Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "righteous" refers to those who live in accordance with God's will and commandments, embodying moral integrity and uprightness. The concept of the "righteous few" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the scarcity of those who truly adhere to God's standards amidst a world often characterized by sin and rebellion.Old Testament Context The notion of the righteous being few is evident in the account of Noah. In a world filled with corruption and violence, Noah is described as a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Genesis 6:9 states, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." Despite the widespread wickedness, Noah and his family were the only ones spared from the flood, underscoring the rarity of righteousness. Similarly, the account of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates this theme. When God reveals His plan to destroy the cities due to their grievous sin, Abraham intercedes, asking if God would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people. The number is gradually reduced, yet even ten righteous individuals cannot be found (Genesis 18:23-32). This narrative emphasizes the scarcity of the righteous in a sinful society. Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs often contrasts the righteous with the wicked, suggesting that the righteous are indeed few. Proverbs 10:20 states, "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value." The rarity and value of righteousness are likened to precious metals, indicating its scarcity and worth. Prophetic Writings The prophets frequently lament the lack of righteousness among the people of Israel. In Isaiah 1:9 , the prophet declares, "Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah." This verse highlights the remnant of the righteous preserved by God's mercy, preventing total destruction. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the concept of the righteous few in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He speaks of the narrow gate that leads to life, stating, "For small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:14). This passage underscores the difficulty and rarity of true righteousness in following Christ. The Apostle Paul also touches on this theme in his epistles. In Romans 11:5 , he writes, "So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace." Paul refers to the faithful remnant of Israel, chosen by God's grace, indicating that the truly righteous are few but preserved by divine selection. Eschatological Perspective The Book of Revelation further illustrates the concept of the righteous few in its depiction of the end times. Revelation 3:4 speaks to the church in Sardis, saying, "But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white." This imagery of purity and worthiness highlights the select few who remain faithful amidst widespread spiritual decay. Throughout Scripture, the theme of the righteous few serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges of living a life pleasing to God. It calls believers to strive for righteousness, recognizing its value and rarity in a world often opposed to divine truth. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 22:14 Library The Reward of the Righteous That the Perfect Lover of God had Liever Run into Great Pain than ... That all Good and Righteous Men Suffer More, but Ought to Endure ... Justin Communicates with Christians who Observe the Law not a Few ... Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... The Suffering Servant --V Righteous Hatred Letter Li to the virgin Sophia A Few Sighs from Hell; The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources What does it mean to be overrighteous and overwise (Ecclesiastes 7:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is justification? What does it mean to be justified? | GotQuestions.org Why did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Righteous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Righteous: Calves of the Stall Righteous: Members of the Body Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Righteous: Relation of, to God Righteous: Righteous and Wicked, Circumstances of, Contrasted Righteous: Strangers and Pilgrims Righteous: Trees Planted Beside Rivers Righteous: Unity of, With Christ Righteous: Vessels of Gold and Silver Righteous: Willows by the Water Courses Select Readings: The Righteous and the Wicked in Contrast Related Terms |
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