But Now Righteousness
If I were to say to you, "I used to enjoy something, but now," would you expect that I am about to say I prefer something else? Would you think something is about to change?
The term "but now" is a transitional phrase that prepares someone for a change. In the Scriptures, we find a very significant "But now."
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
But now, a very different type of righteousness that comes in a very different way than at any time before has appeared. This better righteousness, this new righteousness, was witnessed by the law and the prophets.
How is it possible that there can be a righteousness revealed witnessed by the law and the prophets? Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe?
Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. 7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
That experience on that mount was a foreshadowing of how God's righteousness would be imputed through Jesus Christ only. To have God's righteousness requires being in Christ and having Christ in you. Only New Creations in Christ can make their boast of His righteousness. No one has ever made themselves a New Creation. No man can make himself righteous. God's righteousness has to be imputed to you through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the very righteousness of God. Without God's righteousness, no one can have a relationship with God. To claim Him as Father, one must possess His righteousness by having their faith in Christ Jesus. This is how God has determined it should be, and there is no other way for someone to experience, no matter what they may claim.
2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
Not only is God's righteousness better than the righteousness that comes by the law. God's righteousness is the only righteousness that endures forever. The only way to have eternal righteousness is to be born again by believing the gospel concerning Christ Jesus. There is no other way of obtaining, or maintaining the only righteousness that God will accept. Do you possess the "but now" righteousness?
