Topical Bible: The Righteousness of God: Christ Acknowledged

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The concept of the righteousness of God is central to Christian theology and is profoundly acknowledged in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not merely an abstract attribute of God but is manifested and fulfilled in Christ, who embodies divine justice and holiness.

Old Testament Foundations

The righteousness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where it is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and His just dealings with humanity. In the Psalms, the righteousness of God is celebrated as a source of hope and deliverance: "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17). The prophets also speak of a coming righteousness that will be revealed through the Messiah, as seen in Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is described as bearing the iniquities of many, thus fulfilling God's righteous plan.

Christ as the Fulfillment of God's Righteousness

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate revelation of God's righteousness. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates this truth: "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" (Romans 3:21-22). Here, Paul emphasizes that the righteousness of God is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift received through faith in Christ.

Christ's Acknowledgment of Divine Righteousness

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently acknowledged and demonstrated the righteousness of God. In His teachings, He affirmed the moral and ethical standards of God's kingdom, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus' life was a testament to God's righteousness, as He perfectly fulfilled the law and the prophets, living a sinless life and offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin.

The Cross as the Pinnacle of Righteousness

The crucifixion of Christ is the ultimate expression of God's righteousness. On the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for sin, satisfying the demands of divine justice while simultaneously demonstrating God's love and mercy. Paul captures this profound truth 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" . Through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, Christ not only acknowledges but also imparts God's righteousness to believers.

The Righteousness of God in the Believer's Life

The acknowledgment of God's righteousness in Christ has profound implications for the believer. Through faith in Jesus, believers are justified and declared righteous before God. This imputed righteousness transforms the believer's life, calling them to live in accordance with God's righteous standards. The Apostle John writes, "If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him" (1 John 2:29). Thus, the righteousness of God, acknowledged and fulfilled in Christ, becomes the foundation for the believer's sanctification and ethical conduct.

Conclusion

The righteousness of God, as acknowledged in Christ, is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It reveals the character of God, fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, and provides the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. Through Christ, believers are called to live out this righteousness, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 17:25
O righteous Father, the world has not known you: but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Acknowledged the God of the Jews.
... and for this reason our Lord Jesus Christ did not ... them that they must inquire after
God, for Him ... that they must seek His kingdom and righteousness, [656] which ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlvi christ acknowledged the god.htm

On Justification
... from strict and rigid justice, had accepted the obedience of Christ for righteousness,
but with respect to us, both because God, through his gracious ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlviii on justification.htm

Of the Things Pertaining to Christ and the Church, Said Either ...
... He is anointed by God, as God indeed anoints ... is acknowledged that this King is Christ,
let each ... reigns because of truth, meekness, and righteousness, inquire at ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of the things pertaining.htm

The Marks of the True Church, and Wherein it Differs from the ...
... namely, by faith, and when, having received Jesus Christ the only Savior, they avoid
sin, follow after righteousness, love the true God and their ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxix the marks of.htm

News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ...
... reign to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom.5:21) That righteousness,
to which on ... for ten thousand worlds, receive the grace of God in vain ...
/.../chapter viii news of salvation.htm

John Chapter xvi. 1-4.
... put out of the synagogues those who would not abandon Christ? ... not the honor that
cometh from God only?" [1517 ... to those who, "ignorant of the righteousness of God ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xciii john chapter xvi.htm

Psalm CXXV.
... they have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God ... they came to the
cause of Christ, they acknowledged ... to offer incense; they preferred God to him ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

The Confession of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. AD 1829 ...
... and saving sense, none can be properly called God's elect till they be justified
and united to Christ, the end of the law for righteousness (none are ...
/.../the confession of the cumberland.htm

My Own Sentiments on Predestination.
... by reconciling it most completely to the righteousness of God ... It also represents
God as the cause of all ... contributes to the honour of Jesus Christ, by placing ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/5 my own sentiments on.htm

Two Things to be Observed in Gratuitous Justification.
... The promise confirmed by faith in the mercy of Christ. ... view, namely, that the glory
of God be maintained ... When the question relates to righteousness, we see how ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 two things to.htm