Topical Encyclopedia
Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often associated with living in accordance with God's will and commands. It is both a state of being and a way of life that reflects God's holiness and justice. Those who walk in righteousness are promised enrichment, both spiritually and materially, as they align themselves with God's purposes.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often linked with justice and is seen as a characteristic of God Himself.
Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This verse highlights that righteousness is not only an attribute of God but also a requirement for those who desire to be in His presence.
In the New Testament, righteousness is further expounded through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the blessedness of those who pursue righteousness: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (
Matthew 5:6). This beatitude underscores the promise of spiritual fulfillment for those who earnestly seek to live righteously.
Walking in RighteousnessWalking in righteousness involves a commitment to live according to God's standards.
Proverbs 21:21 declares, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This pursuit is not merely about adhering to a set of rules but is a dynamic relationship with God that transforms one's character and actions.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages believers to walk in righteousness. In
Ephesians 4:24 , he writes, "And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This new self is a reflection of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in a manner that pleases God.
Enrichment through RighteousnessThe enrichment promised to those who walk in righteousness is multifaceted. Spiritually, they experience a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His will.
Proverbs 10:24 assures, "What the wicked dread will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted." This verse highlights the assurance and peace that come from living in alignment with God's purposes.
Materially, the Bible also speaks of blessings that accompany a righteous life.
Psalm 37:25-26 observes, "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 provision and stability that often accompany a life of righteousness.
Righteousness in CommunityRighteousness is not only an individual pursuit but also a communal one. The Bible calls for communities to uphold justice and righteousness as a collective witness to God's kingdom.
Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Such actions demonstrate the outworking of righteousness in society, leading to communal enrichment and the flourishing of all.
In summary, righteousness is a divine attribute that believers are called to emulate. Those who walk in and follow righteousness are enriched in their relationship with God, in their personal lives, and within their communities. The Bible consistently affirms that the pursuit of righteousness leads to a life of blessing, fulfillment, and honor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 112:3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endures for ever.
Torrey's Topical TextbookProverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... sin, why he was led away from self-righteousness and the ... of its fulfillment in the
fact that I walk in the ... sing; they must carry the cross before they wear the ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm
How Far Christians Ought to be from Boasting, if they have done ...
... do so, for the sake of faith and righteousness. ... pilgrimage of this life he may walk
the more ... interest,"was most prosperous and wealthy, they themselves were ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 18 how far christians ought.htm
The Chorus of Angels
... They are instructed how to walk and to please God, how ... His people are precious in
His sight, they are honourable ... covers them with a robe of righteousness, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm
Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not ... it may be that the opinions
which they held were ... whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm
The Soul Winner
... God, for then the outcome of that righteousness shall be ... You might walk through the
streets of London and say ... friends and kinsfolk are unsaved and they may be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the soul winner.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... saddest day for him when the sun of righteousness is eclipsed ... I will cause you to
walk in my statutes' (Ezekiel 36 ... They are breasts full of the milk of the gospel ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
Psalm LXXIV.
... their own merits, nor on their own righteousness relying. ... While they groan for and
expect now that which Thou ... promised from the New Testament, and walk by that ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiv.htm
A Young Man's Best Counsellor
... My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain ... and philosophy, if he does not
practise righteousness, he is ... The flowery way to which they coax is a way of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a young mans best counsellor.htm
Introduction.
... With complacent self-righteousness they would stand on the outside ... two qualifications
are supreme; and they apply alike ... a picture gallery, and we walk up and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm
"Nunc Dimittis"
... the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of ... Thou art
with me." Neither is it a walk that need ... "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm
Resources
What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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