Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked should Break off Their Sins By

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: The Wicked should Break off Their Sins By ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often juxtaposed with wickedness, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide between those who follow God's commandments and those who do not. The call for the wicked to break off their sins is a recurring exhortation in Scripture, emphasizing repentance and the pursuit of a righteous life.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of righteousness in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as righteous and just. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to the Law and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prophet Daniel, in his plea for the people of Israel, calls for repentance and a turning away from sin: "Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: Break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, so that your prosperity may be prolonged" (Daniel 4:27). This verse underscores the transformative power of righteousness and the necessity for the wicked to abandon their sinful ways.

Repentance and Transformation

The call to break off sins is not merely a call to cease wrongdoing but an invitation to a transformative relationship with God. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus both preach repentance as a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist's message is clear: "Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance" (Matthew 3:8). This fruit is the evidence of a life turned away from sin and towards righteousness.

The Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in the pursuit of righteousness. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through human effort alone but through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:22, Paul writes, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness is imputed to believers, enabling them to live in a manner pleasing to God.

Practical Application

The practical application of breaking off sins involves a conscious decision to turn away from behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. This includes seeking forgiveness, making restitution where possible, and actively pursuing a life of holiness. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" (1 Peter 2:1), highlighting the need for a comprehensive transformation of character.

The Promise of Restoration

The Bible assures that those who break off their sins and turn to righteousness will experience God's favor and restoration. In the book of Isaiah, God promises, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land" (Isaiah 1:19). This promise reflects the blessings that accompany a life aligned with God's righteous standards.

Conclusion

The biblical call for the wicked to break off their sins by practicing righteousness is a profound invitation to experience the fullness of life that God intends for His people. Through repentance, faith, and obedience, individuals can transition from a life of sin to one of righteousness, reflecting the character of God and enjoying His blessings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 4:27
Why, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of your tranquility.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Repentance
... the Spirit of God may stir up good motions in the wicked. ... Break off thy sins by
righteousness.' Daniel 4:27. ... my sins are so great, that if I should repent, God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

The Covenant of Grace
... Adam had no sooner a stock of righteousness to trade ... our prayer to him, the covenant
should be ratified ... Wicked men have mercies by Providence, not by virtue of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of grace.htm

Sins of Parents visited
... as I am" when Christ died that you should NOT be ... you and all mankind, that when the
wicked man turns ... be mentioned unto him, but in his righteousness that he ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

The Justice of God
... He lays judgement to the line, and righteousness to the ... is some kind of justice,
that they should have a ... good in the godly, therefore the wicked afflict them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way ... all their resolutions, and
to the wicked, "thou art ... to this day fall under Meroz' curse, should the people ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Regeneration
... righteous man is made from a wicked man, but ... and says: Redeem thy sins by righteousness,
that is ... passages that refer to repentance, we should always understand ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 8 regeneration.htm

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... judgment that God will bring upon the wicked, are waging ... What sayest thou, "What
then should I do?" I venture ... old, "Break off thy sins by righteousness, for it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 16 1870/sinners bound with the cords.htm

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... judgment that God will bring upon the wicked are waging ... What sayest thou, "What then
should I do?" I venture ... old, "Break off thy sins by righteousness, for it ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/sinners bound with the cords.htm

The Broken and Contrite Heart
... There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. ... filthy rags, and that God must clothe
them with his righteousness. ... with the word of truth, that we should be a ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xvii the broken and.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... set up: ye make your doings your righteousness, and in ... Am I escaped from hell, why
should I any more ... for it is now joined with that wicked, desperate party ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm