Topical Bible: The Righteousness of God: The Wicked Have No Interest In

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The concept of the righteousness of God is central to biblical theology, representing His perfect moral nature and His just actions. In contrast, the wicked, characterized by their rebellion against God, exhibit a profound disinterest in His righteousness. This disinterest is not merely passive but is often marked by active opposition and rejection.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures consistently portray the wicked as those who turn away from God's righteous standards. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist declares, "The wicked, in his pride, does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God" (Psalm 10:4). This verse highlights the prideful autonomy of the wicked, who refuse to acknowledge God's authority and righteousness.

Proverbs further elucidates this theme, stating, "The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness" (Proverbs 15:9). Here, the contrast is drawn between the wicked, whose ways are detestable to God, and those who actively seek His righteousness.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the inherent disinterest of the wicked in God's righteousness. In Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God" (Romans 3:10-11). This passage underscores the universal nature of human sinfulness and the natural inclination of the wicked to avoid God's righteous ways.

Jesus Himself addresses this issue in the Gospel of John, stating, "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). The wicked prefer darkness, symbolizing their rejection of the righteousness embodied in Christ, the Light of the world.

Theological Implications

The disinterest of the wicked in God's righteousness has profound theological implications. It underscores the necessity of divine intervention for salvation, as human beings, in their natural state, do not seek after God or His righteousness. This is evident in the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that every aspect of human nature is tainted by sin, rendering individuals incapable of turning to God without His grace.

Moreover, the wicked's disinterest in righteousness highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, those who were once disinterested in God's righteousness are regenerated and given new hearts that desire to pursue holiness. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Practical Considerations

For believers, understanding the wicked's disinterest in God's righteousness serves as a reminder of the importance of evangelism and discipleship. Christians are called to be light in a dark world, proclaiming the righteousness of God and demonstrating it through their lives. As Jesus instructed, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Furthermore, this understanding encourages believers to rely on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit in their efforts to reach the lost. Recognizing that the wicked have no natural interest in God's righteousness, Christians are reminded of the necessity of prayer and dependence on God to open hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:27
Add iniquity to their iniquity: and let them not come into your righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... [1561] But it is in this righteousness that we ... of His purpose of mercy towards the
wicked may lead ... as to that saying of the apostle, "For God hath concluded ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

The Time of Doubting and of Spiritual Darkness Constitutes
... pleads for it." This is allowed and customary sinning, this is the way of the wicked. ...
Are you not disposed still to ascribe righteousness to God, while you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/x the time of doubting.htm

God's Character Our Resting-Place
... yet having no pleasure in the death of the wicked; compelling some to ... reveals as
the God of righteous grace and gracious righteousness, is the God with whom ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter iii gods character our.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ...
... wisdom, mercy and grace, justice and righteousness, every one ... such an answer from
him, O wicked and adulterous ... the general were laid to heart, that God hath so ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii for what the.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... Yea, and bringeth down the curse
of God upon them? So far therefore as righteousness in any branch is promoted ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from ... But thou, O man of
God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord; ie, the righteousness which God ... us
is the most astonishing in the world: a very wicked man, under a ... Good God! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

Impure Zeal
... the clear revelation of the God of righteousness; and whilst ... Testament does make
known the love of God in many a ... The slaughter of that wicked house of Ahab and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/impure zeal.htm

Letter Xl. (AD 397. )
... these Scriptures, by the weight of which the wicked obstinacy of ... righteousness, they
had not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." [1611] In ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xl a d 397.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... be so afraid to establish their own righteousness, that they ... me." Ye have given credit
to God the judge ... that ye have hearts desperately wicked,"now, believe ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii who walk not.htm