Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow are Righteous

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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 considered righteous, and their lives reflect a commitment to God's will and purposes.

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 attributed to those who have faith in God. The life of Abraham serves as an example of walking in righteousness through faith and obedience.

The Psalms and Proverbs frequently address the theme of righteousness. Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish" . This verse underscores the protective and guiding hand of God over those who pursue righteousness. Proverbs 21:21 further affirms, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor" , indicating the blessings that accompany a righteous life.

The Law and the Prophets

The Mosaic Law provided a framework for righteous living, detailing the moral and ceremonial laws that the Israelites were to follow. Deuteronomy 6:25 declares, "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 prophets, too, called the people back to righteousness, urging them to repent and return to God's ways. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow" , emphasizing social justice as an aspect of righteousness.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, righteousness is fulfilled and exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:6 records Jesus' words, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" . This beatitude highlights the deep longing for righteousness that characterizes the followers of Christ. Jesus Himself is described as the Righteous One, and His life and teachings provide the ultimate model for righteous living.

The Apostle Paul expounds on the doctrine of righteousness, particularly in his epistle to the Romans. 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, received through faith in Christ. This righteousness leads to a transformed life, as believers are called to live in accordance with the Spirit.

Walking in Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's standards. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" . This new self is characterized by a life that reflects God's character and values.

The Apostle John also speaks to the evidence of righteousness in the life of a believer. In 1 John 3:7, he writes, "Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous" . This practice of righteousness is a testament to one's relationship with God and a reflection of His transformative work in the believer's life.

The Reward of Righteousness

The Scriptures promise rewards for those who walk in righteousness. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" . This promise assures believers that God will provide for their needs as they prioritize His kingdom and righteousness.

Ultimately, the pursuit of righteousness leads to eternal life. Romans 6:22-23 declares, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . This eternal perspective motivates believers to walk in righteousness, knowing that their ultimate reward is found in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commandment Sixth. How to Recognise the Two Spirits Attendant on ...
... But they who walk in the straight road walk evenly without ... to the Lord with all his
heart will walk in it ... if the works of the angel of righteousness ascend into ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment sixth how to recognise.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... who are by nature dead in sins, can walk spiritually, before they be united to Jesus
Christ, by believing in him for righteousness and salvation. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.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

Paul Worthy to be the Prince of the Apostles, and yet a Sinner.
... already attained, let us walk by that rule." [543] This "walk" is not ... soul and the
character of the life, so that they who possess righteousness may arrive ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 paul worthy to be.htm

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

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

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

Guidance in Judgment
... the way must incontinently be crushed where they have wandered. ... God is Love, and
God is Righteousness, He cannot ... He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/guidance in judgment.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... The injunction given by God to Abraham is very strong: "Walk before me, and be ... Insomuch
that they look upon virtue and vice, righteousness and wickedness ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.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