Topical Bible: The Righteousness of God: Enduring for Ever

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The concept of the righteousness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His perfect moral nature, justice, and faithfulness. God's righteousness is not only an attribute but also an enduring reality that influences His relationship with humanity and His creation. The enduring nature of God's righteousness assures believers of His unchanging character and His commitment to justice and truth.

Biblical Foundation

The righteousness of God is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, emphasizing its eternal nature. Psalm 119:142 declares, "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is true." This verse highlights the perpetual and unchanging nature of God's righteousness, which is consistent with His eternal law.

In Isaiah 51:6, the prophet affirms, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail." Here, God's righteousness is contrasted with the temporal nature of the created order, underscoring its permanence and reliability.

God's Righteousness in Salvation

The righteousness of God is intricately linked to His plan of salvation. In Romans 1:16-17, the Apostle Paul writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Through the gospel, God's righteousness is revealed as the means by which He justifies sinners, demonstrating His justice and mercy.

The righteousness of God is also manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul explains, "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 Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are imputed with God's righteousness, enabling them to stand justified before Him.

God's Righteousness in Judgment

God's righteousness is also evident in His judgment. Psalm 9:7-8 states, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." God's righteous judgment ensures that justice is ultimately served, and His moral order is upheld.

In Revelation 19:1-2, the heavenly multitude praises God, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just." This passage reflects the ultimate vindication of God's righteousness in the final judgment, where His justice is fully realized.

The Believer's Response to God's Righteousness

Believers are called to respond to God's enduring righteousness by living righteously. In 1 John 3:7, the apostle exhorts, "Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." The righteousness of God serves as both a model and a motivation for believers to pursue holiness and justice in their own lives.

Furthermore, believers are encouraged to trust in God's righteous character, especially in times of trial and uncertainty. Psalm 37:5-6 advises, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun." Trusting in God's enduring righteousness provides assurance and hope, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His righteous kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 111:3
His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endures for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God and the Godly
... God's righteousness we can understand as enduring for ever, because it is inseparable
from His very being; because it is manifested unbrokenly in all the works ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/god and the godly.htm

Of the Perturbations of the Soul which Appear as Right Affections ...
... have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God ... state if we would live
according to God's will, but ... The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the perturbations of.htm

Letter cxlv. (AD 412 or 413. )
... And who is found innocent in God's sight who is ... but he will become the friend of
righteousness if through ... fear of the Lord," which "is pure, enduring for ever ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxlv a d 412 or.htm

God's Love to Fallen Man
... God made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification ... noblest of all Christian
graces, " love enduring all things ... If God had prevented the fall of man ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 59 gods love to.htm

Of the Way to Attain Divine Union
... no flesh be justified, but by the righteousness of God ... remain firm in a passive
disposition, enduring as well ... the great dissimilitude between it and God: it is ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxiv of the way.htm

Chapter xi.
... let us ask that the name of God may be ... men through that "fear which is clean, enduring
for ever ... blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness, inasmuch as ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xi 2.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... of God made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification ... noblest of all
Christian graces, love enduring all things. ... If God had prevented the fall of man ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

After the Preceding Ways, There Remains an after Way, Preparatory ...
... flesh be justified," but by "the righteousness of God ... to remain in a passive contentment,
enduring this operation ... God then so purifies this soul of all natural ...
/.../chapter xix after the preceding.htm

A God in Pain
... soften them, and bring them back to God and righteousness in a ... He would conquer them
by enduring them ... tormented men; then they should torment the Son of God too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

John Chapter viii. 48-59
... who dreads more being stripped of his righteousness, than thou ... according to another,
"The Lord your God tempteth you ... fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xliii john chapter viii.htm