Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the righteousness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His perfect moral nature, justice, and faithfulness. This righteousness is not only recognized by humanity but is also acknowledged by the heavenly beings—angels—who serve as witnesses to God's holiness and justice.
Angelic Recognition of God's RighteousnessAngels, as created beings who dwell in the presence of God, have a unique perspective on His divine attributes, including His righteousness. Their acknowledgment of God's righteousness is evident in several scriptural passages, where they are depicted as worshiping and proclaiming His holiness and justice.
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet describes a vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with seraphim attending Him. These angelic beings call out to one another, declaring, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (
Isaiah 6:3). This thrice-repeated declaration of holiness underscores the absolute purity and righteousness of God, which the angels continually acknowledge.
Similarly, in the book of Revelation, the apostle John records a vision of heavenly worship, where the four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind, never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" (
Revelation 4:8). The angels' unending praise highlights their recognition of God's eternal righteousness and sovereign authority.
Angels as Messengers of God's RighteousnessAngels also serve as messengers of God's righteousness, delivering His judgments and executing His will. In the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, two angels are sent to warn Lot of the impending destruction due to the cities' wickedness (
Genesis 19:1-13). Their mission reflects God's righteous judgment against sin and His mercy in providing a way of escape for the righteous.
In the New Testament, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, affirming the righteousness of God's plan for the birth of Jesus Christ. The angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus, "because He will save His people from their sins" (
Matthew 1:21). This message underscores the righteousness of God in providing salvation through His Son.
Angelic Participation in God's Righteous JudgmentThe book of Revelation provides further insight into the role of angels in executing God's righteous judgment. In
Revelation 16, seven angels are given seven bowls filled with the wrath of God to pour out upon the earth (
Revelation 16:1). These judgments are a manifestation of God's righteous response to human sin and rebellion.
Moreover, in
Revelation 19, a great multitude in heaven, including angels, praises God for His righteous judgments, declaring, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just" (
Revelation 19:1-2). The angels' participation in and acknowledgment of these judgments affirm their recognition of God's unwavering righteousness.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, angels consistently acknowledge and proclaim the righteousness of God. Whether through worship, delivering messages, or executing divine judgments, these heavenly beings serve as witnesses to God's perfect justice and holiness. Their acknowledgment of His righteousness serves as a testament to His unchanging nature and His sovereign rule over all creation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Revelation 16:5And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O Lord, which are, and were, and shall be, because you have judged thus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Whether all the Angels were So Created in one Common State of ...
... time he was created he refused righteousness, which none but a will piously subject
to God can enjoy. ... have remained in blessedness along with the holy angels. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 13 whether all the angels.htm
Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... boast exceedingly, and glory in your God; and let ... will remember that in Scripture,
Christ's righteousness is compared ... wear a better robe than angels have, full ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm
The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ...
... that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities ... say, that all who are
of God are regenerated ... the kingdom of sin into the kingdom of righteousness. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 the boasted merit.htm
The Holy Spirit Convincing the World of Sin, Righteousness, and ...
... Spirit, to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of ... Spirit; to whom, as
three Persons, but one God, be ascribed by angels and archangels ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the holy spirit convincing the.htm
The Son and the Angels.
... The sceptre of righteousness, by whomsoever borne, is the sceptre ... other is the action
ascribed to God: "Thou hast made him lower than the angels." The word ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ii the son and.htm
The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected. --Nature ...
... 1. of holy patriarchs; 2. of holy angels; 3. of ... us by its false show of righteousness
will become ... it was a common expression among the people of God, "We shall ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the knowledge of.htm
The Christian Urged To, and Assisted In, an Express Act of Self ...
... and earth, and adorable Lord of angels and men ... saying with the humble publican, God
be merciful to ... wholly trusting in his perfect righteousness, entreating that ...
/.../chapter xvii the christian urged.htm
The Lord Our Righteousness
... The righteousness of Jesus Christ is one of those great mysteries, which the angels
desire to ... seems to be one of the first lessons that God taught men ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm
God's People Delivered.
... kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;" and the ... Says the
prophet, "The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm
God's People Delivered
... kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;" and the ... Says the
prophet: "The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm
Resources
What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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