Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness of GodThe righteousness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His perfect moral nature and His commitment to justice and truth. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," often conveys the idea of conformity to a standard or norm, which in God's case is His own holy nature. God's righteousness is both an attribute of His character and an active force in His dealings with humanity.
In the Psalms, God's righteousness is frequently celebrated.
Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This verse highlights the intrinsic link between God's righteousness and His love for justice, underscoring that His actions are always in accordance with His righteous nature.
The prophet Isaiah also speaks extensively about God's righteousness.
Isaiah 51:6 states, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail." Here, God's righteousness is portrayed as eternal and unchanging, providing a foundation for His everlasting salvation.
In the New Testament, the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:17 proclaims, "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" This passage emphasizes that God's righteousness is made manifest through faith in Christ, offering believers a means to be justified before God.
Faithfulness of GodGod's faithfulness is another key attribute that is consistently affirmed in Scripture. It refers to His unwavering reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness in fulfilling His promises and maintaining His covenant with His people.
The faithfulness of God is a recurring theme in the Psalms.
Psalm 36:5 declares, "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds." This poetic imagery conveys the vastness and boundlessness of God's faithfulness, which extends beyond human comprehension.
In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah finds hope in God's faithfulness amidst suffering and despair.
Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage highlights the daily renewal of God's mercies and His consistent faithfulness, even in times of trial.
The New Testament also affirms God's faithfulness, particularly in the context of His promises to believers.
1 Corinthians 1:9 assures, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This verse underscores that God's faithfulness is the basis for the believer's relationship with Christ and the assurance of His promises.
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2 Timothy 2:13 , the apostle Paul writes, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." This statement emphasizes that God's faithfulness is inherent to His nature and is not dependent on human actions. His faithfulness is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, knowing that God will remain true to His word and His character.