The doctrine of Christ as God, specifically as "Jehovah, Our Righteousness," is a profound theological assertion rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding Christ as the divine embodiment of righteousness, a title that underscores His deity and salvific role.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of "Jehovah, Our Righteousness" originates in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Jeremiah 23:5-6 , the prophet declares, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as king and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." Here, the term "The LORD" is translated from "YHWH" (Jehovah), indicating a divine title. The prophecy points to a future Davidic king who embodies the righteousness of God Himself.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage to David, affirming His rightful claim to the Davidic throne (Matthew 1:1-17). Jesus' life and ministry consistently demonstrate divine wisdom and righteousness, fulfilling the role of the prophesied king.

In Romans 3:21-22 , the Apostle Paul writes, "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Here, Paul identifies Jesus as the manifestation of God's righteousness, accessible to believers through faith.

Christ's Divine Nature

The identification of Christ as "Jehovah, Our Righteousness" is further supported by New Testament affirmations of His divine nature. In John 1:1, 14 , the Apostle John declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This passage affirms the pre-existence and deity of Christ, who took on human form to reveal God's righteousness.

Additionally, in Colossians 2:9 , Paul states, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form." This verse underscores the belief that Jesus embodies the complete nature of God, including His righteousness.

Theological Implications

The title "Jehovah, Our Righteousness" emphasizes the unique role of Christ in the divine plan of salvation. As both God and man, Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and the divine, offering His righteousness to believers. This is encapsulated 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."

Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ imparts His righteousness to those who place their faith in Him, fulfilling the promise of Jeremiah and establishing His identity as Jehovah incarnate. This profound truth forms the cornerstone of Christian soteriology, affirming that salvation is found in Christ alone, who is both our God and our righteousness.Jeremiah 23:5,6
Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... of has dared to charge Christ with unrighteousness ... or with a want of devotedness
to God. ... lies in the little word "our,"""Jehovah our righteousness." This is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... is sufficient: for if the word Lord may properly belong to Jesus Christ, he must
be God. ... of your Bibles, the word Lord is in the original Jehovah, which is ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Jehovah
... is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness
which is of God by faith ... Jehovah-tsidkenu will supply all our needs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

Wherein Our Justification Before God Consists...
... and resting upon the obedience of Christ crucified alone ... And, verily, if we should
appear before God, relying on ... one must pray with David: O Jehovah, enter not ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxiii wherein our justification.htm

Our Stronghold
... God interposes; Christ stands in the ... Tens of thousands of created puissances must
fall before him, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts ... Life; Emmanuel,
the God of Glory, the Holy One; Jehovah, the everlasting God, the Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

God in Christ
... of years called the El of Abraham, the Jehovah of Moses. ... as have eternal life, in
the day when Christ the Lord ... feet, and given up the kingdom to God, even the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon i god in christ.htm

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
... Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. ... Jehovah shammah, the Lord
is there (Ezekiel 48). ... "When God would teach mankind His name He called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/jehovah the i am.htm

Hidden and Revealed
... is dark, this is clear, that 'Jehovah our Righteousness' has come ... which is through
faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/hidden and revealed.htm

God is Our Refuge
... which we are baptised, then Jesus Christ is none other than the same Jehovah, Lord,
and ... And if they do not know that the gracious Christ is God, they will ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxii god is our.htm

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