Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. For the saints, or believers, righteousness is both a gift from God and a pursuit in their daily lives. The Bible provides numerous insights into how saints are to embody and practice righteousness.

Imputed Righteousness

The foundation of righteousness for the saints is the imputed righteousness of Christ. This is a core tenet of Christian doctrine, where believers are declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ. As stated in Romans 3:22 , "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness is not earned by works but is a gift of grace, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Pursuing Righteousness

While righteousness is imputed to believers, they are also called to pursue righteousness actively. This pursuit is a response to God's grace and a reflection of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In 1 Timothy 6:11 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This pursuit involves a conscious effort to live according to God's commandments and to reflect His character in one's actions and decisions.

Righteous Living

Righteous living is characterized by obedience to God's Word and a commitment to holiness. The saints are called to be set apart, living lives that are distinct from the world. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , it is written, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is a call to righteousness, where believers are to embody the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling the saints to live righteously. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and to grow in righteousness. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23 , includes attributes that are integral to righteous living: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Righteousness and Justice

Righteousness is closely linked with justice in the Bible. The saints are called to act justly and to advocate for justice in their communities. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "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 the practical outworking of righteousness in the life of a believer, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility.

Eternal Perspective

The pursuit of righteousness has an eternal perspective. The saints are encouraged to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, as stated in Matthew 6:33 : "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse underscores the priority of righteousness in the life of a believer, promising that God will provide for their needs as they focus on His Kingdom.

In summary, righteousness for the saints is both a divine gift and a daily pursuit. It involves living in accordance with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reflecting His justice and holiness in the world.1 John 2:29
If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... "All our righteousness." Mark, Isaiah ... This is the cross that the saints must all
bear, "Deny yourself ... if you would prove it real grace and holiness, do not exalt ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

On the Wedding Garment
... do you not speak plainly, and say, "For whose sake do you look ... mention made of "linen,
white and clean, which is the righteousness of the saints." And this ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 120 on the wedding.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister," (Heb.6 ...
Righteousness, therefore, refers rather to the truth of the divine promise than ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... And this is a righteousness that shall never pass away. ... from without and from within,
with virtues and with goodly behaviour, as do the saints; and should ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvii of another kind.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... to know who was the person that was to do this, look ... mentioned in the text, is called
an "everlasting righteousness.". ... Then speak a word to saints and sinners. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... We do greatly need somebody who can set the ... nor the beauty, nor the power of saints. ...
holy ones have "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... inward holiness, (as indeed sometimes they do, though in a ... clear in the notion of
Christ's righteousness, who deny the final perseverance of the saints; I fear ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Saints and Faithful
... into his own character and life, of righteousness and purity ... type of ascetic piety
in order to be called saints. You do not need to be amongst the select few ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Psalm CL.
... For thus do we advance to an everlasting life of happiness ... worketh in us, so as to
make us His righteousness. These same saints are signified by all the musical ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

Meditations for the Morning.
... wakest and risest (Genesis 31:55; xxxii.1, 2.) Do all things ... of Christ (because
apprehended by our faith), called the righteousness of the saints (Matthew 22 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the morning.htm

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.org

What are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-righteousness? | GotQuestions.org

Righteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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