Philippians 3:9 (a)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law…
Paul had a résumé most religious men would frame and hang.
Tribe. Training. Tradition. Zeal.
But here he says something startling. He does not merely discard bad behavior. He discards personal righteousness.
Not immorality.
Self-made morality.
There is a righteousness that is “of the law.” It measures, compares, calculates. It says, “I fasted.” “I studied.” “I performed.” It builds a case file for heaven.
But Isaiah 64:6 tells us even our righteous deeds are as filthy rags. Not just our sins. Our righteousness.
Imagine a man stitching together scraps of cloth, trying to sew his own wedding garment. He works carefully. He selects what he thinks are the best pieces. He admires his craftsmanship.
Then the King provides a spotless robe.
The issue is not effort.
The issue is source.
Philippians 3:9 (b)
…but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
This righteousness is not achieved.
It is received.
1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He does not merely assist us in becoming righteous. He is our righteousness.
When you believed, something happened that no ceremony could produce. You were placed into Him.
You are not standing before God in your consistency.
You are standing before God in Christ.
Picture a child standing in a thunderstorm, terrified by lightning. Then his father wraps him in a thick coat and pulls him close. The storm does not cease. But the child is covered.
So it is with us.
Judgment was satisfied at Calvary. The law’s demands were fulfilled in Christ. When the Father looks upon the believer, He does not see stitched-together moral effort.
He sees His Son.
Romans 3:22 says the righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.
Upon all.
Like a garment laid over the shoulders.
We are not polishing our own armor.
We are wearing His.
And that changes everything.
If righteousness is self-generated, pride grows.
If righteousness is received, gratitude grows.
Be found in Him.
Not improved.
Not upgraded.
In Him.