The Righteousness Of God Revealed By Dr Abel Damina
Dr. Abel Damina, a prominent Nigerian pastor, teacher, and the founder of Power City International, is renowned for his detailed expositions of the Gospel of Christ. In his sermon titled “The Righteousness of God Revealed,” he dives deeply into the theological understanding of righteousness as presented in the Scriptures, focusing on how it is revealed exclusively through the Gospel.
Key Themes in the Sermon
1. The Centrality of Christ in Righteousness
Dr. Damina emphasizes that the righteousness of God is not an achievement of human effort, good works, or religious observance. Instead, it is a gift from God, made available through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. This righteousness is a central theme of the Gospel, which unveils God’s plan for humanity’s reconciliation.He stresses that righteousness cannot be earned but is received by faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Romans 1:16-17, where Paul declares that the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God from faith to faith, Dr. Damina highlights the transformative power of this revelation. The believer is justified by faith alone, apart from works.
2. The Old Testament vs. the New Testament Understanding of Righteousness
Dr. Damina frequently contrasts the righteousness under the Old Covenant with that of the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, righteousness was tied to obedience to the Law, which no human could fully uphold. However, in the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law, making righteousness a matter of belief in Him rather than adherence to a set of rules.He often cites 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Paul writes, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This verse underscores the concept of substitution: Jesus took on the sin of humanity so that believers could take on His righteousness.
3. The Revelation of Righteousness through the Gospel
Dr. Damina emphasizes that the Gospel is the only medium through which God’s righteousness is revealed. The Gospel, which is the message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, unveils the full scope of God’s plan to make humanity right with Him. This revelation abolishes the need for self-righteousness and instead calls people to rest in the finished work of Christ.
4. Faith: The Key to Accessing God’s Righteousness
A recurring point in Dr. Damina’s teachings is the role of faith in accessing the righteousness of God. Citing passages like Romans 3:22-24, he explains that righteousness is imputed to believers who place their trust in Jesus. Faith is not just intellectual assent but a heart response to the Gospel, resulting in transformation.
5. The Implications of Righteousness for Believers
Dr. Damina teaches that understanding God’s righteousness liberates believers from guilt, condemnation, and the burden of trying to earn God’s favor. He asserts that the believer who understands their righteousness in Christ will live boldly and confidently, knowing they are fully accepted by God. This understanding leads to a life of victory and empowerment to reflect God’s character to the world.
6. Refuting False Doctrines about Righteousness
In his characteristic style, Dr. Damina often addresses misconceptions and false teachings surrounding righteousness. He critiques doctrines that emphasize human effort or moral performance as prerequisites for being made right with God. Instead, he insists on the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the simplicity of faith.
The Importance of Understanding Righteousness
According to Dr. Damina, a proper understanding of righteousness is foundational for Christian living. It affects how believers relate to God, themselves, and others. Misunderstanding righteousness leads to either legalism (trying to earn God’s favor) or license (living without regard for God’s standards). However, a biblical understanding leads to freedom, holiness, and intimacy with God.
Practical Application
Dr. Damina challenges his listeners to stop striving to earn righteousness and instead rest in what Christ has done. He encourages believers to renew their minds with the truth of their identity in Christ and to boldly share the Gospel with others, as it is the power of God unto salvation.
Conclusion
In “The Righteousness of God Revealed,” Dr. Abel Damina presents a clear and compelling case for why righteousness is central to the Gospel message. His teaching invites believers to abandon self-effort, embrace the finished work of Christ, and live in the freedom that comes from knowing they are fully accepted by God. This message resonates with anyone seeking to understand the heart of the Gospel and the transformative power of God’s grace.
