Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the eyes of God. It is a state of living in accordance with God's laws and commands, reflecting His holiness and justice. The Bible consistently emphasizes the blessings and rewards that come to those who walk in righteousness and follow its path.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with faith, obedience, and a heart aligned with God's will. In the Old Testament, righteousness is frequently linked to the covenant relationship between God and His people. For instance,
Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse highlights the foundational principle that righteousness is not merely about external actions but is deeply connected to faith and trust in God.
Promises to the RighteousThe Bible promises that those who walk in righteousness will have their desires granted, as their desires align with God's will.
Psalm 37:4-5 encourages believers, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it" . This passage underscores the idea that when one's heart is set on God, their desires naturally reflect His purposes, leading to fulfillment and blessing.
Proverbs 10:24 further affirms this promise: "What the wicked dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted" . Here, the contrast between the wicked and the righteous is clear—the righteous, who live in accordance with God's ways, can expect their desires to be fulfilled because they are in harmony with divine intentions.
Righteousness and PrayerThe New Testament also emphasizes the power of righteousness in prayer.
James 5:16 states, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" . This verse highlights the effectiveness of the prayers of those who live righteously, suggesting that their alignment with God's will makes their petitions powerful and effective.
Living a Righteous LifeWalking in righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's standards. It requires a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, leading to actions that reflect God's character.
Romans 6:13 exhorts believers, "Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness" . This call to present oneself as an instrument of righteousness emphasizes the active role believers must take in pursuing a life that honors God.
The Ultimate FulfillmentUltimately, the desires of the righteous are granted not only in this life but also in the life to come. The promise of eternal life and the hope of dwelling in God's presence forever are the ultimate fulfillment of the righteous person's deepest desires.
Revelation 21:3-4 offers a glimpse of this future: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away'" .
In summary, the Bible presents a compelling picture of the blessings and fulfillment that come to those who walk in righteousness. Their desires, shaped by a heart aligned with God's will, are granted as they live in obedience and faithfulness to Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 10:24The fear of the wicked, it shall come on him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... or else, neither of them hath truly any righteousness without them ... read and hear
of, but what do they all aim at ... fears and terrors, that you may then walk as you ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi my little children.htm
Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... heaven, and to cultivate Paradise, and walk about in ... is an immortal man, established
in righteousness, in whom ... deprived as they are of reason, they are unable ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm
So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... But those who walk according to the flesh retain ... of this opinion, taught the
righteousness of faith. ... judged, because in some articles they have condemned truth ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm
On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... In times past God suffered all nations to walk in their ... is due to it according to
the righteousness of God ... the hand of their enemies, because they sought after ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm
Prayer.
... thou make conscience of reading and practising; do thou follow after righteousness;
do thou ... these men look, and with what terror would they walk up and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xix prayer.htm
A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... his mouth, ruminates the spiritual food; and righteousness parts the ... to the kingdom
of God, let us walk worthy of ... beloved ones in the ways, full as they are of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm
The Test of Discipleship
... And the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the ... that
their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm
Matt. v. 17
... would not have said they have a righteousness; neither would ... which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after ... for a tooth;" [708] and straightway they insult and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvi matt v 17.htm
The Ministry in Galilee --The New Lesson
... disregard of itself, and called his disciples also to walk in the ... the coming kingdom
and his call to a deeper righteousness, coupled as they were with ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the ministry in galileethe.htm
Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... they have both the privilege of holy walk and heavenly ... to be led in the ways of
righteousness to the ... desires run towards God with delight, they shall surely be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm
Resources
What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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