Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a condition where individuals perceive themselves as morally superior due to their own actions or adherence to religious laws, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This attitude is often criticized because it overlooks the fundamental Christian doctrine that true righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, imputed through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently teaches that human righteousness, when based solely on external adherence to laws or personal merit, is insufficient and ultimately vain.Biblical Critique of Self-Righteousness The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the futility of self-righteousness. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their strict observance of the law and their outward displays of piety. Jesus warns, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). This passage underscores the superficiality of external righteousness that lacks internal transformation. Righteousness as a Gift from God The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but is a gift from God. In Romans 3:20-22, Paul writes, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. 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" . This passage highlights that true righteousness is not external but is granted through faith, independent of the law. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Jesus further illustrates the vanity of self-righteousness in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. 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 acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's mercy. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God" (Luke 18:14). This parable demonstrates that self-righteousness, rooted in comparison and external observance, is vain, while humility and reliance on God's grace lead to true justification. The Role of Faith and Grace The New Testament consistently teaches that righteousness is a result of God's grace, accessed 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 reinforces the idea that human efforts and external righteousness are inadequate for salvation, which is a divine gift. Conclusion The Bible's teachings on self-righteousness serve as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts to achieve righteousness through external means. True righteousness is not a product of self-reliance or adherence to the law but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding calls believers to humility, recognizing their dependence on God's grace for their justification and sanctification. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:25-28Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 11:39-44 Library Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... Saul Rejected Rest, Rest The Conversion of Paul. The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency section second. Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. Resources What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-worth? | 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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