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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Righteousness of God" is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting God's perfect moral nature and His actions in accordance with His divine law. It is a multifaceted term that encompasses God's character, His covenantal faithfulness, and the means by which humans are made right with Him.

Biblical Foundation

The righteousness of God is foundational to understanding His nature and His dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "tsedeq" often denotes righteousness, justice, and rightness. God's righteousness is depicted as an intrinsic attribute, as seen in passages likePsalm 11:7, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face."

In the New Testament, the Greek term "dikaiosyne" is used to describe righteousness. The Apostle Paul extensively discusses the righteousness of God, particularly in the context of salvation.Romans 1:17 states, "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.'"

Attributes of God's Righteousness

1.Moral Perfection: God's righteousness is an expression of His holiness and moral perfection. He is the ultimate standard of what is right and just.Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He."

2.Covenantal Faithfulness: God's righteousness is also demonstrated in His faithfulness to His covenants. He remains true to His promises and acts in accordance with His covenantal commitments.Isaiah 46:13 affirms, "I bring My righteousness near; it is not far off, and My salvation will not delay. I will grant salvation to Zion, My splendor to Israel."

3.Judicial Righteousness: God's righteousness involves His role as the just judge of the world. He administers justice and will ultimately judge all people according to His righteous standards.Acts 17:31 states, "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead."

Righteousness and Salvation

The righteousness of God is central to the doctrine of justification, where God declares sinners righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not based on human merit but is a gift from God.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."

Imputed Righteousness

The concept of imputed righteousness is crucial in understanding how believers are made righteous before God. Through faith in Christ, believers are credited with the righteousness of Jesus.2 Corinthians 5:21 articulates this truth: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Practical Implications

The righteousness of God has profound implications for Christian living. Believers are called to reflect God's righteousness in their conduct, pursuing holiness and justice in their lives.Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Conclusion

The righteousness of God is a profound and essential aspect of His nature and His relationship with humanity. It underscores His moral perfection, faithfulness, and the means by which He justifies sinners through faith in Christ. Understanding and embracing this righteousness is vital for a life of faith and obedience.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 71:19
Your righteousness also, O God, is very high, who have done great things: O God, who is like to you!
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Topicalbible.org

Greek

1343. dikaiosune --righteousness, justice
... justness,righteousness Definition: (usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere),
justice, justness,righteousness,righteousness of whichGod is the source...

4976. schema -- figure, shape
... even original sin). [2 Cor 5:21: "He made Him , so that we might become the
righteousness ofGod in Him" ().]. Word Origin from echo...

2315. theopneustos --God-breathed, ie inspired byGod
... 2315 ) relates directly toGod's (Gk ) which... singular) is (2315 ) and profitable
for teaching, for convincing, for correction, for training inrighteousness."....

1345. dikaioma -- an ordinance, a sentence of acquittal or...
... literally, "a judicially-approved act") -- properly, an actGod , focusing on its ""
(Zodhiates, , note the ending); justification (righteousness), with its...

4266. proginomai -- to happen before
... This was to demonstrate Hisrighteousness, because in the forbearance ofGod He
passed over the sins (4266 ); 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His...

1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... For more on the root-idea see the cognate noun, 1343 ("righteousness").]. 1342
("righteous, just") describes what is in conformity toGod's own being (His will...

1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous
... I make righteous, defend the cause of, plead for therighteousness (innocence) of...
Moreover, they are (1344 , "made right, righteous") byGod's grace each time...

Library

TheRighteousness ofGod Manifested by the Law and the Prophets.
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 15 [IX.]"TheRighteousness
ofGod Manifested by the Law and the Prophets. Here...

TheRighteousness which is ofGod, and theRighteousness which is...
... therighteousness of the law," because it is done through fear of the curse of the
law; while the other is called "therighteousness ofGod," because it is...

Righteousness is the Gift ofGod.
... They, being ignorant ofGod's righteousness, and going about to establish their
ownrighteousness, have not submitted themselves unto therighteousness ofGod....

How Man's Goodness andRighteousness are not Good if Compared with...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter IV. How man's goodness andrighteousness
are not good if compared with the goodness andrighteousness ofGod....

Who May be Said to Wish to Establish their OwnRighteousness. "...
... ignorant ofGod's righteousness, and wishing to establish their ownrighteousness,
who have not submitted themselves to therighteousness ofGod." [3085] He...

The Occasion of Publishing this Work; whatGod's Righteousness Is.
... ignorant ofGod's righteousness, and going about to establish their ownrighteousness,
have not submitted themselves to therighteousness ofGod." [1125] Now...

Piety is Wisdom; that is Called theRighteousness ofGod, which He...
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 18 [XI.]"Piety is Wisdom;
That is Called theRighteousness ofGod, Which He Produces....

But Why Cannot Our Good Works be the Whole, or Part of Our...
... Lord's Day 24 Question 62 But why cannot our good works be the whole, or
part of ourrighteousness beforeGod? But why cannot our...

Its Basis
... which was wrought out by our Surety, that obedience to the law which was vicariously
rendered by our Sponsor, even "therighteousness ofGod and our Saviour...

Of the Law and a Christian
... This is called therighteousness ofGod without the law, and also said to be witnessed
by both the law and the prophets; even therighteousness ofGod, which...