Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the righteousness of God is central to Christian theology and is intricately linked to the life and sustenance of the saints. The righteousness of God refers to His perfect moral nature, His justice, and His faithfulness to His promises. For the saints, those who are set apart and sanctified by faith in Christ, the righteousness of God is both a source of assurance and a sustaining force in their spiritual journey.
Biblical FoundationThe righteousness of God is revealed throughout Scripture as a key attribute of His divine nature. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (
Psalm 145:17). This righteousness is not only a standard of moral perfection but also a source of protection and support for those who trust in Him.
Saints Upheld by God's Righteousness1.
Protection and Deliverance: The righteousness of God serves as a shield for the saints. In
Psalm 34:19, it is written, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" . This deliverance is a manifestation of God's righteous commitment to His people, ensuring that they are upheld in times of trouble.
2.
Guidance and Instruction: God's righteousness provides guidance to the saints, leading them in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Psalm 23:3 states, "He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for the sake of His name" . This guidance is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for His people to walk in His ways.
3.
Strength and Stability: The righteousness of God is a source of strength for the saints, enabling them to stand firm in their faith.
Isaiah 41:10 offers reassurance: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" . This promise underscores the sustaining power of God's righteousness in the lives of believers.
4.
Justification and Salvation: The ultimate expression of God's righteousness is found in the justification and salvation of the saints through Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22-24 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" . This righteousness is imputed to the saints, affirming their standing before God and securing their eternal destiny.
5.
Peace and Assurance: The righteousness of God brings peace and assurance to the hearts of the saints. In
Isaiah 32:17, it is written, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever" . This peace is a result of the reconciled relationship between God and His people, made possible through His righteous acts.
ConclusionThe righteousness of God is a profound and multifaceted attribute that upholds the saints in various aspects of their spiritual lives. Through protection, guidance, strength, justification, and peace, God's righteousness is a constant source of support and assurance for those who are called by His name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 41:10Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
All Saints' Day
... strong winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over ... are blessed who suffer
persecution for righteousness' sake ... The faithful and true God, who has chosen that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm
The Resurrection
... keep your bodies unspotted; let them be instruments of righteousness. ... Much more in
heaven shall the bodies of the saints be so filled with God's glory, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the resurrection.htm
God's People Delivered.
... "Faithful and true," "in righteousness He doth ... they are made immortal, and with the
risen saints are caught ... and the cause removed, the people of God will ever ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm
God's People Delivered
... "Faithful and True," "in righteousness He doth ... they are made immortal and with the
risen saints are caught ... and the cause removed, the people of God will ever ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm
The King and his Armies.
... them white in his blood, (7:14); "for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints,"
19:8 ... with him in glory," (Col.3:4); so that "the Lord my God shall come ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the king and his armies.htm
Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is ...
... would be unjust to deprive innocence dying on behalf of righteousness of fame ... that
which is common to the whole company of the Saints before God is what ...
/.../letter xliv concerning the maccabees.htm
Introductory Essays
... It assumes the benignant glow of a revelation of perfect righteousness which God ...
Know you not that God is wonderful among His saints,' for this reason ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/introductory essays.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... in the general they show us, that he is clothed with righteousness, girded with ... his
tears away, when he saw his brother Benjamin, so all God's saints shall here ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Third Sunday in Lent
... miracles, pilgrimages, masses, worship of saints, indulgencies, and ... "Righteousness,"
as fruit of the Spirit among men ... also is righteous before God"is opposed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday in lent.htm
Perseverance
... thee unto me for ever, in righteousness and lovingkindness ... the heavens from falling:
the power of God is that Atlas which bears up the saints from falling. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm
Resources
What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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