Topical Bible: Righteousness: Christ is Made to his People

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is a central theme in Christian theology, particularly in understanding the relationship between God and humanity. In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is profoundly linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is made righteousness to His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, articulates the doctrine that Christ is the source of righteousness for believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:30 , Paul writes, "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." This passage underscores the belief that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but is imparted to believers through their union with Christ.

Imputed Righteousness

The doctrine of imputed righteousness is central to understanding how Christ is made righteousness to His people. This theological concept posits that the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, making them justified before God. Romans 4:5-6 states, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works."

Fulfillment of the Law

Christ's role in fulfilling the law is another aspect of how He is made righteousness to His people. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 5:17 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." By living a sinless life and perfectly adhering to the law, Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of humanity.

Substitutionary Atonement

The substitutionary atonement of Christ is a key element in the believer's righteousness. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for sin, allowing believers to be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange—Christ taking on sin and imparting His righteousness to believers—is foundational to Christian soteriology.

Sanctification and Righteous Living

While righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Christ, it also manifests in their sanctification and righteous living. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to live in a manner that reflects their righteous standing before God. Romans 6:18 states, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This ongoing process of sanctification is evidence of Christ's righteousness at work in the lives of His people.

Eternal Implications

The righteousness of Christ has eternal implications for believers. It assures them of their standing before God and their future hope of eternal life. Philippians 3:9 expresses this hope: "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."

In summary, the righteousness of Christ is a multifaceted doctrine that encompasses His fulfillment of the law, His substitutionary atonement, and the imputation of His righteousness to believers. It is through Christ alone that believers are made righteous, justified, and sanctified, securing their eternal relationship with God.

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

Library

The Death of Christ for his People
... you and I might eternally wear a girdle of righteousness. ... already raised us up together,
and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, far ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Its Basis
... "That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" signifies to be ... "It is a
righteousness in Him,' in Christ, and not in ourselves, and therefore must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

Its Nature
... formal ground on which He pronounces them righteous: the righteousness of Christ ...
great importance to be clear on the fact that Christ was "made under the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the ...
... Seeing the word of God hath made such a connection between sin and ... of holiness and
happiness, and this through the righteousness of Christ which assureth ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi and if christ.htm

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... of God, ye who were like stones in the brook are made sons of ... so all that is in you
that is good comes from Christ, the Sun of righteousness; and therefore ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
... at peace with God, and to be adorned with Christ's righteousness; 2. To ... him, a throne
of judgment erected for Christ to rule ... to the word; 3. To be made an heir ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv but seek ye.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... he was led away from self-righteousness and the ... vivid views of the atoning sacrifice
of Jesus Christ. ... well the tremendous sacrifice which Jesus made for his ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Christ the End of the Law
... thy law is within my heart." Such righteousness he puts ... the obedience of one shall
many be made righteous"; righteous to the full, perfect in Christ. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the end of the.htm

Its Source
... His own Son." "Not by works of righteousness which we ... He shed on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour ... by His grace, we should be made heirs according ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/6 its source.htm

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... If you consider the perfect rule of righteousness in the law ... Therefore it is absolutely
necessary that Jesus Christ be made ... of the cross, and so be made a curse ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm