Lord’s Library editors offer this Philippians 3:9 meaning and commentary with supporting Scriptures for your edification.
To obtain a Philippians 3:9 meaning, see the verse in Scripture: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” This verse establishes for us that salvation is not based on religious deeds but on the righteousness of God and received by faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ.
Paul importantly contrasts the two kinds of righteousness: “mine own righteousness, which is of the law” and “the righteousness which is of God by faith.” The first refers to an attempt to attain salvation through obedience to the law, something Paul himself had admitted to before his conversion.
Earlier in the passage, he lists his religious ‘credentials’—his Jewish heritage, strict observance of the law, and his status as a Pharisee—yet he counts it all as “loss for Christ.” See Philippians 3:7: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” In a related verse, see also Isaiah 64:6: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Philippians 3:9 Meaning
True righteousness comes “through the faith of Christ”—not by works, imputed, but by faith alone. See Romans 3:21-22: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”
As one can see then, justification can only be a gift from God; a free gift. See next Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The phrase “be found in him” refers to the believer’s position in Christ via faith. When a person believes on the Blood of Jesus, they are spiritually united with Him and His righteousness is imputed to them, amen. See 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.”
This exchange shows perfectly the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Christ took upon Himself our sin, and in return, we receive His righteousness. He did it all.
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