Topical Bible: Righteousness is Obedience to God's Law

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, is often understood as living in accordance with God's will and commands. It is a state of moral purity or uprightness that aligns with the divine standards set forth in Scripture. The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the idea of obedience to God's law, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Understanding

In the Old Testament, righteousness is closely associated with adherence to the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," conveys the idea of being just or right in one's actions and relationships. The law given to Moses on Mount Sinai served as a comprehensive guide for the Israelites, detailing how they were to live in a manner pleasing to God. Deuteronomy 6:25 states, "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 emphasize the connection between righteousness and obedience. Psalm 119:172 declares, "My tongue sings of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous." This verse highlights the belief that God's commandments are inherently righteous, and thus, following them leads to righteousness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is expanded and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the law remains a standard of righteousness, the New Testament reveals that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, who perfectly obeyed the law on behalf of humanity. Romans 3:21-22 explains, "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe."

However, this does not negate the importance of obedience. Jesus Himself affirmed the value of the law, stating in Matthew 5:17-18 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The New Testament also introduces the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live righteously. The Spirit enables Christians to obey God's commands from the heart, transforming them into the likeness of Christ. Romans 8:4 states, "so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

Practical Implications

Righteousness as obedience to God's law involves both external actions and internal attitudes. It requires a heart that seeks to honor God through faithful adherence to His commands. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves."

In summary, righteousness in the biblical sense is intricately linked to obedience to God's law. It is a dynamic relationship that involves faith in Christ, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to living according to God's revealed will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 6:25
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 10:5
For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.
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Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
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Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Its Nature
... The "righteousness of Christ" which is imputed to the believer consists of that
perfect obedience which He rendered unto the precepts of God's Law and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us. "
... then, how this conclusion follows, "that the righteousness of the ... and satisfied it
so fully, both by obedience to the ... It is all one in God's account, as if we ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv that the righteousness.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... what it always has been,"just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first
parents,"perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Its Basis
... are made "the righteousness of God in Him" (in Christ, not in ourselves) by God
imputing to usChrist's obedience, His fulfilling the precepts of the law for us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

A River of Peace and Waves of Righteousness
... than 'river.' The image speaks of a righteousness massive and ... In that obedience human
nature rises to a higher ... God has yet a method to accomplish His loving ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a river of peace and.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ...
... you are far from the righteousness of God, and you do ... be in any capacity to please
him by new obedience. ... suffer the eternal wrath of an infinite God, and then ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x for what the.htm

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
... Adam's obedience ran parallel with the moral law, as a ... sweetly in tune to the will
of God; he was ... Sin cut the lock of original righteousness where our strength ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/3 1 mans inability to keep.htm

Its Instrument
... from being a mere substitute for a "righteousness" which he lacked. Far, very far
was God from accepting his faith in lieu of a perfect obedience to His Law. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

The Right Understanding of the Law
... They are not justified by their obedience to the moral ... they must trust only to Christ's
righteousness for justification ... Considered as the Son of God, he was not ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

Justification by Faith
... as through man's sin, the way of obedience is for ... ever pass by it to a true
righteousness, God has now ... been theirs had they perfectly kept God's law, but which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/justification by faith.htm