Topical Bible: Righteousness: Counted (Regarded) for the Sake of Obedience

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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, reflecting God's nature and His expectations for humanity. The concept of righteousness being "counted" or "regarded" for the sake of obedience is a profound theological principle that underscores the relationship between faith, obedience, and divine approval.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of righteousness being counted for the sake of obedience is rooted in the narrative of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the principle that faith, expressed through obedience, is recognized by God as righteousness. Abraham's belief was not a mere intellectual assent but was demonstrated through his obedience to God's commands, such as his willingness to leave his homeland and later, to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22).

The Apostle Paul expounds on this concept in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 4. Paul emphasizes that righteousness is credited to those who have faith, as Abraham did, apart from works of the law. Romans 4:3 states, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" This passage underscores that righteousness is a gift from God, granted to those who trust in Him and live in obedience to His will.

Faith and Obedience

The relationship between faith and obedience is integral to understanding how righteousness is counted. Faith is not passive; it is active and demonstrated through obedience. James 2:17-18 reinforces this by stating, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." True faith manifests in a life of obedience, which God regards as righteousness.

The Role of Christ

In the New Testament, the ultimate expression of righteousness counted for the sake of obedience is found in Jesus Christ. Through His perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of humanity. Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Through faith in Christ, believers are clothed in His righteousness, as articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Practical Implications

For believers, the principle of righteousness counted for the sake of obedience calls for a life of faith that is evidenced by obedience to God's commands. It is a call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life. This righteousness is not self-derived but is a result of God's grace, empowering believers to live obediently through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, righteousness counted for the sake of obedience is a testament to the transformative power of faith in God. It is a divine reckoning that acknowledges the believer's trust and obedience, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ as the foundation of true righteousness.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 6:25
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 33:26
He shall pray to God, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render to man his righteousness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Another Mode of Justification
... This faith is counted for righteousness before God, Rom ... firmly convinced that for
Christ's sake righteousness and eternal ... Nor should we be regarded as teaching ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 9 another mode of.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... or elsewhere, that this faith is counted to him ... does teach that there is no
righteousness before faith ... You regarded only cleanliness and necessity, or at most ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

Its Objects
... to justification is here said to be "counted for (or ... his own duties, but by an imputed
righteousness; who shall ... the father of all believers was regarded by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/7 its objects.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... am a Jew by birth have counted all this ... of a few insignificant individuals regarded
as even ... he will utterly abolish earthly righteousness, destroying physical ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... before God, not one of them is regarded of God ... madness, blasphemy, injury; if for
their righteousness they are ... the gospel, and as such have counted God foolish ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... by which they are all polluted, and would deserve to be regarded as vices ... justification
is not by faith, because good works are counted for righteousness. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

On the Atonement.
... o set forth before created beings, God's righteousness in forgiving ... This must be
regarded as manifesting His love to ... foot the Son of God, and counted the blood ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... This was regarded as the crown of happiness. ... The rabbis counted their righteousness
a passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it to be insufficient and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... these things, ie the Sins before counted up, the ... Rewards of God belong only to
Righteousness; that Christians ... the sake of Christ, whether they regarded his Laws ...
/.../sermon iv luke x the.htm

Justification.
... That gospel justification is not to be regarded as a forensic or judicial ... on him
that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.". Rom. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm