Teaching summary
In this sermon, Rev. Lisa Gaul shares her testimony and powerfully unpacks what it means to live in true righteousness. She challenges the common teachings of sin consciousness and urges believers to be established in the finished work of Christ. By emphasizing God’s love, grace, and the believer’s permanent right standing with God, she illustrates that righteousness is not a fluctuating state but a gift secured through Jesus. Through scripture, testimonies, and encouragement, Rev. Lisa reminds us that we are holy, blameless, and above reproach—not by our efforts, but by His.
Bible verses referenced
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 17:3 – "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Colossians 1:21-22 – "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."
Ephesians 2:6 – "And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Romans 5:1 – "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 2:12 – "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake."
Romans 6:14 – "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Personal Testimony
- Understanding Eternal Life (Zoe Life)
- Knowing God Through Righteousness
- Core Righteousness Scriptures
- The Seated Position in Christ
- Living Out Righteousness by Faith
- The Problem with Sin Consciousness
- Confession of Sins: Clarifying 1 John 1:9
- The Power of Righteousness Consciousness
- Final Encouragement and Prayer
Introduction and Personal Testimony
Rev. Lisa Gaul begins by giving honor to Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola, congratulating them on their grandchild and expressing gratitude for being invited to speak. She shares a brief background of her spiritual journey: raised Catholic in New Jersey, her mother was the first in the family to accept Jesus, sparking generational change. Lisa accepted Jesus at 17, drifted during college, but eventually came back stronger in faith. Her marriage, gospel-centered wedding, and commitment to raising her children in the Word shaped her spiritual life.
She attended many churches but realized she had a filtered understanding of God—mainly through others. She points out that many churches mix the old and new covenants, leading believers into a performance-based mindset instead of a grace-based walk.
Understanding Eternal Life (Zoe Life)
Rev. Lisa highlights the foundational verse:
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
She explains how this verse contains all the components of the gospel: God's love, His grace as a giver, faith in Jesus, and the gift of eternal life. However, eternal life here refers not just to going to heaven, but to “Zoe” life—God’s kind of life—right now.
She expands using:
John 17:3 –"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. "Zoe's life means knowing God intimately. She emphasizes that God must reveal Himself and cannot remain distant or hidden if we are to know Him personally.
Knowing God Through Righteousness
Lisa points out that sin was the blockade keeping us from fellowship with God. But now, through Jesus, believers have right standing with the Father. This righteousness enables communion, fellowship, and relationship.
Core Righteousness Scriptures
Rev. Lisa recites:
2 Corinthians 5:21 –"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. We, who knew no righteousness, were made righteous in Him.
She continues with:
Colossians 1:21-22–"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight." We are now reconciled, holy, blameless, and above reproach. Nothing—past, present, or future—can be charged against us.
The Seated Position in Christ
She quotes:
Ephesians 2:6 –"And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
This verse symbolizes rest, assurance, and victory. We are seated with Christ, and our position is secure. We walk, stand, and live from this seated place of righteousness.
Living Out Righteousness by Faith
Lisa reminds us that righteousness is not a feeling. It must be accepted and believed by faith. Our robe of righteousness is never to be removed—no matter the circumstance.
Being established in righteousness helps us withstand attacks on our identity. Meditation, prayer, and time with God help us stay built up. But even spiritual disciplines must never become laws that lead to condemnation when missed.
The Problem with Sin Consciousness
Rev. Lisa confronts the common church teaching that constant confession of sins is necessary. She addresses:
1 John 1:9 –"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." She challenges the traditional interpretation, stating that this verse was written for unbelievers. She contrasts it with:
1 John 2:12– "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." In Greek, "are forgiven" is in the perfect tense—indicating a one-time event with ongoing effects. Therefore, believers are already cleansed and forgiven.
Confession of Sins: Clarifying 1 John 1:9
She explains that “confess” means to agree or acknowledge, not to list or itemize sins. There is no biblical pattern that requires believers to confess every sin to stay cleansed. Instead, confession should be of truth—that we are righteous in Christ.
Even James’ instruction to confess faults to one another pertains to relationships, not salvation or spiritual cleansing.
The Power of Righteousness Consciousness
Lisa shares powerful testimonies, including one from Joseph Prince Ministries, about a woman addicted to drugs for 40 years who found freedom not by confessing sins but by continually confessing: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”
She also cites:
Romans 6:14 – "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Focusing on grace and righteousness, not sin, leads to true freedom. Our eyes must stay on Jesus, not our performance.
Final Encouragement and Prayer
Rev. Lisa closes by affirming the central truth: God did everything so we can have His kind of life and fellowship with Him. She reminds us:
We are holy, blameless, and above reproach. Our identity is not "a sinner saved by grace" but "the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We are no longer at the foot of the cross—we are seated in heavenly places. She ends in prayer, thanking God for His Spirit, revelation, grace, healing, provision, and truth. She blesses the church and praises the Lord for continued understanding.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with friends, family, or anyone who needs to hear about their unshakable righteousness in Christ. You are not a work in progress—you are the fruit of the finished work of Jesus. Walk in that truth today.