Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a condition where individuals perceive themselves as morally superior or more virtuous than others, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This attitude is often criticized because it leads to pride and a false sense of security in one's own deeds, rather than reliance on God's grace and righteousness. The Bible consistently teaches that human righteousness, apart from God, is ultimately unprofitable and insufficient for salvation.Biblical Perspective on Human Righteousness The prophet Isaiah poignantly captures the inadequacy of human righteousness in Isaiah 64:6 : "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 self-righteousness, illustrating that even our best efforts are tainted by sin and fall short of God's perfect standard. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 3:10-12 : "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.'" Paul emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the inability of human beings to achieve righteousness on their own. The Pharisees as an Example of Self-Righteousness The Gospels provide a vivid illustration of self-righteousness through the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the law. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their hypocrisy and self-righteous attitudes. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility before God. The Pharisee boasts of his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. The Unprofitability of Self-Righteousness The Bible teaches that self-righteousness is unprofitable because it leads individuals away from the true source of righteousness—faith in Jesus Christ. In Philippians 3:8-9 , Paul writes, "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—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith." This passage highlights the futility of relying on one's own righteousness and the necessity of seeking righteousness through faith in Christ. It is only through Christ's atoning sacrifice that believers are made righteous before God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 : "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Conclusion The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of self-righteousness, emphasizing that human efforts are insufficient to achieve true righteousness. Instead, believers are called to rely on the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to them through faith. This reliance on divine grace rather than personal merit is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and sanctification. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 57:12I will declare your righteousness, and your works; for they shall not profit you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Lord Our Righteousness Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: The Evangelical Revival. The Pilgrim's Progress The Doctrine 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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