Righteousness, as a central theme in the Bible, is often associated with peace, both as a divine promise and as a natural outcome of living in accordance with God's will. The concept that the work of righteousness shall be peace is rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and is echoed throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 32:17 states, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." This verse encapsulates the idea that righteousness, when actively pursued and practiced, results in peace. It suggests a cause-and-effect relationship where righteous living leads to a state of tranquility and assurance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, righteousness is often linked with justice, mercy, and adherence to God's commandments. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," encompasses these ideas and is frequently associated with the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The peace that results from righteousness is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being and harmony with God, others, and creation.

The Psalms also reflect this connection. Psalm 85:10 declares, "Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed." This poetic imagery illustrates the intimate relationship between righteousness and peace, suggesting that they are inseparable companions in the life of the faithful.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is further developed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies perfect righteousness and offers peace to His followers. In Matthew 5:9 , Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Here, peacemaking is presented as a righteous act that aligns believers with their divine identity.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the relationship between righteousness and peace in his epistles. In Romans 14:17 , he writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." Paul underscores that the kingdom of God is characterized by these qualities, with righteousness leading to peace and joy.

Practical Implications

For believers, the pursuit of righteousness involves living in accordance with God's commandments, seeking justice, and demonstrating love and mercy. This pursuit is not merely a personal endeavor but has communal implications, as the peace that results from righteousness extends to relationships within the community and beyond.

The peace that comes from righteousness is both a present reality and a future hope. It is experienced in the believer's life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and is anticipated in its fullness in the eschatological peace of God's eternal kingdom.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that the work of righteousness shall be peace offers a profound insight into the nature of God's kingdom and the life of the believer. It calls Christians to a life of integrity, justice, and love, promising that such a life will yield the fruit of peace, both now and in the age to come.Isaiah 32:17
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... And the work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of righteousness
quietness and confidence forever. "Isaiah 32:17. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm

His Future Work
... will be His work then? But a few of the many things can be mentioned. "He shall
speak peace to the nations" (Zech. ix:10). "With righteousness shall He judge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

"Peace, be Still"
... "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
"The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 35 peace be still.htm

God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
... ". . . The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness
quietness and assurance for ever." " Isa.32:17. When Jesus said. ". . . ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 3 gods peace obtained.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... difficulties and calamities, you would say, "I shall not be ... He maketh all work together
for good ... Sovereignty, righteousness, and mercy, are sure and firm ground ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii thou shall keep.htm

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
... the Holy Spirit that shall effect a work of salvation on a large scale, for it closes
with the promise: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv the outpouring of the.htm

The Person and Work of the Substitute
... For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from ... true sayings of God" concerning
Christ and his work. In these we shall find the divine interpretation of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vi the person and.htm

Satan's Devices
... is by faith in Christ, the righteousness which is ... those mountains of ungodliness,
which shall become a ... be straitened for time, wherein to work whatever remains ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 42 satans devices.htm

The Holy Spirit of Promise
... fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect
of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter iv the holy spirit.htm

Psalm LXXXV.
... land in which the Prophet was born, greater glory shall dwell, because ... other: for
there is no one who wills not peace: but all will not work righteousness. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxv.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

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