The title "The Holy and Righteous One" is a significant designation for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and moral perfection. This title is rooted in the New Testament and reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 3:14 : In Peter's sermon at Solomon's Colonnade, he addresses the people of Israel, saying, "You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be released to you." This passage highlights the stark contrast between Jesus' sinless nature and the sinful actions of humanity. Peter's use of this title underscores the injustice of Jesus' crucifixion and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through His resurrection.

2. Acts 7:52 : Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also uses this title in his defense before the Sanhedrin: "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him." Stephen's reference to Jesus as the "Righteous One" connects Jesus to the prophetic tradition and highlights the continuity of God's revelation through the prophets, culminating in Christ.

Theological Significance:

· Holiness: The term "Holy" signifies Jesus' divine purity and separation from sin. In the Hebrew Scriptures, holiness is an attribute of God, and by calling Jesus "Holy," the New Testament affirms His divine nature. This holiness is intrinsic to His identity as the Son of God, who is set apart for the purpose of redeeming humanity.

· Righteousness: The term "Righteous" denotes Jesus' perfect adherence to God's law and His moral integrity. In the context of the New Testament, righteousness is not merely a legal standing but a relational quality that reflects Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father. His righteousness is imputed to believers, making them righteous before God through faith in Christ.

Old Testament Foreshadowing:

The concept of a holy and righteous servant of God is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. The prophets spoke of a coming Messiah who would embody these attributes. For instance, Isaiah 53:11 speaks of the suffering servant: "After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities." This passage anticipates the work of the Righteous One, who would bring justification to many through His sacrificial death.

Christological Implications:

The title "The Holy and Righteous One" affirms the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. His holiness and righteousness are essential to His role as the mediator between God and humanity. As the Holy One, Jesus is the perfect revelation of God's character. As the Righteous One, He fulfills the law and the prophets, providing the means for humanity's reconciliation with God.

Practical Application:

For believers, the recognition of Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One calls for a response of worship, obedience, and imitation. Christians are called to pursue holiness and righteousness in their own lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as they follow the example of Christ. This pursuit is not merely moralistic but is rooted in a relationship with the One who is both holy and righteous, transforming believers into His likeness.