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

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the sight of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing a life that aligns with God's standards and commands. Those who walk in righteousness are promised a special relationship with God, characterized by His attentive hearing and response to their prayers.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments. In the Hebrew Bible, righteousness is often associated with justice and ethical conduct. The prophet Isaiah declares, "The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man; He was appalled that there was no one to intercede; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him" (Isaiah 59:15-16). Here, righteousness is depicted as an attribute of God Himself, who acts to bring about justice.

In the New Testament, righteousness is closely linked to faith and the transformative work of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Romans 1:17). This passage underscores the belief that righteousness is not merely about external adherence to the law but is fundamentally about a faith-driven relationship with God.

Walking in Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves living a life that reflects God's character and commands. The psalmist declares, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart. They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways" (Psalm 119:2-3). This passage highlights the blessings associated with a life dedicated to following God's statutes and seeking Him earnestly.

The righteous are called to embody virtues such as integrity, honesty, and compassion. Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor" . This pursuit is not passive but requires active engagement and commitment to living according to God's will.

God Hears the Righteous

Scripture assures believers that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous. The psalmist affirms, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). This promise of divine attention is a source of comfort and encouragement for those who strive to live righteously.

The Apostle Peter reiterates this assurance in the New Testament, quoting the psalmist: "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). This passage emphasizes the contrast between God's responsiveness to the righteous and His opposition to those who engage in wickedness.

Righteousness and Faith

Righteousness is intrinsically linked to faith in the Christian tradition. The believer's righteousness is not self-derived but is imputed through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explains, "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction" (Romans 3:22). This righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith, and it transforms the believer's standing before God.

The life of righteousness is thus both a gift and a calling. Believers are called to live out the righteousness they have received, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives. As they do so, they experience the assurance that God hears and responds to their prayers, walking in a relationship marked by divine favor and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, though he bear long with them?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Message and Its Practical Results
... outcome and test of all deep hidden union with God is righteousness in life ... things
will follow in those who are in union with Him"they will walk in light ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

John Chapter xvi. 1-4.
... its fulfillment in their own case: "They shall walk, O Lord ... who are exalted, not
in their own righteousness, but in ... in His behalf, that He said, "They will put ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xciii john chapter xvi.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ...
... "Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the ... all evil, which while
some coveted after, they have erred ... Ye meet one another as ye walk on the way ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxv on the words.htm

God's Requirements and God's Gift
... action, there is something wanting to the very righteousness of the action ... 'To walk
humbly with thy God.' 'Can two walk together unless they be agreed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/gods requirements and gods gift.htm

God's People Delivered.
... word of My patience; they shall walk among the ... Himself."(1101) That holy law, God's
righteousness, that amid ... They find that they have been fighting against God ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... the word of My patience; they shall walk among the ... Psalm 50:6. That holy law, God's
righteousness, that amid ... They find that they have been fighting against God ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... with the Father and the Son; if you walk by faith ... says, 'Who of God is made unto
us righteousness', does not ... is often sent to buffet them, lest they should be ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Transformed by Grace
... in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as ... They have put no confidence in the
flesh, have claimed ... own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 55 transformed by grace.htm

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

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... upon two principles, and according to them walk, ere we ... where they shall seek it,
and whither they shall go. ... the kingdom of God," and the righteousness thereof ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm