Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the righteousness of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting God's perfect moral nature and His just actions. For believers, understanding and declaring this righteousness is both a privilege and a responsibility. The saints, those set apart by God, are called to proclaim His righteousness to the world, serving as witnesses to His divine nature and redemptive work.
Biblical FoundationThe righteousness of God is revealed throughout Scripture, emphasizing His holiness, justice, and faithfulness. In the Old Testament, the psalmists often speak of God's righteousness as a reason for praise and proclamation.
Psalm 40:9-10 states, "I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not seal my lips, as You, O LORD, do know. I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation. I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly."
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul underscores the importance of declaring God's righteousness.
Romans 1:16-17 highlights the gospel as the power of God for salvation, revealing His righteousness: "For 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.'"
Role of the SaintsThe saints are called to be ambassadors of Christ, tasked with the ministry of reconciliation and the proclamation of God's righteousness. This calling is not limited to clergy or missionaries but extends to all believers.
1 Peter 2:9 describes the identity and purpose of the saints: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Practical ImplicationsDeclaring the righteousness of God involves both words and actions. Believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect God's righteousness, serving as a testimony to His transformative power.
Matthew 5:16 exhorts, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Furthermore, the saints are to engage in evangelism, sharing the message of God's righteousness and salvation through Jesus Christ. This involves both personal witness and participation in the broader mission of the Church.
Acts 1:8 records Jesus' commission to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Challenges and EncouragementWhile declaring God's righteousness, saints may face opposition and challenges. However, they are encouraged to persevere, trusting in God's faithfulness and the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds believers of their role and the divine support they receive: "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God."
In summary, the righteousness of God is a profound truth that the saints are called to declare to others. Through their words and deeds, they bear witness to God's perfect nature and His redemptive work in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 22:31They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, that he has done this.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Whether the First Man was Created in Grace?
... grace, and by the discernment of righteousness." God thus first ... and many authorities
of the Saints declare that man ... wherewith man was endowed by God, seems to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the first man was.htm
On the Justification of Man Before God
... of the law, or as being the righteousness of another ... the Saints fully satisfy the
law of God according to ... sins; and that the works of the Saints, prayer, fasting ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 19 on the justification.htm
God.
... him to be sin for us, and us the righteousness of God in ... It is worth your noting,
that to call God by his relative title was rare among the saints in Old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/i god.htm
God and the Godly
... linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of saints,' is woven ... shall receive
the blessing from the Lord, even righteousness from the God of his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/god and the godly.htm
"That which we have Seen and Heard, Declare we unto You, that Ye ...
... in those which were common to them with other saints. ... Such is the infinite goodness
of God, that which is ... the sun to all, and the Sun of righteousness too, in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v that which we.htm
My Own Sentiments on Predestination.
... God's love of righteousness [or justice], and his love of ... this description are the
providence of God, the free ... will of man, the perseverance of saints, and the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/5 my own sentiments on.htm
Justification
... our faith, which has Christ and his righteousness for its ... an approved reputation
in the church of the saints. ... who with me worship and invoke one God the Father ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm
"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... And then Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, is carried ... see that which is manifest
of God, even in ... therefore it fills the souls of saints with continual ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm
On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... not find their customary paths." (Hosea 2:6, 7.) Thus the saints are deterred ... with
the chastisement that is due to it according to the righteousness of God. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm
God's People Delivered.
... "Faithful and true," "in righteousness He doth ... flash of lightning, and the roar of
thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /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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