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Philippians 3:9
ESV and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith —
NIV and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
NASB and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
CSB and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ —the righteousness from God based on faith.
NLT and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
KJV 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:
NKJV and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

What does Philippians 3:9 mean?

Paul wanted to both "gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8) and "be found in him." These words indicate the idea of receiving and being included with Jesus. Paul realized his works would never be sufficient to cover his sins. Instead, he could only know God by faith in Christ. This is part of Paul's reason for referring to works and rituals as "garbage," as in the prior verse. These things not only cannot save, they can actually impede our walk with Christ. Anything we rely on, or take pride in, more than Christ is a barrier to our fellowship with Him.

In fact, the second part of this verse notes the importance of faith twice. Only faith can make us right with God (Ephesians 2:8–9). Also, Christ gave Paul his faith and his faith depended completely on God. Paul saw no other source for salvation than Jesus. His view reflected that of the apostles, who noted in Acts 4:12 that the name of Jesus was the only way a person could be saved. Jesus Himself taught that He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
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