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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Being With the Lord, continued
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6—NIV)
There are three kinds of righteousness. The first kind consists of religious self-righteousness, such as that demonstrated by the scribes and Pharisees. God refers to this kind of righteousness as "filthy rags."
The second kind of righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ ascribed to us when we follow the Spirit of God.
In order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:4—NIV)
The third kind of righteousness is that which is developed in us as we obey the commandments of Christ and His Apostles and Christ is formed in us.
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. (I John 3:7—NIV)
The first two kinds of righteousness, religious self-righteousness and imputed righteousness, have been preached thoroughly by the Christian ministry, although the difference between ordinary human righteousness and integrity (which is entirely acceptable to God), and religious self-righteousness (which is "filthy rags"), have not always been made clear. The third kind, Christ-inspired righteous behavior, has not been treated with the same thoroughness, in many instances.
Those who are permitted to accompany Christ in the Battle of Armageddon will not be robed in filthy rags, or in imputed righteousness, but in their own righteous behavior—a righteous behavior made possible as by faith they have participated each day in the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord.
Then the angel said to me, "Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God." (Revelation 19:9—NIV)
It is my point of view that those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lord are the nations of people God has chosen to save. They will come to the light of God they see rising on the saints. Thus the coming of the Lord will bring a fantastic blessing to the meek of the earth but total destruction to the wicked.
Since truth will be vigorously challenged in the last days, as Satan seeks to deceive mankind, it is important that we realize the Book of Revelation consists of "the true words of God." It is the only book of the Bible that claims to be in its entirety a vision straight from God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10—NIV)
The messenger mentioned here could be an angel or a deceased human being. There are people-angels and spirit-angels. I prefer to think of this person as a people-angel, a saint who is sent on missions by the Lord. I could be wrong.
When we bear witness of Jesus, that He is the Savior of the world and the Son of God, we are in accord with the Spirit of prophecy from God. Therefore we are not to worship God's servants even though it is through them the true testimony is given.
To be continued.