Phil 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
First to be found in Jesus Christ is to have my foundation in knowing who I am in Christ Jesus and what He has done for me.
It is clear in this scripture that I can’t partake of all the benefits of being in the Lord Jesus if I am going to establish my own self-righteousness. This is our best effort to do all the works of the law. This is to set a standard of behavior for ourselves according to laws, such as the Ten Commandments. We then base our right-standing, our acceptance before God or God love for us on attaining the standard of behavior we have set for ourselves.
If we approach God in this manner, rather than according to the gift of righteousness which Father God has provided for us because of His mercy and grace, then we will disqualify ourselves from any of the benefits received by being in Christ Jesus. (Gal 5:4)
We will have difficulty in receiving such things as forgiveness of sins, healing, or wisdom from God. We will have difficulty in walking in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
So, abandon every effort to be righteous in our own effort, to do good enough for God to accept you. Please receive by faith the gift of righteousness (right-standing with God) that Jesus has provided for us. Believe, think, know, and speak that God deals with you as if you have never sinned.
You are justified by faith.
