Rhapsody of Realities 19th June 2025 Devotional, Thursday Message By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy)
TOPIC: WE WERE BORN RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24).
Rhapsody of Realities 19th June 2025 – MESSAGE
For far too long, many in the Church have had the wrong idea about the doctrine of holiness and righteousness. They believe no one is holy or can live holy, whereas everything we are, according to the Bible, is holiness. Being born again, we were created in righteousness and true holiness. That’s what we read in our opening verse. You’re holy and you’re righteous.
The doctrine of holiness in the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, has nothing to do with what you do; rather, it all has to do with who you are and where you are. Only a holy man can live holy; you can’t practice holiness to become holy; if you could, then you’d never have needed Jesus.
It’s the same with righteousness. You’d have to first be righteous to live a righteous life. That’s why at the New Birth, God imparts His nature of righteousness into a man’s spirit. Righteousness is a nature, and right-living is the result of that nature. A dog barks because it’s a dog. Likewise, a sinner cannot live a righteous life, because he’s a sinner; that’s his nature.
To live a righteous life, you’d have to be made the righteousness of God, and that happened when you were born again. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “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.” Therefore, righteousness is not something you attain. People struggle to become righteous because they lack accurate knowledge of God’s Word.
Righteousness, according to Romans 5:17, is the gift of God; it’s a nature—that nature or life of God that gives you, and produces in you, the ability to do right. Hallelujah! Until you understand this, you’ll struggle in your Christian walk. It’s part of the reason we say Christianity is not a religion. In the religions of the world, they “try” to be holy; and “struggle” to be righteous. But in Christianity, righteousness and holiness are our inherent nature. We were born righteous and holy, to live holy and righteous. Blessed be God!
PRAYER/CONFESSION
Righteousness and holiness are my inherent nature, producing in me the ability to do right and live in alignment with God’s perfect will. I walk in the consciousness of my righteousness; I reign and rule over Satan, demons and circumstances. Thank you Father, for this glorious life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Romans 5:17; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 3:1
Romans 5:17
Living Bible
17 The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to be king over all, but all who will take God’s gift of forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life[a] because of this one man, Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:4
Living Bible
4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love.
Hebrews 3:1
Living Bible
3 Therefore, dear brothers whom God has set apart for himself—you who are chosen for heaven—I want you to think now about this Jesus who is God’s Messenger and the High Priest of our faith.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 8:9-40; 2 Chronicles 33-34
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 2:21-32; Deuteronomy 17
Rhapsody of Realities 19th June 2025 Devotional Message written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, remains a life-guide with rich and impactful teachings from God’s Word. Millions of copies of Rhapsody of Realities, the best-selling daily devotional and Bible study guide have been distributed in 242 countries in 2010 languages of the world… and we’re still counting.