Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a term often used to describe an attitude of moral superiority, is a concept that is addressed in the Bible with caution and admonition. The Scriptures emphasize that human righteousness, when relied upon for justification before God, is insufficient and flawed. This is poignantly illustrated in the book of Isaiah, which states, "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" (Isaiah 64:6). This verse underscores the futility of self-righteousness and the need for divine grace.The Bible consistently teaches that human efforts to achieve righteousness through personal merit are inadequate. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistle to the Romans, where he writes, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). Paul further elaborates that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the works of the law: "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law" (Romans 3:28). This doctrine is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasizing that it is a gift from God, not a result of human effort. The Pharisees, a religious group during Jesus' time, are often cited as examples of self-righteousness in the Gospels. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward displays of piety, which masked an inner spiritual emptiness. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). This critique highlights the danger of focusing on external righteousness while neglecting the heart's true condition. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, found in Luke 18:9-14, further illustrates the folly of self-righteousness. In this parable, the Pharisee boasts of his religious deeds, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for God's mercy. Jesus concludes the parable by stating, "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" (Luke 18:14). This teaching reinforces the principle that humility and repentance, rather than self-righteousness, are the paths to divine approval. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, provides a personal testimony of rejecting self-righteousness. He recounts his former confidence in the flesh, listing his credentials as a devout Jew, but ultimately considers them worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Paul writes, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ" (Philippians 3:7-9). In summary, the Bible presents self-righteousness as a vain pursuit, emphasizing that true righteousness is not achieved through human effort but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. The recognition of one's own sinfulness and the need for God's grace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, calling believers to humility and dependence on divine mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Lord Our Righteousness Election and Holiness The Method of Grace Christ the End of the Law The Withering Work of the Spirit Barriers Broken Down Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. The Blood The Prodigal Son. The Gospel Refuge. 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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