Righteousness, in the biblical context, is a state of moral purity or being right with God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the relationship between faith and works in the life of a believer. The saints, or those set apart by God, are called to live out their faith through righteous works, demonstrating their faith in action.

Faith and Works

The relationship between faith and works is a recurring theme in the New Testament. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse underscores the necessity of works as evidence of genuine faith. The saints are called to manifest their faith through righteous deeds, which are the fruit of their relationship with God.

Abraham: A Model of Righteousness by Faith

Abraham is often cited as a quintessential example of righteousness by faith. Romans 4:3 declares, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith was not merely intellectual assent but was demonstrated through his obedience to God's commands, such as when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). His actions were a testament to his faith, illustrating that true faith results in righteous works.

The Role of Grace

While works are essential, they are not the means by which one attains righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, "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." Righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith, and it is by His grace that believers are empowered to perform good works.

The Fruit of the Spirit

The righteous works of the saints are often described as the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists these fruits: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These attributes are the natural outflow of a life transformed by faith in Christ, evidencing the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer.

Living as Lights in the World

The saints are called to be lights in the world, reflecting the righteousness of Christ through their actions. Matthew 5:16 exhorts, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The righteous works of the saints serve as a testimony to the transformative power of faith, drawing others to God.

The Judgment of Works

Scripture also speaks of a future judgment where believers' works will be evaluated. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This judgment is not for salvation but for rewards, highlighting the importance of living a life of righteousness by faith.

Conclusion

The concept of righteousness by faith is integral to the Christian life. The saints are called to live out their faith through righteous works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a response to the grace they have received. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to perform good works, serving as a testament to their faith and bringing glory to God.Hebrews 11:33
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Sometimes, However, the Saints in Supplicating God, Seem to Appeal ...
... a value on prayer as a meritorious work, but designs ... who, without any desire for
righteousness, are sleeping ... Those supplications in which the saints allude to ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 10 sometimes however the.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... Faith must look to the atonement and work of Jesus ... faith which has been once delivered
to the saints. ... sectaries who rail against imputed righteousness"that we ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... conditions of praying are the conditions of righteousness, holiness and ... know we are
raising up a prayerless set of saints? ... to the front and do the work, and it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... which we have done, and is a single-eyed reliance on the work of Jesus ... and white,'
which is the heavenly and final form of the righteousness of Saints. ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do ... Being thus excluded from the
righteousness of the law, we ... is, that faith is somewhere called a work (John 6:29 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ...
... Again, "The saints ascribe nothing to their merits; every ... heir of heaven, a partaker
of righteousness, a possessor ... attempt or enter upon any work without faith ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 the boasted merit.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... Image and Likeness. V. Original Righteousness. VI. Rome, Socinus, Arminius, Calvin. ...
XIII. The Work of God in Our Work. XIV. ... XXV. The Communion of Saints. XXVI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/

The Communion of Saints.
... or with Comrie walk in the paths of righteousness divine. ... of the saint to let the
Holy Spirit work in him ... one result: that there is in all God's saints but one ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Saints and Faithful
... into his own character and life, of righteousness and purity ... a big, wicked city,
and to work out our ... that these people whom Paul called 'saints' and 'faithful ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... a hold of this life and righteousness"why should ... as plainly and forcefully as possible:
"Faith alone saves ... altogether idle to have let the saints work in his ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

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

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

Righteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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