Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the sight of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures and is closely associated with the character and actions of the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes. The saints, as followers of Christ, are called to know and embody righteousness in their lives.

Biblical Understanding of Righteousness

Righteousness is fundamentally rooted in the nature of God. Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This divine attribute is reflected in the lives of the saints, who are called to live in accordance with God's standards. The pursuit of righteousness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules but involves a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by faith and obedience.

Righteousness and Faith

The New Testament emphasizes that righteousness is attained through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness is imputed to believers, meaning it is credited to them by virtue of their faith in Christ's redemptive work on the cross. The saints, therefore, know righteousness as a gift from God, not as a result of their own works.

Living Out Righteousness

The saints are called to live out the righteousness they have received. Ephesians 4:24 exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This involves a transformation of character and conduct, aligning one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus. The pursuit of righteousness is a lifelong journey, marked by growth in holiness and a deepening relationship with God.

Righteousness and the Law

While the law of God provides a standard of righteousness, the saints understand that true righteousness surpasses mere legalistic adherence. Romans 10:4 explains, "Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes." The saints know that righteousness is fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly embodied the law and its requirements. Thus, their focus is on living by the Spirit, who empowers them to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law in love and truth.

Righteousness and the Kingdom of God

The saints recognize that righteousness is integral to the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." The pursuit of righteousness is not only a personal endeavor but also a communal one, as the saints work together to advance God's kingdom on earth. They are called to be agents of justice, peace, and love, reflecting God's righteousness in a world that often stands in opposition to His ways.

The Reward of Righteousness

The saints are assured of the reward of righteousness, both in this life and in the life to come. Matthew 5:6 promises, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." The ultimate fulfillment of righteousness will be realized in the new heavens and new earth, where the saints will dwell in perfect harmony with God, free from sin and its effects.

In summary, the saints know righteousness as a divine gift received through faith in Christ, a transformative way of life, and a pursuit that aligns with the values of God's kingdom. They are called to embody this righteousness in their daily lives, reflecting the character of God and advancing His purposes in the world.Isaiah 51:7
Listen to me, you that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear you not the reproach of men, neither be you afraid of their revilings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... head of thine enemy, and thou shalt know that the ... present on this glorious heritage
of the saints of God ... the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... 'We know (says John) that ... and I cannot think they are clear in the notion of Christ's
righteousness, who deny the final perseverance of the saints; I fear ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

The Whole of that in which we Appear Before God, Justifies Us. But ...
... which the Papists are able or know how to ... concession?" "God considers and esteems
for righteousness all this ... which, the Papists say, the saints appear before ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxv v the whole.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... an everlasting righteousness, because all the saints that have ... are all saved by the
righteousness of Christ. ... people are mighty inquisitive to know, what will ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

Psalm CXLVIII.
... wicked shall hereafter say, "The light of righteousness hath not shined unto us,
and the sun of righteousness rose not ... An hymn to all His Saints." Know ye what ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlviii.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... imitation of God, in the practice of righteousness, in the ... the glory of His inheritance
in the saints.' Now, turn ... So, dear friends, if we want to know as much ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... perhaps many of his rank now, scarce know the time ... deny the doctrine of an imputed
righteousness, whatever we ... you that you must intercede with saints, for them ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our 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. ... of being holy is that we should know whose we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... A man may know himself to be awake, but from ... not to have known the way of righteousness,
than, after ... it is inferred, that they are fallen saints, because it is ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... and for this reason, that we may know that He ... those under the heaven, is given to
the saints of the ... the peace of thy children; and in righteousness shalt thou ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.org

What is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org

Righteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus