Without standards, the everyday life we know would not work. Standards are necessary to ensure safety, dependability, and interoperability; from tech gadgets to office and household items to services that fuel the global economy. Without internationally accepted standards, there would be no confidence in the global supply chain of goods and services that most of us readily take for granted. The modern interconnected world would face significant challenges in maintaining consistent quality and safety of goods and services without maintaining stringent standards.
Experts develop international standards from all over the world through a balanced, open, and transparent process. Trust is at the heart of this work, which results in practical solutions to real problems and issues. “For almost 70 years, ISO has produced voluntary consensus-based standards that have driven industrial progress, spurred global commerce, and improved health, safety, and the environment,” says Acting ISO Secretary-General Kevin McKinley.
Standards are not a product of modernity; the Bible is a book of divine standards of righteousness that, when we attain, leads to eternal life, or when we fail, eternal death and punishment.
The Righteousness Standard
Jesus emphasized the importance of righteousness and warned people of falling short of God’s standard. Here are some New Testament scripture references:
- Matthew 5:20: “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
- Matthew 5:48: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
- Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”
Fake and Hidden Non-Compliance
These scriptures highlight Jesus’ call for genuine righteousness, which goes beyond mere external actions and touches the heart and motives of individuals. He urges people to align their lives with God’s standard of righteousness and not be self-righteous or hypocritical.
The biblical concept of righteousness serves as a spiritual standard, urging people to pursue holiness, justice, and ethical conduct in their lives. Just as international standards promote trust and dependability in the global supply chain, Jesus calls His followers to embrace God’s standard of righteousness, which brings forth spiritual assurance and eternal significance.
IMMANENT ETERNAL JUDGEMENT:
Based upon Jesus’ three parables in Mat. 25:1-44. These should be read and understood as one story or sermon.
Five Foolish Virgins
The first standard for our current spiritual focus lies upon Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins or bridesmaids who were not ready with oil in their lamps. The story’s purpose is simply to state how idiotic the foolish virgins were. To plan ahead is the most obvious thing to do, like putting petrol in your car before a long journey. These girls were not prepared at all, yet they thought they could depend on a “free ride” – to lean on the kindness of the wise virgins.
The wisdom of the wise virgins gave them enough sense to be intentional about the future and be good stewards of their own oil. Their life-focus was being wise about an end-time strategy. With the foolish having to take responsibility to buy their own oil, they missed the timing of the Lord – the doors of the wedding banquet were closed: “Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
Some people think they can get to heaven with religion, self-righteousness, or just “going along”! They have no first-hand inner preparedness, being filled with the Holy Spirit and His righteousness.
Three Servants and Their Talents
Jesus explains this preparedness in the next story. A master gave three servants his goods and expected them to be fruitful and entrepreneurial with what they received, each according to their ability.
The ones who increased what they had received were blessed, but the ones who hid their talent (even faithfully), did nothing and consequently were condemned: “‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Mat 25:26-30)
The point is made clear: God wants us to be fruitful in His righteousness and produce more than what we have received. Thus, no spectators here! Again, first-hand empowered believers who produce after our Lord’s example.
The Sheep and Goats
All vagueness and mystery are removed by the last story. Here Jesus explains in practical detail what righteousness or right acts He expects from us.
The difference between the sheep and the goats is: “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” (Mat 25:25-36).
The people who used His righteousness to do right, was blessed! “…these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Mat 25:44)
Receiving Christ’s Righteousness by Faith
With reference to Romans 3:22 and Ephesians 2:8-9:
Amidst the warnings, Jesus offers a profound invitation: the “gift of righteousness through faith”. Romans 3:22 reminds us that the righteousness of God is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. We cannot earn this righteousness through our works, but it is a gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
When we receive Christ’s righteousness, His perfect standard covers our imperfections and enables us to stand blameless before God.
3 Standards of Righteousness
a) The Church: The community of believers plays a crucial role in helping us uphold Christ’s standard. A healthy church provides accountability, encouragement, and growth in our faith.
Are we actively involved in a Christ-centered community that challenges us to live out His righteousness daily?
b) The Bible: The Word of God is the ultimate standard of truth. Regularly immersing ourselves in the Scriptures allows us to align our lives with God’s will and discover His righteous standard.
Are we faithfully studying the Bible and applying its principles to our lives?
c) The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding and empowering us to live according to Christ’s standard. He convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and produces the fruit of righteousness in our lives.
Are we walking in step with the Spirit, relying on His guidance to shape our character?
Conclusion:
- Receiving the righteous standard of Christ is of utmost importance in our Christian walk.
- Jesus’ warnings remind us of the seriousness of living according to His will.
- Yet, His invitation to receive righteousness by faith fills us with hope and assurance.
- As we test ourselves through the Church, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit, let us remember that Christ’s righteousness enables us to live transformed lives, bringing glory to God and shining His light in a dark world.
May we embrace His standard wholeheartedly, seeking to walk in obedience and love, and finding our ultimate fulfillment in the righteousness bestowed upon us by our Savior, Jesus Christ.
