The righteousness of God is a gift that must be received. It must be BELIEVED to be received. This word “believe” in Romans 1:16 is the Greek word “pisteuo,”1 and it means rely on, be persuaded, put your confidence and trust in HIS righteousness.
In John 6 we see a question that gives the simplicity of the Gospel. The disciples had just seen Jesus feed the five thousand. They thought, “Wow, this guy is the real deal. We’re in!” They asked Him an excellent question, the question that we all have asked in one way or another:
“What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” (John 6:28)2
Isn’t that what every Christian wants to know? Everyone knows they haven’t lived up to God’s holy standards so they ask their leaders and pastors, “What do I have to do to do the works that God requires of me?” Often the answer will be “DO this and then DO that, and then DO another thing for God….and perhaps He will be pleased with your efforts.”
However, here was Jesus’s answer:
“This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29, emphasis mine)
Our job is just to believe. We’re not to seek to attain or earn right standing with God. Just believe. Nothing in true Christianity is earned. Everything is accessed through simple faith in the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ.
(from pages 38-39 of Unveiling Jesus)
Want more from Tricia Gunn? Check out excerpts from the Unveiling Jesus 20-part series!
Unveiling Jesus, by Tricia Gunn, is a verse by verse study of the pure gospel of grace. It’s an amazing journey of love, identity, and freedom in Christ.
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1 Vine, W.E. “believe” (pisteuō), Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Minneapolis, MN, 1984. Print.
2 All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
