Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow are Blessed by God

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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 central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing a life lived in accordance with God's laws and commandments. Those who walk in righteousness are promised blessings and favor from the Lord.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Genesis 15:6, we see the foundational example of Abraham: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse highlights the importance of faith as a component of righteousness, establishing a precedent for the relationship between belief and divine approval.

The Psalms frequently extol the virtues of the righteous. Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessedness of the righteous: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does" . This passage underscores the prosperity and stability granted to those who pursue righteousness.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets also speak to the blessings of righteousness. Isaiah 32:17 declares, "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever" . Here, righteousness is linked to peace and assurance, suggesting that a life aligned with God's will brings inner tranquility and security.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, righteousness is further illuminated through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, pronounces blessings upon those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude highlights the deep spiritual satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from a sincere pursuit of righteousness.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, elaborates on the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Implications

Walking in righteousness involves a commitment to living according to God's standards. Proverbs 21:21 encourages, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor" . This pursuit is not merely about external compliance but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's desires and actions with God's will.

The blessings of righteousness are manifold. Psalm 37:25-26 assures, "I have been young and now I 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 reflects the generational impact of righteousness, promising provision and legacy for those who walk in God's ways.

Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the pursuit of righteousness has eternal significance. In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul speaks of the "crown of righteousness" reserved for those who have lived faithfully: "From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing" . This promise of eternal reward underscores the enduring value of a righteous life.

In summary, righteousness is a divine attribute that believers are called to emulate. Those who walk in righteousness are assured of God's blessings, both in this life and in the life to come, as they align themselves with His perfect will and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 5:12
For you, LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor will you compass him as with a shield.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... the Father and the Son; if you walk by faith ... perseverance of the saints; I fear they
understand justification in ... of God is made unto us righteousness', does not ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Sermon.
... which is life eternal, they will walk in a ... faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises ... unto them eternal life, and they shall never ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ...
... who have feet, for they shall walk; blessed are they ... through fear of punishment,
not through love of righteousness. ... are the pure in heart, for they shall see ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon iii on the words.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... the other: we believe, we love, we endeavour to walk in all ... that, consequently, they
are all ... toward God, and who effectually know "the Lord our righteousness?". ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 20 the lord our.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... given by God to Abraham is very strong: "Walk before me ... God is not meat and drink,
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost:" They will not ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... a vain expectation of fruits from yourselves,"they will never ... and ye neglect Christ
as your righteousness, as one ... Because he lives, ye shall live, and walk. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... Him"they will walk in light, and they will in His ... But if we walk in the light, If
we ... to communion with God must verify themselves by practical righteousness. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

Example.
... no use saying to them, "My sons, walk straight!" you ... a man thinks of God as indifferent
to righteousness, as so ... everything, and let men do what they like, that ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lviii example.htm

Walking with God
... for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, and every ... They shall be enabled
to sustain an exceeding and ... How did Enoch walk with God, though he lived ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... to the cause of Christ in the ordinary walk of any ... darkness visible, yet from the
Sun of Righteousness they came; no ... people are, and in that hand they shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm