Before his conversion to Christ, Paul was profiting greatly by his status with the Jews. Among his peers, he had an impressive resume and was on top of the world. But when the Lord appeared to him, all of that changed. From then on his life’s focus was to “gain Christ and to be found in him”. (vs. 8)

“Righteousness” describes a state of being right with God. The “righteousness of God” is an expression Paul commonly uses (Romans 3:21,22; Romans 10:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21) to describe this blessed state. New Testament writers also use the word "justified” to describe this relationship.

Paul observes that being found in Christ will not be accomplished through his own righteousness which is by the law. From a purely pharisaical viewpoint, Paul may have attained this lofty relationship with God, but not from God’s viewpoint. Paul, like all of mankind was a law breaker. 

Our lack of absolute righteousness is why God had to provide a perfect way through Christ. It is made possible by Christ’s death (Romans 3:24-26) and resurrection. (Romans 4:25) “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;“ (Romans 4:7) 

This blessed relationship is imputed to us. This is an accounting term and means that something (in this case righteousness) is placed on the credit side of the ledger. The Bible says one's faith (Romans 4:3,5) is accounted for righteousness.  

Such faith is not just easy believism, but a living and active faith. God's word offers marvelous examples to illustrate this kind of faith. For example, read Hebrews 11:7. Noah became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith, when he took God at his word, and by faith prepared an ark.

If we too will do what God requires, on the basis of our faith, God will impute righteousness to us. One may gain much in this life but lose it again. But, the sinner who gains Christ obtains a bliss without end! 

By George Slover