Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature of RighteousnessRighteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is a central attribute of God's character and a standard for human conduct. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," and the Greek word "dikaiosyne" both convey the idea of justice, virtue, and uprightness. Righteousness is not merely an abstract concept but is deeply relational, reflecting one's alignment with God's will and purposes.
Righteousness in the Old TestamentIn the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with God's covenantal relationship with His people.
Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the foundational principle that righteousness is accounted through faith. The Law, given to Israel, served as a guide to righteous living, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility before God (
Micah 6:8).
The Psalms and Proverbs frequently extol the virtues of the righteous, contrasting them with the wicked.
Psalm 1:6 declares, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Here, righteousness is portrayed as a path safeguarded by God, leading to life and blessing.
Righteousness in the New TestamentThe New Testament reveals the fullness of righteousness through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies perfect righteousness, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. In
Matthew 5:6 , Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This beatitude underscores the deep longing for righteousness that characterizes the true disciple.
The Apostle Paul expounds on the doctrine of righteousness, particularly in his epistle to the Romans.
Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul emphasizes that righteousness is a gift from God, imputed to believers through faith in Christ, apart from works of the Law.
Righteousness and SanctificationRighteousness is intrinsically linked to the process of sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Sanctification involves growing in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ.
Philippians 1:11 speaks of being "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." This fruit is the evidence of a life transformed by grace, manifesting in righteous deeds and character.
Righteousness and the Christian LifeFor the saints, righteousness is both a position and a practice. Positionally, believers are declared righteous before God through faith in Christ. Practically, they are called to live out this righteousness in daily life.
Ephesians 4:24 exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
The pursuit of righteousness involves a commitment to God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It requires discernment and wisdom to navigate the challenges of life while maintaining integrity and faithfulness.
James 1:20 reminds us, "For man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Thus, the righteous life is marked by peace, patience, and a reliance on God's strength.
Righteousness and the Final JudgmentThe Bible assures that righteousness will ultimately be vindicated at the final judgment.
Matthew 25:46 declares, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." The righteous, those who have trusted in Christ and lived according to His ways, will inherit eternal life, enjoying the fullness of God's presence forever.
In summary, righteousness is a divine attribute and a calling for believers. It is both a gift and a pursuit, shaping the lives of the saints as they walk in the right way, guided by the truth of God's Word and empowered by His Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 11:5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Torrey's Topical TextbookProverbs 13:6
Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Perseverance of Saints.
... not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after ... the fact of the fall and
ruin of real saints. ... the faithfulness of God prevailed to keep them through ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm
A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... But you cannot keep the law, and if you bring ... linen, which is the righteousness of
the saints, are caught ... thou art; but if thou hast any righteousness of thine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm
The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... had not been daily tasks to keep men from ... We are to become the servants of righteousness
when we ... Worldlings would have you industrious, but saints would have ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm
What the Reign of the Saints with Christ for a Thousand Years Is ...
... for "to break" means not to keep, not to ... do not;" [1359] "unless therefore, your
righteousness exceed theirs ... Accordingly, even now His saints reign with Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 what the reign of.htm
Eyes Right
... Now if the saints of old time gloried in obeying ... Seek first the kingdom of God and
his righteousness. ... consequences, bring your eyelids into use, keep them fast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/eyes right.htm
The Christian Race.
... Holy Spirit to comfort, heaven for habitation, saints and angels ... The Lord keep them
in every imagination of the thoughts of ... Art thou in Christ's righteousness? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiii the christian race.htm
The Way to God
... great congregation, in the assembly of the saints, than anywhere ... he still pleads
the blood and righteousness of Jesus ... I shall not keep you much longer, but I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the way to god.htm
The Armour of God
... which would save his head, and keep his mind ... might die to sin, and live again to
righteousness. ... all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.' Those who ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm
How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... others, and will not so much as keep fellowship or ... sin, that we might be made the
righteousness of God ... foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm
How to Keep the Heart
... God in this promise confers upon the saints, is "THE ... of peace"peace like a river,
and righteousness like the ... You can not keep your heart right but by one way ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/how to keep the heart.htm
Resources
What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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