Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a reliance on one's own perceived moral or spiritual superiority, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a hindrance to true faith and salvation. The Scriptures consistently emphasize that human righteousness, apart from divine grace, is insufficient for salvation. This entry explores the biblical perspective on self-righteousness and its ineffectiveness in achieving salvation.Biblical Understanding of Righteousness The Bible presents righteousness as a state of moral purity and alignment with God's will. However, it distinguishes between human righteousness and the righteousness that comes from God. Isaiah 64:6 starkly illustrates the inadequacy of human righteousness: "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 verse underscores the futility of relying on personal righteousness, as it is tainted by sin and ultimately ineffectual. The Pharisees and Self-Righteousness The New Testament provides numerous examples of self-righteousness, particularly in the attitudes of the Pharisees. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward displays of piety, which masked an inner spiritual void. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting the Pharisee's self-righteousness: "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.'" In contrast, the tax collector's humble plea for mercy is commended, illustrating that self-righteousness is not the path to justification before God. Pauline Theology on Righteousness The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, elaborates on the concept of righteousness and its relation to salvation. 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." Paul emphasizes that righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human effort or adherence to the law. The Role of Faith Faith, rather than self-righteousness, is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. 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 highlights that salvation is a divine gift, not a result of human merit, thus nullifying any grounds for self-righteousness. Warnings Against Self-Righteousness The Bible warns believers against the dangers of self-righteousness, urging them to rely on God's grace. In Matthew 7:21-23 , Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!'" This passage serves as a sobering reminder that outward religious acts, devoid of genuine faith and relationship with Christ, are insufficient for salvation. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently portrays self-righteousness as vain and ineffectual for salvation. True righteousness, according to Scripture, is not self-derived but is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to abandon self-reliance and embrace the grace offered through the redemptive work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 9:30,31If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:20 Romans 3:20 Library The Lord Our Righteousness Sanctification. Washed to Greater Foulness The Barren Fig-Tree. The Pilgrim's Progress Memoir of John Bunyan 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 |
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