Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper… I. A RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. 1. It has passed through every test (John 14:30; John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22). 2. It has fulfilled every requirement (Philippians 2:8; Matthew 3:15; Matthew 5:17). 3. It has satisfied the highest claims (Matthew 3:17; Romans 4:25; Philippians 2:9). II. A RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT IS IDENTIFIED WITH CHRIST HIMSELF. 1. Christ — God's gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17). 2. Christ for us, in the presence of God (Hebrews 9:24). 3. He is made unto us righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). 4. "The Lord our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23. 6; Isaiah 40; Isaiah 42; 1 John 2:1). III. A RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT IS PUT TO OUR ACCOUNT. 1. Not the reward of our obedience (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Galatians 2:16). 2. Not something we have to wait for (Romans 3:22; Romans 10:4). 3. But a righteousness that is ours now by faith (Romans 5:1; Romans 3:28; Philippians 3:9). 4. Christ for us, our righteousness, to be distinguished but not separated from Christ in us, our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). (E. H. Hopkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. |