Topical Bible: Righteousness: God Loves

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: God Loves ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the character and will of God. It is often associated with justice, holiness, and moral integrity. In the Scriptures, righteousness is not merely a legalistic adherence to laws but a relational quality that aligns with God's nature and His covenantal love for humanity.

God's Righteousness

God's righteousness is intrinsic to His character. It is the standard by which He governs the universe and interacts with His creation. The psalmist declares, "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17). This righteousness is not only about justice but also encompasses His faithfulness and love. God's righteous acts are evident throughout the biblical narrative, from His creation of the world to His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.

Righteousness and Love

The love of God is deeply intertwined with His righteousness. In the Old Testament, God's covenant with Israel is a testament to His steadfast love and righteousness. Deuteronomy 7:9 states, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments" . Here, righteousness is expressed through God's unwavering commitment to His people.

In the New Testament, the righteousness of God is most profoundly revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21-22 explains, "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . Through Christ, God's love and righteousness are made accessible to all who have faith, demonstrating that His love is not separate from His righteous nature.

Human Righteousness

Human righteousness, in the biblical sense, is a response to God's love and a reflection of His character. It involves living in a way that is pleasing to God, characterized by obedience, faith, and love. The prophet Micah encapsulates this in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . This verse highlights that righteousness is not merely about following rules but about embodying the values of justice, mercy, and humility.

The New Testament further emphasizes that human righteousness is not achieved through works but through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:9 states, "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" . This righteousness is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrificial love of Jesus.

God's Love for the Righteous

God's love for the righteous is evident throughout Scripture. Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face" . This love is not only a reward for righteousness but also a source of strength and guidance for those who seek to live according to His will. Proverbs 15:9 affirms, "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness" . God's love for the righteous is both a promise and an encouragement for believers to pursue a life that reflects His character.

In summary, righteousness in the Bible is a profound expression of God's love and character. It is both a divine attribute and a calling for believers to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are invited to partake in God's righteousness, experiencing His love and extending it to others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 11:7
For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; his countenance does behold the upright.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Righteousness.
... The man who has this righteousness, thinks about things as God thinks about them,
loves the things that God loves, cares for nothing that God does not care ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/righteousness.htm

The Same Kind of Righteousness is Bestowed on all Christ ...
... Therefore, since all righteousness is divided into two branches, namely, in so far
as it regards God and men, whoever, says the Scripture, loves the Lord God ...
/.../chapter xciii the same kind of.htm

On God Considered According to his Nature
... them.3. God loves righteousness and his creatures, yet he loves righteousness still
more than the creatures, from which, two consequences follow: 4. The First ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/ii on god considered according.htm

The Fear of God.
... God being what he is, a God who loves righteousness; a God who, rather than do an
unfair thing, would lay down his Godhead, and assert himself in ceasing to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the fear of god.htm

On the Attributes of God which Come to be Considered under his ...
... Even the justice or righteousness performed by the creature, is pleasing to him ... from
"the love of friendship." But since God properly loves himself and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xx on the attributes.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... shape! It is the only spot in the face of the creation which God's soul abhors.
For he loves righteousness, and hates iniquity, Psal. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

How to Dwell in the Fire of God
... to lay down than the old terms"that righteousness is essential ... man can come into
loving and familiar friendship with God as long as he loves and cleaves ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to dwell in the.htm

A Staircase of Three Steps
... anticipating and stating, with wonderful distinctness, the Christian sequence"faith,
love, righteousness. ... to love God, I must be quite sure that God loves me ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a staircase of three steps.htm

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
... Should the Lord inflame the desire after righteousness and not fill it, he might
seem to do ... God loves to bestow his mercies where he may hear of them again. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/14 spiritual hunger shall be.htm

The Doctrine of God
... For Christ died not merely for our sins, but in order that He might provide
us with that righteousness of life which God loves. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm