Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the sight of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's laws and commands. Those who walk in righteousness and follow its path are assured of acceptance with God, as they align themselves with His divine will and purpose.
Old Testament FoundationsThe concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In
Genesis 15:6, we see the foundational example of Abraham: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This passage highlights the principle that faith in God and His promises is counted as righteousness. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently extol the virtues of the righteous.
Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This verse underscores the protective and guiding hand of God over those who pursue righteousness.
The Law, given through Moses, provides a framework for righteous living.
Deuteronomy 6:25 declares, "And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness." Here, adherence to God's commandments is equated with righteousness, reflecting a life lived in obedience to divine instruction.
Prophetic InsightsThe prophets also speak extensively about righteousness.
Isaiah 64:6 acknowledges human shortcomings: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." This verse points to the insufficiency of human efforts apart from God's grace. Yet, the prophets also offer hope. In
Isaiah 61:10, the prophet rejoices, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness."
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, righteousness is fulfilled and personified in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:6 records Jesus' words in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This beatitude promises satisfaction to those who earnestly seek righteousness. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of perfect righteousness, and through Him, believers are made righteous.
Romans 3:22 affirms, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe."
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the transformative power of righteousness in the life of a believer. In
Romans 6:18, he writes, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This transformation is a result of the believer's union with Christ, leading to a life that reflects God's righteous standards.
Practical ApplicationWalking in righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's Word.
James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This call to action emphasizes that true righteousness is demonstrated through obedience and good works, which are the fruit of a genuine faith.
The Apostle John provides assurance of acceptance with God for those who practice righteousness. In 1
John 3:7, he writes, "Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." This verse reassures believers that their pursuit of righteousness aligns them with the character of Christ and confirms their standing before God.
ConclusionRighteousness is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing both a legal standing before God and a practical outworking in the believer's life. Those who walk in righteousness, empowered by faith in Christ, are assured of their acceptance with God, as they reflect His holiness and justice in a world in need of His light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 10:35But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Lord Our Righteousness
... with the other: we believe, we love, we endeavour to walk in all ... that bought them;
they, of consequence, deny his divine righteousness, as they suppose him ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm
The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ...
... an heir of heaven, a partaker of righteousness, a possessor ... God has before ordained
that we should walk in them ... teach them that in their works they please, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 the boasted merit.htm
Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... and criticize] concerning the conduct [walk and life ... promises to us reconciliation
and righteousness if we ... Wherefore the adversaries err when they infer that ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm
So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... But those who walk according to the flesh retain neither ... child with respect to another.]
For the righteousness of the ... Col.1, 13; Rom.8, 17, they have before ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm
Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... is to have fellowship with the Father and the Son; if you walk by faith ... since Christ
is not in them, the Lord is not their righteousness, and they have no ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm
Its Evidence
... and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he ... was diametrically opposed to
the holy religion they professed. A holy heart and an obedient walk are the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/9 its evidence.htm
Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... platform of experience, and enabling you to walk with a ... and he counted it to him
for righteousness." Surely, brethren ... of debt, but of grace, seeing they have no ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm
Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... customs; to walk as other men walk, in the ... about to establish their own righteousness."
They laboured to establish that outside righteousness which might ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 29 upon our lords.htm
Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after ... or obedience towards the Law, is
indeed righteousness, when it ... content, for we always find that they are not ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm
The Blessing of God.
... He has fulfilled, bringing in everlasting righteousness, which is ... is hidden from
us, and we walk in darkness. ... in the knowledge of CHRIST, that they might know ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm
Resources
What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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