Topical Bible: Righteousness: Brings Its own Reward

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often associated with living in accordance with God's will and commands. It is depicted as a moral and spiritual quality that reflects God's character and is expected of His followers. The Bible consistently teaches that righteousness brings its own reward, both in this life and in the life to come.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, righteousness is frequently linked with justice and is seen as a path to divine favor and blessing. Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward." This verse highlights the principle that righteous living leads to genuine and lasting benefits, contrasting with the fleeting gains of wickedness.

The Psalms also emphasize the rewards of righteousness. Psalm 37:25-26 declares, "I was young and now I am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing." Here, the psalmist observes the enduring provision and legacy of the righteous, underscoring the tangible rewards of a life lived in alignment with God's ways.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies perfect righteousness and teaches about its rewards. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude promises spiritual fulfillment and satisfaction to those who earnestly seek righteousness.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the rewards of righteousness in his epistles. In Galatians 6:9 , he encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Paul assures the faithful that perseverance in righteous deeds will ultimately yield a bountiful harvest, reinforcing the idea that righteousness is inherently rewarding.

Eternal Perspective

The Bible also presents an eternal perspective on the rewards of righteousness. In Matthew 25:46 , Jesus speaks of the final judgment, stating, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This passage underscores the ultimate reward of righteousness—eternal life in the presence of God.

The Book of Revelation further affirms this promise. Revelation 22:12 records Jesus' words, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This assurance of divine recompense for righteous living serves as a powerful motivation for believers to pursue holiness and obedience.

Practical Implications

Righteousness, as portrayed in the Bible, is not merely a theoretical concept but has practical implications for daily living. It involves a commitment to ethical behavior, justice, and compassion, reflecting God's love and truth in all aspects of life. The rewards of righteousness are manifold, encompassing peace, joy, provision, and ultimately, eternal life with God.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that righteousness brings its own reward. Whether through material blessings, spiritual fulfillment, or eternal life, the pursuit of righteousness aligns believers with God's purposes and promises, offering a profound and enduring reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 3:10
Say you to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Love of God Its Own Reward
... A child, we know, believes its parents blindly, even though it ... I will make mention
only of his righteousness. ... And when old age comes, and brings weakness and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon ix the love of.htm

How Fasting is not Good in Its Own Nature.
... For anything that is absolutely commanded brings death if ... shall speedily arise, and
thy righteousness shall go ... a thing that is good in its own nature, because ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiv how fasting is.htm

And God Himself, as an Earnest of Future Reward...
... season by the showers of winter, he brings it, rendered ... powers of heaven with the
rays of righteousness, and the ... ear heard, nor can the mind in its vesture of ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter vi and god himself.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Righteousness the true purifier, [3788]499. ... Sympathy, with those in misery,
[3871]478; lightens grief, [3872]ib.; want of, brings its own reward, [3873]504. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... of Scripture, because in it the Lord brings his people ... Being a duty acceptable to
God, righteousness is in ... it merits justification for us by its own worth, but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

Not Servants, but Friends.
... need of human effort and of human righteousness, all that as ... the human heart has
laws of its own, and cannot ... But Christ brings, in Himself, the fountain out of ...
/.../xiii not servants but friends.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... Obedience brings its own reward. ... it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own
Son in ... for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The Law of Love
... and through the transition receives power beyond its own. ... of the divine pattern
naturally brings up the ... teaching of His disciples' 'righteousness'; but very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the law of love.htm

The Eighth Beatitude
... Let us be sure that it is righteousness and Christ ... development of that character
which persecution brings about. ... like all the others, has its twofold fulfilment ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the eighth beatitude.htm

The New Sinai
... the petals, and tints the flower with its own colours the ... fate was blessed; for to
suffer for righteousness, which is to suffer for Him, brings elevation of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the new sinai.htm