner”—it’s “righteous.”

The Enemy’s Trap of Condemnation

One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is to twist Scripture to make us feel unworthy, guilty, or condemned. He’ll remind us of our past mistakes, our current struggles, and our imperfections. He’ll whisper, “You’re not good enough. You’re still a sinner. God can’t use you.”

But these are lies. The Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NKJV). When we fall into the trap of condemnation, we’re believing the enemy’s lies instead of God’s truth.

Here’s how to combat these lies:

Stand on God’s Word: Declare Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 8:1 over your life.
Reject Condemnation: When feelings of guilt or shame arise, remind yourself that you are righteous in Christ.
Focus on God’s Love: Meditate on the truth that God loves you unconditionally and has made you righteous through Jesus.

Righteousness Doesn’t Give License to Sin

Some people worry that emphasizing our righteousness in Christ might lead to complacency or sin. They ask, “If we’re already righteous, does that mean we can do whatever we want?”

Absolutely not. The Bible is clear that grace is not a license to sin.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” — Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV)

Our righteousness in Christ isn’t an excuse to sin—it’s a motivation to live a life that honors God. When we truly understand how much He loves us and what He’s done for us, we’ll want to live in a way that pleases Him.

Living in the Truth of Your Righteousness

Knowing that you are righteous in Christ changes everything. It frees you from guilt, shame, and the pressure to perform. Here’s how you can live in this truth:

Declare Your Righteousness: Speak Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 8:1 over your life daily.
Walk in Confidence: Live boldly, knowing that you are fully accepted and loved by God.
Pursue Holiness: Let your righteousness in Christ inspire you to live a life that reflects His love and grace.
Share the Good News: Tell others about the freedom and joy that comes from being made righteous in Christ.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’ve been struggling with guilt, shame, or feelings of unworthiness, take heart. God says you are righteous—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you. His sacrifice on the cross was enough to make you holy, blameless, and fully accepted by God.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV)

You don’t have to live under the weight of condemnation anymore. In Christ, you are righteous. Walk in that truth today!

Call-to-Action

What does being “righteous in Christ” mean to you? How has this truth changed the way you see yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to live in the freedom and confidence of our identity in Christ!

Remember, you are righteous—not by your own efforts, but by the finished work of Jesus. Walk in that truth today!