Ever notice that the Lord did not say to Noah, "... because you are righteous", but, "because I have found you righteous"? The Lord reckoned Noah to be righteous. As Abraham, the Lord "credited' Noah with righteousness, as if he did not really possess righteousness. In his own eyes, Noah knew he was a sinner. His sons knew it too, at least Ham thought so.
And so we have this testimony in Genesis, that God found Noah righteous, though Noah's sons found him passed out from too much wine, and naked. Ham didn't seem to respect his father or consider him righteous.
But God reckoned Noah righteous. Most English translations have "I have seen you righteous before me". [e.g. Darby's] The words "before me" seem to indicate that God knows we are not righteous in a legal sense, that within we are fallen and weak, but that HE is able to credit us with righteousness that comes from without. This is what Paul meant when he said, [Ro 1:17]
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."We are not righteous when we live by the law, or live by our intelligence, common sense, or maintaining appearances of being righteous. Most don't even try to maintain the appearance of righteousness, but only speak of avoiding the appearance of evil. Oh for Christians who would really seek to follow Jesus and obey God at any cost! Oh that I myself would have this desire.
Lord, find me righteous. I have no way to be so, but my heart desires you, Father. Be with me, and let me be with you.
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