Righteousness and Justification in Christ

Paul's teaching in Philippians emphasizes that righteousness comes from faith in Christ rather than from the law, challenging the notion of justification as merely forensic. This perspective is often debated among Christians, with some interpreting it to mean that righteousness is solely external and not an inner transformation. However, the argument presented highlights that the origin of righteousness can be external while still being an internal quality of the believer. By aligning with a Catholic understanding, this view suggests that God's grace brings about an interior state of righteousness, which is both a gift and essential for a right relationship with God.