When we believe in Jesus, we are not just declared righteous in a legal sense, but we are also made new at the core of our being. We are given a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27), and we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This transformation means that we are truly righteous, not just in theory but in reality. We are no longer slaves to sin but have become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18).

We know the difference by testing things against Father’s character. We are helped by the descriptions of His character we find in the Scriptures.

It is difficult for many to believe that they are righteous. They look at their attitudes and actions and know that these are often far from righteous. Doctrine indicating that righteousness is only given as part of the future inheritance laid up in heaven for the saints has fostered this idea for many.

Many have wrongly taught that we are only positionally or judicially righteous. They say that God sees us as righteous and that when we leave this temporal life we will be made completely righteous in heaven. Or they teach that righteousness has been written down to our account, or we have been judged righteous but again, this will only be received by us in heaven.

The problem is that this isn't what the Scriptures teach.

If the Old Testament makes anything clear, it makes it clear that God does not dwell in unclean unholy places. It also makes clear (as does the Revelation) that God dwells among His people. If we are not ACTUALLY righteous, holy, blameless, then He CANNOT live in us.

What the enemy says, or what Father says.
Which will you believe?