1. What Is the Difference?

As we continue learning about eternal life and our new identity in Christ, we must understand the difference between self-righteousness and the righteousness God provides through Jesus Christ.

Self-righteousness is when a person places confidence in their own goodness, religious activities, achievements, or obedience as the basis for being accepted by God.

God’s righteousness is the righteousness He provides through Jesus Christ, received by faith rather than earned through our own works.

The problem is not that doing good things is wrong. The problem comes when we trust our good works to make us righteous before God instead of trusting in Christ.

Romans 10:3 (KJV)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Paul explains that people can try to establish their own righteousness instead of submitting to God’s provision.

The Gospel directs our confidence away from ourselves and towards Jesus Christ.

2. Religious Activities Cannot Purchase Righteousness

Prayer, fasting, giving, attending church, helping others, and studying the Bible can all have important places in a Christian’s life. However, these activities cannot purchase salvation or make us earn God’s gift of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

“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.”

Salvation is God’s gift. We receive it through faith, not by collecting religious achievements.

We should pray because we desire fellowship with God, give because we want to serve, and do good because love is important—not because we are trying to pay God for salvation.

3. Jesus’ Example: The Pharisee and the Publican

Jesus told a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee who trusted in his own righteousness, while the other was a publican who humbly asked God for mercy.

Luke 18:13–14 (KJV)

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

The Pharisee compared himself with others and listed his religious achievements. The publican came humbly, acknowledging his need for God’s mercy.

Jesus said the publican went home justified rather than the Pharisee.

This teaches us not to base our confidence before God on comparison, pride, or religious performance. We need to depend on God’s mercy and His provision for our salvation.

4. Righteousness Is Received Through Faith

Romans 3:22 (KJV)

“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:”

Paul teaches that God’s righteousness is available to all who believe. Our standing before God does not depend on our nationality, social position, education, wealth, or religious reputation.

The ground of our acceptance is Jesus Christ.

This truth also reminds us not to look down on others because we believe we are more religious or morally superior. We all depend on God’s grace for salvation.

5. Grace Does Not Make Good Works Unimportant

Sometimes people misunderstand the teaching that righteousness is received by faith. They may think it means that their actions no longer matter.

But the Bible does not teach that good works are useless. It teaches that good works cannot purchase salvation.

Titus 3:5 (KJV)

“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;”

God saves us according to His mercy, not because our good works have earned salvation.

As we grow in Christ, our lives should increasingly reflect love, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and obedience to God’s Word. These actions are not payments for righteousness; they are part of living out our faith.

6. Practical Example

Imagine two people who both give money to help someone in need.

The first person thinks, “God must accept me because I give more than other people.”

The second person thinks, “I have received God’s grace through Jesus Christ. I want to help this person because love and compassion matter.”

Both people have performed the same outward action, but their understanding is different.

Giving is good, but it cannot purchase righteousness. We should serve God and others with humility and gratitude, trusting in Christ rather than our achievements.

7. Remember

• Self-righteousness places confidence in personal achievements and religious performance.

• God’s righteousness is provided through Jesus Christ and received by faith.

• Prayer, fasting, giving, and good works cannot purchase salvation.

• Jesus warned against pride and trusting in our own righteousness.

• We should not compare ourselves with others to establish our standing before God.

• God’s grace does not make good works unimportant.

• We do good because of the life and grace we have received, not to purchase God’s acceptance.

Key Scripture to Remember: Titus 3:5 (KJV)

“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;”