Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow: Dwell in Security

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow: Dwell in Security ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing a life lived in accordance with divine law and the pursuit of holiness. Those who walk in righteousness are often depicted as living under God's favor and protection, experiencing a profound sense of security and peace.

Biblical Foundation of Righteousness

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and justice. For instance, Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This verse highlights the intrinsic righteousness of God and His delight in those who pursue justice and uprightness.

Walking in Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves a continuous commitment to live according to God's commandments and to reflect His character in one's actions and decisions. Proverbs 12:28 declares, "There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death." This proverb underscores the life-giving nature of righteousness, contrasting it with the destructive consequences of unrighteousness.

The New Testament further elaborates on this theme, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in Christ as the foundation for righteousness. Romans 3:22 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Here, righteousness is not merely a human endeavor but a divine gift received through faith, enabling believers to walk in newness of life.

Security for the Righteous

Scripture consistently affirms that those who walk in righteousness dwell in security, shielded by God's providential care. Proverbs 10:9 assures, "He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out." This verse highlights the protective aspect of righteousness, suggesting that integrity and uprightness lead to a secure and stable life.

The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, portraying the righteous as recipients of God's steadfast love and protection. Psalm 37:25-26 states, "I have been young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing." This passage illustrates the enduring security and provision experienced by the righteous, extending even to their descendants.

Righteousness and Peace

The security of the righteous is often linked with peace, a state of tranquility and well-being that flows from a right relationship with God. Isaiah 32:17 proclaims, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." This prophetic declaration associates righteousness with peace and confidence, suggesting that a life aligned with God's will results in inner and outer harmony.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this connection in Romans 14:17 , "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." Here, righteousness is integral to the experience of God's kingdom, bringing about peace and joy through the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of righteousness as a path to security and peace is a powerful reminder of the blessings that accompany a life devoted to God's ways. Those who walk in righteousness not only reflect God's character but also enjoy His protection and provision, dwelling securely in His steadfast love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 33:15,16
He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... are desolate." But to many, good was to follow. ... hath before ordained that we should
walk in them ... they stand, making mention of his righteousness, they will vow ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Psalm LXXXIX.
... in His light thou walkest, in His righteousness thou art ... his children forsake My
law, and walk not in ... Himself delivers those of His believers: they cannot do ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... or will they cloak their depravity by his righteousness? ... shall not fear." "Yea, though
I walk through the ... world apparently revolves at random, they know that ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me ... bows meekly to accept he finished
righteousness, then is ... They who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh ... are ye light in
the Lord: walk as children ... light," (Eph.5:8). But perhaps they will insist ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Job's Faith and Expectation
... hope upon Him, who, by His obedience unto death, is the end of the law for
righteousness unto everyone ... And they who hearken to the Lord, and walk in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxix jobs faith and.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity ... or condemned according to its tenor;
all they wish is ... particular case; and even here the righteousness which they ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

Psalm LXXI.
... then, "Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy ... but still my tongue
also all day long shall meditate of Thy righteousness"? "When they shall have ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxi.htm

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ...
... do not walk with us, they may walk with them ... wrath of man worketh not the righteousness
of God ... Its large dimensions can comprehend, Should they dilate thereon ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/peaceable principles and true or.htm

Psalm CIV.
... the stewards of God's Sacraments, who still walk upon the ... grace, that we may live
unto righteousness: for it ... shalt take away their spirit, and they shall fail ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm civ.htm