The righteousness of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting His perfect adherence to God's law and His moral purity. This attribute is foundational to understanding His role as the sinless Savior and the ultimate example for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The righteousness of Christ is affirmed throughout the New Testament. In 1 John 2:1, Jesus is referred to as "Jesus Christ the Righteous," highlighting His sinless nature and His role as an advocate for believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 2 Corinthians 5:21, stating, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" . This passage underscores the exchange that takes place through Christ's righteousness, allowing believers to be justified before God.

Fulfillment of the Law

Christ's righteousness is evident in His perfect fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them" . His life exemplified complete obedience to God's commandments, setting a standard that no other human could achieve. This fulfillment is not merely external adherence but encompasses the heart and spirit of the law, as seen in His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Moral Purity

The moral purity of Christ is a testament to His righteousness. Hebrews 4:15 affirms, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin" . Despite facing the full range of human temptations, Jesus remained untainted by sin, demonstrating His impeccable character.

Righteousness as a Gift

The righteousness of Christ is not only a personal attribute but also a gift to believers. Through faith in Him, Christians are imputed with His righteousness, allowing them to stand justified before God. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . This imputed righteousness is central to the doctrine of justification by faith, a cornerstone of Christian belief.

Exemplar of Righteous Living

Christ's righteousness serves as the ultimate example for believers to emulate. In 1 Peter 2:21-22, it is written, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth'" . Christians are called to pursue righteousness in their own lives, reflecting the character of Christ in their actions and attitudes.

Conclusion

The righteousness of Christ is a profound aspect of His character, integral to His identity as the sinless Savior and the model for Christian living. Through His perfect obedience, moral purity, and the gift of His righteousness to believers, Christ embodies the standard of holiness that God desires for His people.Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Character of Christ's People
... speak this to your ears!""Those whom Christ loves are ... Look at Jesus character; how
different from every other ... to the world to pick out the righteous from the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the character of christs people.htm

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. ...
... us because he hath satisfied in our stead, and now it is as righteous and equitable ...
This is one part of the character of such as Christ's advocation is ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi we have an.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been,
for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Man's Own Character no Ground of Peace
... assure him of a complete and righteous pardon, and ... was a big thing in mine eyes;
Christ's agonies were ... decided by an appeal to personal character, or goodness ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter ii mans own character.htm

The Book of Christ
... The question as to the character of God becomes more ... The miracles reported of Christ
have this for their peculiarity ... of as divine used for a righteous purpose. ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter v the book of.htm

In Christ and in Ephesus
... iniquity were growing the pure white lilies of Christian character. ... yet that is the
power of our great Christ. ... it useless to try to be righteous under present ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-four in christ and.htm

Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism.
... There is danger of yielding to the heat of a righteous indignation. ... or constructive,
we must not fail to discover its bearing on the character of Christ. ...
/.../i our attitude toward destructive.htm

Of the Reason Why Forty Generations (Not Including Christ Himself) ...
... and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall ... Gospel, but at the point of Christ's
baptism, and ... order, ascribing to Him preferentially the character of a ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iv of the reason why.htm

God's Character Our Resting-Place
... 9] This God whom Christ reveals as the God of righteous grace and gracious
righteousness, is the God with whom we have to do. To know his character as thus ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter iii gods character our.htm

Christ the End of the Law
... of the law for righteousness to thee, and thou art righteous. ... there is no question
raised about the previous character, for it is written, "Christ is the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the end of the.htm

Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there a difference in meaning between Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.org

Christ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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