Topical Bible: The Righteousness of God: God Delights in the Exercise of

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The concept of the righteousness of God is central to the biblical narrative, reflecting His holy nature and His just dealings with humanity. God's righteousness is not merely an abstract attribute but is actively demonstrated in His interactions with creation. The Scriptures reveal that God delights in exercising His righteousness, which is evident in His laws, judgments, and redemptive acts.

Biblical Foundation

The righteousness of God is foundational to His character and is consistently portrayed throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," conveys the idea of justice, rightness, and faithfulness. In the New Testament, the Greek term "dikaiosyne" carries similar connotations, emphasizing God's moral perfection and His commitment to justice.

God's Delight in Righteousness

God's delight in righteousness is evident in several key passages. In Jeremiah 9:24 , the Lord declares, "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. This verse highlights that God's delight is not only in His own righteousness but also in the manifestation of righteousness on earth.

Similarly, in Psalm 11:7 , it is written, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This passage underscores God's love for justice and His desire for His people to reflect His righteous character.

Righteousness in God's Law and Judgments

God's righteousness is intricately woven into His law, which serves as a reflection of His holy standards. The law given to Israel was a means by which God's righteousness was revealed and upheld. In Deuteronomy 4:8 , Moses proclaims, "And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?" The law was a testament to God's righteous nature and His desire for His people to live in accordance with His will.

God's judgments also demonstrate His righteousness. In Psalm 9:8 , it is stated, "He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." God's judgments are always fair and just, reflecting His unwavering commitment to righteousness.

Righteousness in Redemption

The ultimate expression of God's righteousness is found in His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:21-22 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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." Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, God's righteousness is both satisfied and extended to believers, allowing them to be justified and reconciled to Him.

God's Call to Righteousness

God's delight in righteousness extends to His call for His people to live righteously. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This call to righteousness is a reflection of God's own character and His desire for His people to embody His values in their lives.

In summary, the righteousness of God is a dynamic attribute that He delights in exercising. It is revealed in His laws, judgments, and redemptive acts, and it calls His people to live in a manner that reflects His holy nature.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 9:24
But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What Men Find Beneath the Wings of God
... the boundless perfections of God; His lovingkindness, faithfulness, righteousness,
and of ... the happy God, because He is the giving God. He delights in His love. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what men find beneath the.htm

On the Restoration of Man
... but accidentally, through this circumstance, that God delights in mercy ... to make it
certain and evident that God hates sin and loves righteousness, and that ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxiii on the restoration.htm

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ...
... in the possession of inconceivable delights, and drinking ... of hunger, my soul hungers
after righteousness, (Matt.5:6 ... thirst, my soul thirsteth for God, even for ...
/.../chapter xxvii the advanced christian.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... full, that all the varieties of human delights were still ... after conformity to Jesus
Christ, and the righteousness of his ... one that will be a king to God, and to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior.
... my share in them, or consent even to the suspension of the delights which they ... To
think of appearing before God in such an imperfect righteousness as my ...
/.../chapter xxx the christian honoring.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... the Throne of grace, and those who exercise it are ... the outward life shows the fruit
of righteousness " such a ... God delights in the prayers of obedient children ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Samech.
... sense, which must, as far as God alloweth, be ... will follow, since from love of
righteousness it considereth ... flesh is crucified; since carnal delights, which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/samech.htm

The Third Beatitude
... new earth in which dwelleth righteousness.' Whether that be ... of assimilation and
fellowship with God and Christ ... which they will draw as yet unimagined delights. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the third beatitude.htm

On the Conception of Our Lady, Also on Her Birth
... from them; whether it be from the delights of things ... of God, and on His unchangeable
righteousness, which lets ... do ye believe that the Son of God will drive out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon iii on the conception.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... him from Shittim to Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the ... it will cause
us to do it with pleasure, rendering us like God, who "delights in mercy ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm