Dr Abel Damina
Jesus came to make Us righteous
Dr. Abel Damina’s teaching on the topic “Jesus Came to Make Us Righteous” revolves around the central theme of the gospel: righteousness as a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. According to Dr. Damina, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were aimed at addressing humanity’s sin problem and restoring a relationship with God. This restoration is achieved not by human effort but by the divine righteousness imparted to believers. Below is a detailed exploration of his teachings on this topic:
The Problem of Sin and the Need for Righteousness
Dr. Damina often emphasizes that all humans, by nature, are born into sin, as stated in Romans 3:23:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
He highlights that sin created a separation between humanity and God, and no amount of religious rituals, moral conduct, or adherence to the Law of Moses could bridge this gap. The Law, as he teaches, was given to reveal humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness on their own.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law
Dr. Damina stresses that Jesus Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law on behalf of humanity. By living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, Jesus became the substitute for sinners. This act of substitution is the foundation of the gospel message, as encapsulated in 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.”
Through this divine exchange, believers are declared righteous—not based on their deeds but on Jesus’ finished work.
Righteousness as a Gift
One of the core principles in Dr. Damina’s teachings is that righteousness is a gift, not a reward. He explains that it is impossible for human effort to earn righteousness because it is entirely a product of God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 supports this:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This gift is received through faith in Christ, and it transforms the believer’s standing before God.
The Identity of the Righteous
Dr. Damina teaches that believers, having received the gift of righteousness, are no longer sinners but saints. He emphasizes that their identity has changed; they are now sons and daughters of God, clothed in His righteousness. This understanding is crucial for living a victorious Christian life, as it shapes how believers see themselves and their relationship with God. Romans 8:1 affirms this new identity:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Practical Implications of Righteousness
Dr. Damina encourages believers to live out their righteousness in practical ways:
1. Confidence in Prayer: Righteousness gives believers the boldness to approach God without fear or guilt, as stated in Hebrews 4:16:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
2. Victory Over Sin: Understanding their righteousness helps believers walk in freedom from the power of sin. They are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live holy lives.
3. Sharing the Gospel: Knowing that righteousness is a gift compels believers to share the good news with others, inviting them to receive this gift through faith in Christ.
Misconceptions Addressed
Dr. Damina frequently addresses common misconceptions about righteousness:
Righteousness Is Not Based on Works: Many people believe they must perform good deeds to earn God’s approval. Dr. Damina dismantles this notion, explaining that good works are the result of salvation, not the requirement for it.
Righteousness Is Not a License to Sin: While righteousness is a gift, it does not give believers the freedom to live irresponsibly. Instead, it empowers them to live lives that reflect God’s character.
Conclusion
Dr. Abel Damina’s message about Jesus making us righteous is a call to embrace the transformative power of grace. He emphasizes that understanding righteousness as a gift changes how believers see themselves and their relationship with God. This revelation leads to a life of gratitude, holiness, and purpose, grounded in the finished work of Christ.
His teachings invite believers to rest in the assurance of their salvation and walk boldly in their new identity as the righteousness of God in Christ. Through this understanding, they are equipped to experience the fullness of their inheritance in Christ and to live lives that glorify God.
