Topical Bible: Righteousness: God Looks For

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, as understood within the biblical context, is a central theme that reflects the character and expectations of God for His people. It is not merely a legalistic adherence to laws but a profound alignment with God's will, encompassing moral integrity, justice, and faithfulness. The Bible presents righteousness as both a divine attribute and a human responsibility, emphasizing that God actively seeks righteousness in His creation.

Divine Righteousness

God's righteousness is intrinsic to His nature. It is depicted as perfect, just, and unwavering. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17). This divine righteousness serves as the standard against which human righteousness is measured. God's actions are consistently portrayed as righteous, underscoring His commitment to justice and truth.

Human Righteousness

Human righteousness, in contrast, is often depicted as falling short of God's glory. However, the Bible calls individuals to pursue righteousness as a reflection of their relationship with God. In the book of Isaiah, God expresses His desire for righteousness among His people: "Learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). This call to action highlights that righteousness involves ethical behavior and social justice.

Faith and Righteousness

The New Testament further develops the concept of righteousness through the lens of faith. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that righteousness is credited to those who believe in God: "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Romans 3:22). This teaching underscores the transformative power of faith in achieving righteousness, as believers are justified and made righteous through their faith in Christ.

Righteousness and the Heart

God's search for righteousness is not limited to external actions but extends to the condition of the heart. The prophet Samuel was reminded of this truth when selecting a king for Israel: "The LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This divine perspective emphasizes that true righteousness is rooted in a sincere and humble heart, devoted to God.

Righteousness in the Kingdom of God

The pursuit of righteousness is integral to the Kingdom of God. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, taught, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude reflects the promise that those who earnestly seek righteousness will be satisfied, as they align themselves with God's kingdom values.

Righteousness and Justice

Throughout Scripture, righteousness is closely linked with justice. The prophet Amos conveys God's disdain for empty religious rituals devoid of justice: "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24). This imagery illustrates the dynamic and continuous nature of righteousness and justice, flowing from a life committed to God's principles.

Conclusion

Righteousness, as God looks for, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses faith, ethical conduct, and a heart aligned with God's will. It is both a divine gift and a human pursuit, reflecting the character of God and His expectations for His people. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are called to embody righteousness, living lives that honor God and promote justice in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 5:7
For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... God looks upon us as though that perfect obedience, of which I have just now spoken ...
have been worked up into the fine linen, which is the righteousness of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky'
... Righteousness, God's moral perfectness, is set forth here in a ... It is not only that
God sends His messengers to the ... nor only that His loving eye looks down upon ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the bridal of the earth.htm

The Sympathy of God
... unapproachable elevation and absolute sovereignty of God, and the retributive
righteousness of God. ... The face of God looks lovingly on men in Him, so that Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the sympathy of god.htm

The Kingdom First.
... It looks like a strain, and we seek some relaxation ... And in what does God find His
happiness ... In two things: Everlasting righteousness and everlasting beneficence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/v the kingdom first.htm

Epistle Lv. To the People of Thibaris, Exhorting to Martyrdom.
... of faith; His angels look on us, and Christ looks on us. ... Let the camp of God go forth
to the battle ... and having put on the breastplate of righteousness; and your ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lv to the people.htm

Christ --Our Substitute
... actually made that. God looks on his people as being abstract righteousness,
not nly righteous, but righteousness. To be righteous ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christour substitute.htm

State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ...
... Man looks aloft, and with erected eyes,. ... error, by denying that the image of God
could be in man without his essential righteousness; as if God were unable ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 state in which.htm

God's Creation
... judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one ... I
inherited from Adam; however sinful I came into this world, God looks on me now ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxix gods creation.htm

The Likeness of God
... in all ages, been tempted, when he looks at his ... it can be converted, and turned back
again to God. ... far gone man may be from original righteousness, still to ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... so afraid to establish their own righteousness, that they ... the hidden and secret decrees
of God's election; for ... commend his grace, when a soul looks upon itself ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii who walk not.htm