The Bible Shows No Covering In Jesus’ Righteousness

Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are covered or imputed with Jesus’ righteousness.  Not one verse.

Moral character cannot be transferred.

The false doctrine of Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS) would have us believe that Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to us. Nowhere does the Bible say this. One's faith is imputed or counted as righteousness. (Rom. 4:5)

One of the passages used to try and prove Jesus' righteousness is transferred to us is the phrase “the righteousness of God.” That says nothing of Jesus’ righteousness imputed to us (by "impute" they mean transferred).

Neither sin nor righteousness can be transferred between humans or between Christ and man.

The Bible does not say the sins of mankind were transferred to Jesus.  This would make Christ guilty of sin.  Nor is it said that Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to us.  Christ’s obedience is non-transferable. (John 15:10,14)

Scripture shows us that righteousness is a personal trait and solely belongs to the person possessing it.  It is so vital we understand this that we are warned not to be deceived about this matter.

 ^"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he [Jesus] is righteous.” 1 John 3:7

There is nothing about God’s righteousness covering us or Jesus’ righteousness imputed to us. We become righteous when we do righteousness. When we do what is right (morally right) we are righteous as He (Jesus) is righteous.

Righteousness is used as a “moral” term by the early believers. It is not a “legal” term as Post Reformation would have us believe. The modern term assumes that righteousness concerns primarily one’s “legal standing before God” regardless of conduct. Scripture proves this wrong.

The early believers use the term “righteousness” as describing one living in accordance with God’s moral requirement (morality).  Jesus said, 

"For I say unto you, That except YOUR righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  Matt. 5:20

In another translation it says,

"This is why I tell you, unless you live a life having God's approval which goes beyond that of the experts on Jewish tradition and the Pharisees, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven."  (KOG) 

God does have a moral requirement, so conduct does matter and that is why scripture warns those who walk in wickedness will not inherit the kingdom of God (ex. Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:3-5; Rev. 21:8).

When it comes to the term the “righteousness of God,” it simply means a standard of conduct for humans that God considers correct and approves. Matthew’s Gospel uses the phrase that is consistent with that meaning, and so does James. (Matt. 6:33, James 1:20)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

"For the wrath of man does not work out the righteousness of God."