I know that it may be a bit odd to hold the belief in the title that one may be righteous in the eyes of God, yet still be a sinner. How is it that can work? If one is righteous, then they are in tune with God and He has declared them as being one of the chosen and if that is true, then how would they still be a sinner. The question is asked by Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes as noted below.
“20Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” – Ecclesiastes 7:20 (ESV)
And He answers the question, as we review the rest of the passage, yet we find a better and more easily understood passage in 1 Kings.
“46If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near,” — 1 Kings 8:46 (ESV)
Solomon understood that being righteous is something that was declared by God and not man. We are sinners, it is that simple. God may declare one righteous, but we are still sinners in recovery. We will fall back from time to time yet we are loved by God and He accepts us in spite of that sin when we are His.
I do not consider myself righteous. I have taken some righteous action and will continue to do so. I am still a sinner though and will be until I am united with Jesus in heaven. If the LORD considers me righteous, that is for Him to do. I am to simply continue my actions in His name here in this world, knowing that they are actions and done for Him. They do not make me righteous, they only demonstrate my work for Him.
In this world, I will always be a sinner, yet I have the opportunity to work for the LORD each day. If the LORD sees my work and declares me righteous, then great. I am only here to do His work and please the LORD. And for that He will judge me and make any and all final declarations of me.
What are your thoughts on righteousness and sinners? Are you of the opinion that you cannot be one if you are the other? What if you understood that you will always be a sinner and it is left to the LORD to declare your righteousness?
Trevor's Thoughts 