A PATHWAY TO
RIGHTEOUSNESS
INTRODUCTION
A pathway to righteousness is not only for individuals but nations as well; who have allowed unrighteousness to flourish rather than the righteousness of God. Scripture reveals: In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof is no death (Proverbs 12:28).
Many today have become intrigued by the unrighteousness of man that is being portrayed as acceptable; instead of strict adherence to the Word of God. Many are allowing deceptive practices to be introduced; supported by laws and rulings, to accommodate ungodly lifestyles condemned in God's Word. Unrighteousness is like a creeping vine; when fed, it continues to sprout forth undeterred in its growth!
A Pathway to Righteousness
Turned into Hemlock (Poison)
Scripture reveals: Shall horses run upon the rock? Will one plow there with oxen? For you have turned judgment (justice) into gall (an open sore), and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock (Amos 6:12). It was noted horses do not run on rocks, or else they would become lame; nor does one plow rocks with oxen, or else the plow would be broken; to violate nature law is to reap the consequences.
The word hemlock refers to a plant that poison is derived from. Poison infects or pollutes the body until injury, illness, or death results. It can be of a harmful influence such as will ruin, taint, inhibit, or embitter. We are seeing destructive measures being formulated; and carried out that will not lead into a pathway to righteousness but rather to destruction; if continued!
Righteousness Cast
Aside
It was noted things that once would have shocked Christians are now commonplace. There is much that does not disturb the church like it once did. Many Christians have been lulled into believing that all is well. Where is the moral outrage necessary to petition God for a new reformation or another great awakening?
There are churches, denominations, which have endeared themselves to the unfruitful works of darkness that is condemned in God's Word. Where is the moral outrage to cry out against such? A pathway to righteousness has been cast aside through drifting into a pathway that will only continue, as a creeping vine (previously mentioned) being fed niceties rather than the Word of God.
Not Watchful Enough
It was noted that those who have been responsible for the housekeeping in the church has not been watchful enough and let the little foxes creep into the vineyard and now they are so numerous and big that they cannot be driven out by ordinary methods of teaching and warning, for they well-nigh have possession of the vineyard (Noah H. Mack).
Words of warning have been promulgated by those who have spiritual understanding as to what is being developed and nourished. A pathway to righteousness does not entail indulgence of efforts that demise rather than increase the righteousness of God.
Pulpits Flame with
Righteousness
A famous 19th century French statesman, and historian, traveled to a new nation to discover the reasons for its incredible success. He wrote: Not until I went into the churches and heard its pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.
Has the flame of rigorousness died out in a time when it is most needed? Has the church become worldly minded rather than spiritual minded? Are we seeing a mighty revival spirit as in previous days; or are we seeing such replaced with formality and entertainment rather than the moving of God's Spirit in mighty revival power?
Unlawful Deeds
Scripture reveals: God delivered just Lot (nephew of Abraham), vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked: for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day with the unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:7-8).
It was noted that Lot had convictions of a righteous man (a pathway to righteousness) but he was too weak spiritually to make a clean break from his ungodly surroundings. He selfishly chose to live in Sodom; resisting departure, even when the doom of the city was at hand. He had to be taken by the hand, by angels of the Lord, to remove him before it was too late! What would so intrigue one as to prevent departure from ungodly surroundings; after being warned of impending doom, for one to remain attracted to such?
Righteousness Delivers
from Death
Scripture reveals: Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death (Proverbs 10:2). It was noted that there is a sharp contrast in the profits of wickedness and the profits of righteousness.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; cannot redeem (prevent) destruction, nor be of service on the Day of Judgment, when wrath comes forth. Righteousness delivers from death; to those that live a life of faith in Christ, have communion with God, freed from the servitude and dominion of sin, entitling them to life everlasting.
Sin and Wickedness
Scripture reveals: Sow to yourselves in righteousness (a pathway to righteousness), reap in mercy (loving kindness); break up your fallow (untilled) ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you (Hosea 10:12).
It was noted that sow to yourselves in righteousness is the seed of God's Word, to be laid up (stored) in one's heart, to dwell richly in such, to be kept and retained by such, towards living soberly and righteously with a view towards the glory of God.
Break up your fallow ground; once full of sin and wickedness, standing in need of being renewed in the spirit of one's mind, towards peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life through Christ. One who has soften their heart towards the things of God; receptive towards the Spirit of God's prompting, equates to a pathway to righteousness and the fruitfulness of such.
Hunger and Thirst
after Righteousness
Scripture reveals: Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). It was noted that such experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is proof of their spiritual rebirth (bring born again).
The day of one's salvation in Christ Jesus should instill a desire to be more Christlike in one's walk; forsaking the ways of sinful living into the glorious light of Christ Jesus. The day of salvation should bring one into a relationship with God, and His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ that outweighs the sinful nature prior to conversion.
One should hunger and thirst for a pathway to righteousness that only salvation of the soul can provide. Righteousness evokes one to abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good (Romans 12:9) and be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (reflecting a pathway to righteousness) (Romans 12:21).
Be Not Conformed
to This World
Scripture reveals: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (a pathway to righteousness invoked) (Romans 12:1-2).
It was noted that God's will refers to His purpose for the life of the believer. It implies His guidance or direction in all of life's decisions. Dedication is an act of surrender or submission whereby we become a living sacrifice to God. When we seek to discern the will of God we must also be committed to doing the will of God as revealed in the Word of God.
Persecuted for Righteousness'
Sake
Scripture reveals: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake (those on a pathway to righteousness): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). It was noted that Jesus taught that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live.
He foresaw persecution which would touch all believers in Him. Scripture reveals: All that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution. Evil men and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:12-13).
A Significant
Prophecy
Sometime prior to his death, General Booth of the Salvation army, uttered this significant prophecy: I consider that the chief dangers that confront the coming century will be Religion without the Holy Ghost (that of God's Spirit); Christianity without Christ; Forgiveness without regeneration; Morality without God; and Heaven without Hell.
Are we seeing such manifested in the hour in which we live? Has a pathway to righteousness been diminished? Is the flow of morality dissipating as righteousness is tossed aside for worldly attributes and ungodly influences? Let us pray that God's people will recommit their lives to the Lord; shift out the ways of unrighteousness and allow the pathway to righteousness to flow unabated!
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 8,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
-
Duration of a Nation
Duration of a nation is ill-conceived if based on any other factor than the Word of God; for its greatness is not of its own merit but its outlook towards God.