Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked are Free From

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In the biblical context, righteousness is often depicted as a moral and spiritual quality that aligns with God's nature and commands. It is a state of being that reflects adherence to divine law and the pursuit of holiness. The wicked, in contrast, are described as being devoid of this righteousness, living in opposition to God's will and commands.

The Scriptures frequently highlight the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that the wicked are free from the constraints and blessings of righteousness. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist observes the apparent prosperity and ease of the wicked, noting their freedom from the burdens that often accompany a righteous life. Psalm 73:3-5 states, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men."

This passage illustrates the perception that the wicked live without the moral and spiritual struggles that characterize the lives of the righteous. Their freedom from righteousness is not a true liberation but rather a detachment from the divine standards that guide and protect the faithful. The wicked's apparent freedom is temporary and ultimately leads to their downfall, as they lack the foundation of righteousness that sustains and blesses the lives of the godly.

Proverbs also contrasts the paths of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring the ultimate consequences of their choices. Proverbs 11:5-6 declares, "The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires." Here, the wicked are portrayed as ensnared by their own lack of righteousness, leading to their eventual ruin.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul addressing the nature of righteousness and the state of the wicked. In Romans 1:18-21 , Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts."

This passage highlights the willful rejection of righteousness by the wicked, who suppress the truth and live in defiance of God's revealed will. Their freedom from righteousness is a result of their own choices, leading to spiritual blindness and separation from God.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as free from righteousness serves as a stark warning of the consequences of living apart from God's standards. While they may appear to enjoy temporary freedom and prosperity, their lack of righteousness ultimately leads to spiritual and moral decay, contrasting sharply with the enduring blessings and guidance experienced by the righteous.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 6:20
For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... THE WICKED EMPLOYED BY GOD, WHILE HE CONTINUES FREE FROM EVERY ... the guilt of man,
and manifests the righteousness of God ... even in the hearts of the wicked, at the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

In Christ all are Free. The Jews Hope for Salvation in Vain ...
... are descendants of Canaan, equally with the free, and would ... shall be saved for his
own righteousness.' [2486] And ... men or angels, are not made wicked by God's ...
/.../chapter cxl in christ all are.htm

Free-Will in Men and Angels.
... to follow His will, resolved to create them free to do righteousness; possessing
reason ... because it foreknew that they would be unchangeably [wicked], but not ...
/.../chapter cxli free-will in men and.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... When free forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting, is ... to God, and forsake their
own wicked way, is ... Righteousness and life, by faith in a Saviour, without the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also ...
... be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked not be ... and yet to have no share in
the righteousness of his ... and not as the offence so also is the free gift; for ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/chapter vi in the work.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... against it, "Be not over much wicked: why shouldst ... degree of humility, that is, humility
free from the ... out of the perfection of righteousness, which, however ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Free Grace
... of God hath ordained to death; and it is not free for them. ... The righteousness of
the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 128 free grace.htm

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... For are they free from hatred ... loves, he dishonors Christ, and will discover in God's
judgment that this confidence in his own righteousness is wicked and vain ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... Who of God is made unto us righteousness', does not say ... by day, at the ungodly
conversation of the wicked; tares now ... spoken of in the text, will free your souls ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians.
... and evil be unlike to good, then righteousness is different ... he is so tempered as
possessing free-will, and ... of their goodness; yet the wicked, living according ...
/.../chapter xvi several other things turned.htm