Topical Bible: Righteousness: Shall be Glad in the Lord

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often associated with the joy and gladness found in the Lord. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that righteousness is not merely a moral or ethical standard but a relational standing with God, characterized by faith, obedience, and trust in His promises.

Biblical Foundation

The joy of the righteous is frequently highlighted in the Psalms, where the psalmists express a profound sense of gladness in the Lord. Psalm 32:11 declares, "Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart." This verse underscores the connection between righteousness and joy, suggesting that those who are upright in heart naturally find their delight in God.

Similarly, Psalm 64:10 states, "The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will exult." Here, the psalmist emphasizes that the righteous not only find joy in the Lord but also seek refuge in Him, indicating a deep trust and reliance on God's protection and provision.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, righteousness is often understood as being imputed through faith, as seen in the life of Abraham. Romans 4:3 explains, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This righteousness, credited by faith, brings about a transformation that results in a life marked by joy and gladness in the Lord.

The New Testament further elaborates on this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces blessings on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). This filling is not only a satisfaction of spiritual longing but also a source of profound joy.

Practical Application

For believers, the call to righteousness involves a daily walk with God, characterized by obedience to His Word and a commitment to living out His commands. This walk is not burdensome but is accompanied by the joy of the Lord, which serves as strength and encouragement. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

The righteous are also called to reflect God's character in their interactions with others, promoting justice, mercy, and humility. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this calling: "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?"

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate gladness of the righteous is found in the eschatological hope of eternal life with God. Revelation 19:7 envisions a future where the righteous will rejoice in the marriage supper of the Lamb, proclaiming, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready."

In summary, righteousness in the biblical sense is intrinsically linked to joy and gladness in the Lord. It is a state of being that transcends mere legalistic adherence to rules and is rooted in a vibrant, faith-filled relationship with God, culminating in the eternal joy of His presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 64:10
The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... do thou trust him and say, "He shall be my ... extol him in our worship as "the Lord
our righteousness.". ... whole universal Church of Christ, in one glad song, call ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Third Sunday in Advent and it Shall be Said in that Day, Lo, this ...
... And songs of praise and sweetest psalms. From my glad heart shall sound. My desert
soul breaks forth in flowers,. ... O Sun of Righteousness! arise,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/third sunday in advent and.htm

[The Words] "From the Wood" have Been Cut Out of Ps. Xcvi.
... Let all the trees of the wood be glad before the Lord: for He comes, for He comes
to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the ...
/.../chapter lxxiii the words from the.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... in the seventy-first Psalm: "In righteousness shall He judge ... Psalm: "They who sow
in tears shall reap in ... much an accessory to the exulting and glad, as weeping ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Psalm XIV.
... "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every ... turn away the captivity
of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad." [495] It ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xiv.htm

The Malignity of the Devil as an Imitator in all Things; Two Kinds ...
... fruit-bearing trees flourished and yielded food unto righteousness. ... Holy Spirit,
as the Lord "maketh glad the hearts ... Micah also says, "They shall sit every man ...
/.../chapter v the malignity of the.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... say, all who attend this night, will be glad to hear of ... me, what I mean by an imputed
righteousness, not to ... over you heads, but rather, if God shall be pleased ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

Psalm XXXII.
... ver.2): nor has he in his mouth boastings of righteousness, when his ... in the Lord,
and submitteth himself to His rule, mercy shall compass him ... "Be glad in the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxii.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... the young men: the old men, too, shall be glad, and I ... shall be taught of God, and
great shall be the peace of thy children; and in righteousness shalt thou ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Do you strive to "make opportunities?" Are you glad when they ... Shall not the Pharisee
rise up in the judgment ... His righteousness is as far above thine, as the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 25 upon our lords.htm