Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness, as a divine attribute and moral quality, is central to the character and mission of Jesus Christ. In the Scriptures, righteousness is often depicted as a garment or belt, symbolizing readiness, integrity, and divine authority. The imagery of being "girt with righteousness" underscores the purity and justice inherent in Christ's nature and His role as the Messiah.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 11:5 · "Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist."
This prophetic passage from Isaiah describes the coming Messiah, emphasizing that righteousness is an integral part of His being. The belt, a crucial part of ancient attire, signifies preparedness and strength. In this context, righteousness is not merely an external attribute but a fundamental aspect of Christ's identity and mission.
2.
Ephesians 6:14 · "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."
While this verse primarily addresses believers, it reflects the example set by Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to emulate Christ by girding themselves with truth and righteousness, drawing a parallel to the spiritual armor that Christ Himself embodies.
3.
Psalm 45:6-7 · "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy."
This Messianic psalm highlights the divine kingship of Christ, who rules with a scepter of justice. His love for righteousness and aversion to wickedness are central to His anointing and authority, further illustrating how righteousness is woven into the fabric of His divine kingship.
Theological Significance:The concept of Christ being girt with righteousness is rich with theological implications. It signifies His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity, embodying the divine standard of holiness and justice. Christ's righteousness is not only a model for believers but also the means by which they are justified before God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, offering His righteousness to those who believe in Him.
Practical Implications for Believers:Believers are called to follow Christ's example by pursuing righteousness in their own lives. This pursuit involves a commitment to living according to God's standards, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As Christ was girt with righteousness, Christians are encouraged to "put on" righteousness as part of their spiritual armor, standing firm against the challenges and temptations of the world.
In summary, the imagery of Christ being girt with righteousness serves as a powerful reminder of His divine nature and mission. It calls believers to reflect His righteousness in their own lives, standing firm in faith and truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 11:5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ...
... and puts on us the breastplate of righteousness, and shoes us ... is an allegorical one,
then the Creator's Christ in the ... would quite suit such a sword, girt as it ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv figurative style of certain.htm
The Yoke of Christ.
... Peter had girt his fisher's coat unto him, and cast ... hunger and thirst after
righteousness;" and what righteousness, but that which Christ's Cross wrought ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm
"The Sun of Righteousness"
... atonement, if thou art unrighteous come and take his righteousness. ... in the Lord."
Who shall stop the Christ of God ... the champion of God who has girt himself for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm
The Winepress and Its Treader
... and fiercely trampling them down, while the red juice splashes upon his girt-up
clothes. ... Christ's 'terrible things' are all 'in righteousness,' and meant ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the winepress and its treader.htm
The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
... with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the ... him was called Faithful and True;
and in righteousness he doth ... be able to say, 'What I am, Christ has been ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xviii the christ child.htm
Christ's Musts
... to the requirements of the divine righteousness, but in ... Jesus Christ fastened Himself
to the Cross and died ... of pity for every sorrow, and loins girt for all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs musts.htm
Christ Our Passover
... see them with their hats on their heads, with their loins girt, and their ... When a
man lives on Christ's righteousness, it is the same as eating Christ's dress. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm
That He who Has Attained to Trust, Having Put Off the Former Man ...
... thus shall ye eat it; your loins girt, and your ... But when Christ your life shall appear,
then shall ... according to God is ordained in righteousness, and holiness ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/11 that he who has.htm
A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... knots, as though they would be surely girt, and as ... with the habergeon of very justice
or righteousness; in true ... and teacheth true faith in Jesus Christ, and to ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm
Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... the lips;" with which sword He was then "girt upon the ... we have set down, teaching
that Christ was announced ... as a people which hath done righteousness, and hath ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm
Resources
What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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