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QUESTION 72
I have a question that has been bothering me for some time in regards to the verse you mentioned in Matthew 9:13. "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Romans 3:10 says, "There is none righteous." Who are the righteous?

ANSWER:
There are two answers to this verses: First, He is speaking to the Pharisees. They were so self-righteous that a call to repentance would not register with them. In order to repent there must be an acknowledgment of your sinfulness before God. This they did not do. Secondly, Romans 3:10 is speaking about sinful man in general. Romans 3:9, concludes both Jew and Gentile are all under sin. The Christian is absolutely righteous in Christ before God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, "He was made sin for us, "...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." Paul wanted to be "found in Him....having the righteousness of God which comes by faith." Philippians 3:9.

When God saves a sinner He imputes righteousness to that sinner and then He justifies him by declaring him righteous in His sight. Romans 4:5-6, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works." This person is absolutely righteous in their standing before God and does not need the repentance which will bring salvation to the sinner.

Let me ask you, dear reader. "Have you repented of your sins yet?" Do you have a righteous standing before God? The state or condition of the Christian might not always be right before God and men, but our standing in Christ is perfect. This is the marvel of God's grace in the sacrificial works of His beloved Son.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen