Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow are Loved 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 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 often depicted as being in a special relationship with God, receiving His love and favor.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This passage highlights the foundational principle that righteousness is closely tied to faith and trust in God. The Law, given to Moses, further outlines the standards of righteous living, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:25: "And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness."

The Psalms and Proverbs frequently extol the virtues of the righteous. Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Proverbs 21:21 adds, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." These verses illustrate the protective and rewarding nature of God's relationship with the righteous.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, righteousness is further expounded through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasizes the internalization of righteousness, moving beyond mere external adherence to the Law. In Matthew 5:6, He declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This beatitude underscores the deep longing and pursuit of righteousness as a pathway to divine blessing.

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, granted through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Love of God for the Righteous

Scripture consistently affirms that those who walk in righteousness are loved by God. In 1 John 3:7, it is written, "Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." This passage highlights the transformative nature of righteousness, aligning believers with the character of Christ.

The love of God for the righteous is also evident in the promises of His presence and guidance. Psalm 37:28 assures, "For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off." This promise of preservation and eternal security is a testament to God's unwavering love for those who pursue righteousness.

Practical Implications

Walking in righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will, as revealed in Scripture. It requires a heart that seeks to honor God in all aspects of life, including thoughts, words, and actions. The righteous are called to be light in a dark world, reflecting the character of Christ and drawing others to the love of God.

In summary, righteousness is a divine attribute that believers are called to embody. Those who walk in righteousness are assured of God's love and favor, experiencing His presence and guidance throughout their lives. The pursuit of righteousness is both a response to God's grace and a reflection of His transformative work in the believer's heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 146:8
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind: the LORD raises them that are bowed down: the LORD loves the righteous:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ...
... he is ware of them; and so he brings righteousness busily to ... nor shall the sorrow
of their damnation be put aback; because they wilfully walk in lusts ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv the difference betwixt.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... But when this righteousness and love to God had passed into ... to fear the Lord thy
God, to walk in all ... and therefore, in like manner, do they remain permanently ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... be Thy servants: and they shall walk behind Thee ... Thou hast loved righteousness, and
hated wickedness; therefore God, Thy ... wisdom, and no other; and they are wise ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.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

Sermon.
... which is life eternal, they will walk in a ... through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises ... in time, and in time they will come to ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... is to have fellowship with the Father and the Son; if you walk by faith ... since Christ
is not in them, the Lord is not their righteousness, and they have no ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

The Blessing of God.
... that know the joyful sound: They shall walk, O LORD ... rejoice all the day: And in Thy
righteousness shall they be ... And they shall put My Name upon the children of ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Christ all and in All.
... will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." In Jude ... the time when
they would follow the loved ones they had lost ... Christ is our Way; we walk in Him ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter viii christ all and.htm

"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

In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... you reason to believe fears God and works righteousness. ... lead you into outward sin,
yet they would be ... I advise you, Fourthly, walk circumspectly with regard to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 81 in what sense.htm