Right Relationship with God is Right Living (1)

Introduction

The phrase “Right relationship with God is right living” expresses a profound biblical truth: when a person is truly reconciled to God and walks in union with Him, their life will reflect His righteousness in conduct, character, and choices. Scripture does not separate our relationship with God from how we live before Him and others.

1. What Is a Right Relationship with God?

A right relationship with God begins with justification by faith through Jesus Christ.

a. Justification by Faith (Not Works)

Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This justification makes us righteous positionally—that is, in right standing before God because of the finished work of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

This righteousness is not earned, but imputed. It places the believer in a new identity—a son or daughter of God.

2. Righteous Standing Produces Righteous Living

While justification changes our standing, it also initiates a transformation of character and conduct—commonly referred to as sanctification.

1 John 2:29 – “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

Here, Scripture links being born of God (a right relationship) with practicing righteousness (right living). The new nature produces new behavior.

Therefor after being born-again, we are expected to be practitioners of righteousness (this is where transformation or progressive sanctification comes into play).

So we are not daily practicing righteousness to be saved. Our works can never save us! We are saved by grace and not works, but we are daily practising righteousness out love for the One who saved us by grace. Let us consider two bible verses below

1 John 2:3–6 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar… He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

• Therefore our obedience to him as people saved by grace, now becomes evidence of our love for Him.

Titus 2:11–12 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

Grace doesn’t merely save; it instructs us to live in a manner that reflects our relationship with God.

3. Biblical Examples of Right Relationship Producing Right Living

a. Joseph (Genesis 39)

Joseph’s right relationship with God was seen in how he resisted sin.

Genesis 39:9 – “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

His fear of God and trust in God shaped his conduct, even in private and tempting moments. Joseph lived rightly because he was aware of God’s presence.

Reflective question: Are you aware of God’s presence in your life and around you? If you have that consciousness that you carry His presence in you and around you, it will influence how you speak, behave and even

b. David (Psalm 51)

David sinned grievously, yet his heart was set on God. His repentance after sin showed that he valued relationship with God above all.

Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

David’s desire for restoration wasn’t merely to escape consequences but to restore right relationship, which he knew should reflect a clean and upright life.

c. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)

Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax collector. But after his encounter with Jesus, his life changed immediately.

Luke 19:8–9 – “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor…’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.’”

His right relationship (salvation) was evidenced in right living (restitution and generosity).

4. The Teaching of Jesus: Fruit as Evidence of Right Living

Matthew 7:17–18, 20 – “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

Jesus taught that our inner relationship with God (as trees rooted in Him) will produce outward evidence (fruits of righteousness). There is no such thing as a fruitless believer.

John 15:4–5 – “Abide in Me, and I in you… He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.”

Abiding (relationship) leads to fruit-bearing (righteous living). The power to live rightly flows from intimacy with Christ.

God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen.

Please check out part-2 of this article.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name. Amen

Prayer: I will abide in Christ, and my life shall produce tangible fruits that glorify my Father in heaven, in Jesus Name.

Feast of Light Word Ministry

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