Word of the Week: Work Righteousness

In our Word of the Week we discuss the phrase "work righteousness" as we look ahead to Reformation. The phrase "work righteousness" descibes the idea that human beings can save themselves by works of rightesousness. But there is a problem. God's standard of righteousness (laid out in the 10 Commandments for starters) is impossible for us to achieve. All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags, Isaiah writes! When we try to save ourselves or earn God's favor by our works we separated ourselves from Christ and lost out on the grace He alone can give. Scripture clearly declares that we are not saved by our works of righteousness, but by God's grace in Christ: “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Romans 4). Thanks be to God!