Remember That God Has Clothed You, O You of Little Faith

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.— Romans 3:21.

"Vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass' colt."—Job 11:12. Proud man would be righteous, though conceived in iniquity, brought forth in sin, and no goodness in him. This pride accompanies him all his days; yea it forsakes not new-born souls. Our natural notions are ever, that doing something will make us righteous. So the judgment of the flesh ever opposeth the truth of the Spirit. Carnal reason ever runs counter to spiritual faith. But it is the glory of believing hearts to take their views of righteousness from revealed truth. This, to the ineffable joy and unspeakable comfort of poor sinners, manifests a righteousness for their garment, which they toiled not for, neither did they spin. And what shall we say of it? Truly, Solomon, in all his glory, yea, angels in all their brightest perfection, are not arrayed like those, who are clothed with the righteousness of the God-man, Christ Jesus. O for stronger faith in this!

Poor, weak, doubting believer! why takest thou thought for raiment? hath not God clothed you? "O thou of little faith!" thou hopest, thou trustest in Jesus' blood alone for the pardon of thy sins, but art distressed in seeing thyself a poor sinner. Thou knowest thou art not righteous in thyself, and often fearest thou shalt never attain righteousness, and perish at last for want of it. Verily, thy face is turned towards Mount Sinai, instead of Mount Calvary; to Moses, instead of Jesus; to thy life of obedience, instead of his life of righteousness; to the law (which requires all) instead of the gospel, which freely gives all.

So sure as thou hast the faith of Jesus in thine heart, thou hast the righteousness of Jesus on thy back, let law, men, and Satan say what they will. God finds his children naked, he clothes them. Witnesses are ever at hand. Evidences are never wanting to prove this truth. The Spirit of truth bears infallible testimony, by the law and the prophets, to the glory of this righteousness. Read, be joyful, and give all glory to free grace for its free imputation: "The righteousness of God, which is by faith in Jesus Christ, is unto all, and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference." Romans 3:22. But who enjoy the comfort of this? Verily no soul, till he is brought to say, with Paul, "I through the law am dead to the law."—Galatians 2:19.

In vain we ask God's righteous law
To justify us now,
Since to convince, and to condemn,
Is all the law can do.

Jesus, how glorious is thy grace!
When in thy name we trust,
Our faith receives a righteousness
That makes the sinner just.

- William Mason, A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, Volume 1, February 14