I've just been reflecting on, and reading about the conversion of Martin Luther, who on this day in 1517 nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg.
In speaking about his conversion he told how an expression in Scripture terrified him - "the righteousness of God". He realised he was unrighteousness and none of his "monkish deeds" could satisfy God's righteousness - he deserved to be punished. But his release and relief came through the words of Romans 1 v 17 - the just shall live by faith. He recognised the futility of his efforts and put his faith in the Lord for acceptance with God. He felt himself to be altogether born again and had entered into paradise itself through open gates.
The righteousness of God is terrifying because we all have broken His law, and religion doesn't have an answer, but the Gospel does! Christ has paid the penalty at Calvary, as proof of that God raised Him from the dead, and our record can be cleared through pleading guilty and turning to Christ.
The reality is this, if you trust Christ to save you, the righteousness of God demands your salvation, but if you aren't trusting Christ to save you then the righteousness of God demands your damnation.
