Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a disposition characterized by an unfounded confidence in one's own righteousness, often accompanied by a critical attitude towards others. This trait is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it reflects a reliance on personal merit rather than on God's grace. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and folly of self-righteousness.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. The Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law: The Pharisees are often depicted in the New Testament as epitomes of self-righteousness. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward displays of piety that masked inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." 2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells a parable aimed at those "who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt." The Pharisee in the parable boasts of his religious deeds, while the tax collector humbly asks for God's mercy. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 3. The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22 , a rich young man approaches Jesus, seeking to justify himself by claiming adherence to the commandments. Jesus challenges him to sell all he has and follow Him, revealing the young man's attachment to wealth and his lack of true righteousness. This encounter illustrates the insufficiency of self-righteousness and the necessity of total surrender to Christ. 4. Paul's Teaching on Righteousness: The Apostle Paul, once a Pharisee himself, speaks against self-righteousness in his epistles. In Philippians 3:9 , he 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." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from adherence to the law or personal merit. 5. Isaiah's Condemnation of Self-Righteousness: The Old Testament also addresses self-righteousness. In Isaiah 64:6 , the prophet declares, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." This passage underscores the inadequacy of human righteousness apart from God. Theological Implications Self-righteousness is fundamentally at odds with the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. It reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of sin and the need for divine redemption. By seeking to justify themselves, individuals fail to recognize their dependence on God's mercy and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, repentance, and a reliance on God's grace rather than their own perceived righteousness. Practical Considerations Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts for traces of self-righteousness and to cultivate a spirit of humility. 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.'" Christians are called to emulate Christ's humility and to extend grace and mercy to others, recognizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 10:29But he, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Blow at Self-Righteousness The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is ... Effects of Messiah's Appearance The Uses of the Law The Good Samaritan. Washed to Greater Foulness Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... The Wedding Garment Rest, Rest The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Resources What is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.org What is impartation? | 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 |
    |