Can a person be righteous? (Romans 3:10 vs. Luke 1:5-6)

Definition and Context of Righteousness

Biblically, “righteousness” refers to being in right standing with God. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the word describes both God’s absolute perfection (Psalm 145:17) and the moral standing of individuals who walk in faithful obedience. Romans 3:10 states, “There is no one righteous, not even one,” yet Luke 1:6 notes that Zechariah and Elizabeth “were both righteous in the sight of God.” At face value, this can appear contradictory. However, Scripture uses the term “righteous” in multiple senses: one describing humanity’s inability to meet God’s ultimate standard by personal merit, and another describing a relative or covenantal faithfulness enabled by God’s grace.

Romans 3:10 and the Universality of Sin

In Romans 3, Paul systematically shows that all people—both Jew and Gentile—are under sin. As verse 10 declares, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” He cites Old Testament passages (Psalm 14:1–3; Psalm 53:1–3) emphasizing that no one can stand before God purely on the basis of personal virtue. From Genesis onward, humanity is stained by sin’s effects (Genesis 3:17–19), and it is only by divine intervention that anyone can be reconciled to God. Paul’s focus is universal guilt, pointing to the desperate need for salvation.

Luke 1:5–6 and Personal Obedience

In contrast, Luke 1:6 says of Zechariah and Elizabeth: “They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.” The language describes their faithful response to God’s revealed will. Their “righteousness” points to a genuine devotion rooted in God’s covenant, evidenced by obedience and reverence. This does not imply they were utterly sinless or equal to God’s absolute holiness; instead, it highlights their commitment to live faithfully and sincerely in relationship with Him.

Resolving the Apparent Tension

1. Different Aspects of Righteousness: Romans 3:10 addresses the unchanging truth that no human being, by natural effort, can meet God’s standard of moral perfection. When we compare that with Luke 1:6, we see a relative righteousness—people walking according to God’s law, enabled and approved by Him but not perfect in the sense of never erring.

2. Imputed vs. Practiced Righteousness: Scripture teaches a twofold concept of righteousness.

• Imputed Righteousness: Justification through faith, as seen in Romans 4:3 (citing Genesis 15:6), where Abraham’s faith “was credited to him as righteousness.” This is a legal standing before God granted by grace.

• Practical Righteousness: A believer’s daily walk, shaped by faithful submission to God’s commands (Ephesians 2:10). Zechariah and Elizabeth exemplified this kind of everyday obedience.

3. Divine Enabling: Scripture consistently shows that any conformity to God’s ways involves the empowering grace of God. In the Old Testament, the faithful like Noah (Genesis 6:9) and Job (Job 1:1) are called righteous despite being part of fallen humanity. They were declared so because their hearts were devoted to God’s covenant promises, foreshadowing the complete redemption that would come in Christ.

Historical and Manuscript Corroboration

Ancient manuscript evidence, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirms the reliability of passages discussing righteousness. The Qumran scrolls (1QIsaᵃ, 1QH, etc.) consistently preserve themes of God’s holiness and humanity’s need for atonement through faith. These artifacts align with later copies of the biblical texts, demonstrating textual consistency and supporting the view that the words of Romans and Luke accurately convey original teaching.

Philosophical and Behavioral Perspective

From a philosophical and behavioral standpoint, the human inclination is often selfish and flawed, which overlaps with Scripture’s doctrine of universal sinfulness (Romans 3:23). Yet observed moral change and transformation in individuals who commit themselves to God’s ways evidence that practical righteousness, while imperfect, is realistic through divine help. This aligns with studies indicating that deeply held beliefs (such as commitment to biblical principles) can profoundly affect personal behavior and altruistic actions.

Old Testament Foundations of Righteousness

1. Faith Leading to Righteousness: Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham believed God’s promise, and it was accounted to him as righteousness.

2. Covenant Loyalty: Under the Law of Moses, the people were called to love the Lord and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5), and obedience was often described as walking “blamelessly” (Psalm 119:1). Though none could perfectly keep the Law (James 2:10), faithful observance was still considered a form of righteousness before God (Deuteronomy 6:25).

3. Typological Significance: Old Testament narratives prepare for the ultimate righteous requirement found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17).

New Testament Clarification

1. Christ as the Source of Righteousness: The Gospels affirm that Jesus is the spotless Lamb (John 1:29), sinless (Hebrews 4:15), and able to impute His righteousness to believers (2 Corinthians 5:21).

2. Role of the Holy Spirit: Believers walk in practical righteousness by the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16–17). This does not negate the reality that each believer needs ongoing grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

3. Examples of Godly People: Alongside Zechariah and Elizabeth, the New Testament highlights people like Simeon (Luke 2:25) and Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50) who were righteous by faith and obedience, though still imperfect humans (Romans 3:23).

Archaeology and Supporting Evidence

Archaeological finds, such as the historical corroboration of Herod’s reign (Luke 1:5), confirm the cultural and political context in which Zechariah and Elizabeth lived. The extra-biblical references to figures like Herod the Great (in Josephus’s writings) place the narrative of Luke solidly in documented history, supporting the authenticity of these accounts. This authenticity in historical details further validates the biblical teaching about real individuals who lived righteously in their time.

Practical Implications for Today

1. Humble Recognition of Sin: Romans 3:10 reminds everyone of the deep need for redemption.

2. Life of Faith-Filled Obedience: Luke 1:5–6 illustrates that believers are called to follow God’s instructions and can experience a life God deems “righteous” in a covenant relationship.

3. Dependent on Grace: True righteousness is never self-generated but granted by God’s grace and nurtured by a willing heart.

Conclusion

No one can be completely righteous in the absolute sense that matches God’s perfection; that standard is met only by Christ. Nevertheless, Scripture’s testimony about individuals like Zechariah and Elizabeth shows that by faith and godly obedience, people can be “righteous in the sight of God” in a covenantal sense. Romans 3:10 addresses our universal need for divine mercy, while Luke 1:5–6 illustrates how sincere devotion and trust in God enable a life aligned with His will. Both truths stand in harmony, emphasizing that ultimate righteousness is found in Christ, even as believers respond with faithful obedience, empowered by His Spirit. Through God’s redemptive plan, a person can be considered righteous, not by flawless perfection, but by grace through faith, manifested in a genuine and growing walk with Him.