Romans 10:3,4 “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. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
Many religions claim to offer a way to be able to please God. As a result, they say, that if you follow our way, you will likely make it into Heaven (or its equivalent).
Unknown to many people, the Bible does not teach that following a certain way will get you into Heaven. That kind of salvation involves a process – with an uncertain ending. If you noticed, the above verse mentions two different kinds of righteousness: “God’s righteousness” and “their own righteousness.”
Those who work hard to establish their own righteousness are not going to go to Heaven, Paul says. Instead, you need to have “God’s righteousness.” Notice also that Paul said – under inspiration of the Holy Spirit – that those who are focused on making sure they do righteous works to get into Heaven “have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
So, how does one submit themselves to the “righteousness of God?” The last part of the verses above gives the answer: “to every one that believeth.”
What must be believed? That Christ died for your sins and paid for all of them, and that He will give you His own righteousness – when you believe and call on Him for salvation.
Here it is stated again in Romans 10:10: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
And again in Romans 3:22: “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.”
Salvation has always been by God giving to man His own righteousness. This is seen in the case of Abraham in Romans 4:3: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
Salvation comes when there is an exchange. Christ takes your sin upon Himself and pays for it on the Cross. When you believe what He did for you and ask Him to forgive and save you – He forgives and then gives you (without earning it) His righteousness.
This is how no person is beyond salvation. The sin does not matter – anything can be forgiven – unless you do not receive Him as your Savior and Lord. This principle is clearly stated in II Corinthians 5:21: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Have you received Him yet as your Savior? Are you tired of trying to establish “your own righteousness?” Why not ask Him right now to save you today? He waits for you to ask.