You’re Not Becoming Righteous—You Already Are
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m just trying to be more righteous”?
It sounds humble. It even sounds spiritual.
But here’s the problem: you can’t become something you already are.
If you're in Christ, righteousness isn’t a process—it's a person, and you’re in Him.
The Gift We Keep Trying to Earn
The gospel isn’t a ladder we climb toward God. It’s a finished rescue where Jesus came all the way down and placed us right where He is.
“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
Let that sink in. You became the righteousness of God.
Not by progress.
Not by performance.
By exchange. Jesus took your sin; you received His standing.
Identity First. Behavior Follows.
Religion flips this. It says:
“Change how you behave, and maybe you’ll become righteous.”
But grace says:
“You are righteous. Now go live like it.”
It’s not improvement that leads to identity—it’s identity that transforms behavior. You’re not working toward approval. You’re living from union.
Jesus didn’t just clean you up—He made you new.
You're Not a Work in Progress
I know, I know. We all feel unfinished. We still sin. We still struggle. We still mess up.
But feelings don’t get the final word—faith does.
And God says:
You’re holy. (Hebrews 10:10)
You’re justified. (Romans 5:1)
You’re complete in Him. (Colossians 2:10)
So are you still “under construction”? Not in your spirit.
You’re growing in awareness, yes. But you’re not earning anything.
You’re discovering what’s already yours.
What Changes When You Know Who You Are?
Everything.
You stop apologizing for who you aren’t and start living from who you are.
You stop begging God for what He’s already given.
You stop chasing righteousness and start expressing it.
Grace in Action:
Reflection Prompt:
Where am I still striving to become what I already am?
Practical Step:
Each morning this week, say out loud:
“I am the righteousness of God in Christ. This isn’t a goal—it’s my identity.”
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that I’m not climbing my way to righteousness. I’m already seated with You. Remind me daily that I’m not becoming holy—I’m already made new. Let my life reflect the truth of who I am in You. Amen.
