Topical Bible: Righteousness by Faith

Bible > Topical > Righteousness by Faith

◄ Righteousness by Faith ►

Jump to: Nave's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Overview:
Righteousness by faith is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing that individuals are justified and deemed righteous before God not through their own works or merits, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is central to the teachings of the Apostle Paul and is a key tenet of the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation:
The doctrine of righteousness by faith is primarily derived from the writings of Paul, particularly in the Epistle to the Romans. Romans 1:17 states, "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" This verse underscores the belief that righteousness is granted through faith, aligning with the Old Testament prophecy found in Habakkuk 2:4.

In Romans 3:22-24 , Paul further elaborates, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul emphasizes that righteousness is a gift from God, accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background or previous adherence to the law.

The Role of Faith:
Faith is the means by which believers receive righteousness. It is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on the finished work of Christ. In Galatians 2:16 , Paul writes, "Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Contrast with Works:
The doctrine of righteousness by faith stands in contrast to the idea of righteousness through works. Paul argues that the law, while holy and good, cannot justify humanity because of the inherent sinfulness of mankind. In Romans 4:5 , he states, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." This highlights the futility of relying on human efforts for justification and the necessity of faith in Christ.

Old Testament Precedent:
The concept of righteousness by faith is not exclusive to the New Testament. Paul points to Abraham as a prime example, stating in Romans 4:3 , "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This reference to Genesis 15:6 illustrates that even in the Old Testament, faith was the basis for righteousness.

Implications for Believers:
Righteousness by faith assures believers of their standing before God, providing peace and security in their relationship with Him. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a result of being reconciled to God, no longer under condemnation.

Practical Outworking:
While righteousness is received by faith, it naturally results in a transformed life. James 2:17 reminds believers, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith produces good works as evidence of its authenticity, not as a means to earn righteousness but as a response to the grace received.

Conclusion:
Righteousness by faith is a central doctrine that underscores the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. It assures believers of their justified status before God and calls them to live out their faith through love and obedience.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 15:6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 4:3,5,9,11,13,20,22,24
For what said the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4266. proginomai -- to happen before
... 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that
He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4266.htm - 7k

1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous
... I make righteous, defend the cause of, plead for the righteousness (innocence) of ...
righteous") by God's grace each time they receive (obey) faith (4102 ), ie ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1344.htm - 9k

Library

The Righteousness of Faith
... First Series Sermon 6 The Righteousness of Faith. "Moses describeth the
righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

Faith and Righteousness
... GENESIS FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. 'And ... man. (b) Faith unites with Christ the
righteous. (c) Faith will blossom out into all righteousness. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/faith and righteousness.htm

Faith the Ground of all Righteousness.
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 51."Faith the Ground of
All Righteousness. The righteousness of the law is proposed ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 51 faith the ground of.htm

There is no True Righteousness Without the Faith of the Grace of ...
... Book III. Chapter 23."There is No True Righteousness Without the Faith
of the Grace of Christ. Wherefore he who lives according ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 23 there is no true.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... If any man should say, "My faith is my righteousness," then it is evident that he
is confiding in his faith; but this is just the thing of all others which it ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Refutation of the views of the Heretics as to the Future Destiny ...
... For if nature and substance are the means of salvation, then all souls shall be
saved; but if righteousness and faith, why should these not save those bodies ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxix refutation of the views.htm

Its Instrument
... superior understanding of the things of God) have insisted that faith itself is
what constitutes us righteous before God, He regarding faith as righteousness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... Righteousness and life, by faith in a Saviour, without the works of the law, is
holden out as the grand persuasion of the gospel, to study obedience to the law ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... "His faith is counted for righteousness;" that pictures the man who, despairing
of all dependence upon his works, casts himself unreservedly upon the mercy of ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

That the Philosophers have Attained to Some Portion of Truth.
... Excellently therefore Solomon says: "He who soweth righteousness, worketh faith."
[2015] "And there are those who, sewing their own, make increase." [2016] And ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xix that the philosophers have.htm