And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross....For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous....For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God....and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--

Philippians 2:8, Romans 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and Philippians 3:9

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross....For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous....For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God....and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--Philippians 2:8, Romans 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and Philippians 3:9

As I continue my preparation to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge this Sunday 30MAR (pausing on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume), I march forward in my use of DesiringGod.com's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die.  Today I read reason #11: To Complete the Obedience That Becomes Our Righteousness.  Building on reason #10 from yesterday, today's devotion explores how God deems believers in Him righteous and that "[j]ustification is not merely the cancellation of my unrighteousness. It is also the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to me."  Believers are encouraged to understand the implications of Christ's death and how through Christ's death our sin was imputed to Him, and His righteousness was imputed to us. God not only pardoned us through justification, but he also declared us righteous.  The devotion shares: "[t]he demands of God for entrance into eternal life are not merely that our unrighteousness be canceled [justification], but that our perfect righteousness be established [sanctification]."  The more one ponders this, it is hard to fathom how a person is not driven to their knees in worship and submission to Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.  Of course, God is the One who saves and there will continue to be mystery in how some are saved and others are not.  For me, I am grateful that God softened my heart and saved me - I am certainly not deserving.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me, declaring me not only innocent of my sin, but also perfect in my obedience - I am both justified and sanctified!  Thank You!  I am of course not deserving!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.