Considerable confusion is evident
in Christianity, its doctrine and history, arising from the failure to
distinguish between two aspects of righteousness—positional and practical. The gospel
is based on positional righteousness. Sinners are saved because of
Christ’s righteousness imputed to them through faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans
3:21, 22, 26; 4:6, 13; 8:4; 9:30; 10:4). This is the righteousness one needs if
he is to find acceptance with God.
However, there is another aspect
of righteousness, practical righteousness, that is also vitally
important. It comes from obedience to God’s rules. This is what Christ addressed
in Matthew 5:20: “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The section ends
with “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
(Matthew 5:48). The doctrine of sanctification makes practical
righteousness possible. The Spirit and the Word are the means of developing this
righteousness: “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we
keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3–6). Jesus provides both grace and
discipline to encourage believers’ obedience. Peter wrote, “For it is time
for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what
will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter
4:17).
In Revelation 22, Jesus declared
three times, “I am coming soon” (vv. 7, 12, 20). Without getting too
technical, know that the verb, coming, is in the present tense,
which in Greek indicates continuous action—it is a continual coming.
This is supported by the use of the term, soon. In other words, these
“comings” are scattered throughout church history to prepare the church to
enter the kingdom of God. The result of these “comings” is seen in the verse, “Blessed
are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of
life and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14
NKJV).
This is a gracious work for His
Church, and it involves correction and reformation. What if there are some
believers who do not keep His commandments? Said believers may indeed be under
His covenant protection and will be saved but, in the meantime, their failings must
be corrected. When Jesus comes to take His bride, she will be ready, clothed in
fine linen which is “the righteous deeds of the saints” (Revelation
19:7, 8).
How is she prepared for this
wedding? There is a hint found in the letters to the seven churches (Revelation
2; 3): “I will come to you soon . . .” (2:16; which is also the present
middle indicative). These chapters are full of judgment threats and calls for
repentance and correction. Jesus will not take a bride unto Him until she demonstrates
practical righteousness. Christ intends to “sanctify her, having cleansed
her by the washing of water by the word, so that he might present the church to
himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might
be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26, 27).
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