Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a condition of the heart where an individual esteems their own moral standing or works as sufficient for righteousness, often leading to a rejection of the righteousness that comes from God. This attitude is frequently addressed in Scripture, where it is contrasted with the humility and faith required to accept God's righteousness.Biblical Foundation The concept of self-righteousness is prominently featured in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. In the Gospels, Jesus often rebukes the Pharisees and religious leaders for their self-righteous attitudes. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the dangers of self-righteousness. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). In contrast, the tax collector humbly asks for God's mercy, demonstrating the proper attitude of reliance on God's grace. The Apostle Paul addresses self-righteousness in his epistles, particularly in Romans. In Romans 10:3, Paul writes, "For they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God’s righteousness" . Here, Paul highlights the futility of attempting to achieve righteousness through one's own efforts, emphasizing the necessity of submitting to the righteousness provided by God through faith in Jesus Christ. Theological Implications Self-righteousness is fundamentally a rejection of the grace of God. It is an attempt to attain righteousness through human effort, which is contrary to the biblical teaching that righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . This passage underscores the principle that salvation and righteousness are not earned but are granted by God's grace. Moral and Spiritual Consequences The self-righteous person often falls into the trap of pride, believing themselves to be morally superior to others. This attitude can lead to judgmentalism and a lack of compassion, as seen in the behavior of the Pharisees. Jesus warns against this in Matthew 7:1-5, where He instructs His followers to first remove the plank from their own eye before addressing the speck in their brother's eye. Self-righteousness blinds individuals to their own faults and need for God's mercy. Furthermore, self-righteousness can create a barrier to genuine repentance and faith. In Revelation 3:17, the church in Laodicea is rebuked for their self-sufficiency: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing,’ but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked" . This spiritual blindness prevents individuals from recognizing their true condition and their need for Christ's righteousness. Practical Application Believers are called to examine their hearts and guard against self-righteousness. This involves acknowledging one's own sinfulness and the insufficiency of personal righteousness. In Philippians 3:9, Paul expresses his desire to "be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith" . Christians are encouraged to adopt this mindset, relying wholly on Christ's righteousness rather than their own. Humility and a continual dependence on God's grace are essential in combating self-righteousness. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" . By cultivating humility and recognizing the need for God's grace, believers can avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness and live in a manner that honors God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Word not to be Refused Christ the End of the Law "The House of Israel" Man's Own Character no Ground of Peace The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition Election and Holiness Reform Justification. The Dying Thief Sanctification. Resources What does the Bible say about self-righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Righteousness is Boastful Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But External Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But Partial Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Ineffectual for Salvation Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: No Better than Filthy Rags Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Unprofitable Self-Righteousness: Church of Laodicea Self-Righteousness: Denunciation Against Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Righteousness: Hateful to God Self-Righteousness: Illustrated Self-Righteousness: Man is Prone To Self-Righteousness: Saints Renounce Self-Righteousness: The Laodicean Congregation Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Abominable Before God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Pure in Their own Eyes Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Audaciously Approach God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Condemn Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Consider Their own Way Right Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Despise Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Proclaim Their own Goodness Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Reject the Righteousness of God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Before Men Self-Righteousness: Warning Against Supererogation: The Doctrine of Excessive and Meritorious Righteousness Related Terms |
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