RIGHTEOUSNESS

The biblical concept of righteousness is fascinating. The Old Testament has a group of words for it (“tsadaq,” “tsedaqah,” etc.) that share similar ideas and form a picture of how we should understand it. The basic idea of righteousness means meeting the standard. In other words, a person or thing can be called “righteous” if it meets the standard or is as it ought to be.

The same Hebrew word (or a related one) for righteousness is used to describe a weight that is correct or just (Deut 25:15; Lev 19:36; etc.). Sacrifices that were prepared and offered correctly according to the prescriptions are also considered “righteous” (Deut 33:19; Ps. 51:21; etc.). The “righteous” path is one that leads in the right direction (Ps. 23:3). The Lord is also said to send rain in righteousness (Joel 2:23), because it comes at the correct timing. Since righteousness means aligning with the standard, it is often used in a legal sense (Ex 23:7; Deut 25:1; etc.). In the New Testament, the group of words for righteous or righteousness (“dikaios,” “dikaiosune,” etc.) carries the same use as in the Old Testament but is often tied to Christian ideas by the authors.

There are five major truths about righteousness that we must keep in mind as believers:  R-I-G-H-T.

RECEIVED

For us believers, righteousness is a gift. Righteousness is not just something we live out; it is also something we have received from the Lord. It means that by grace through faith, we are declared innocent—we are regarded as “not guilty.” In other words, we have been justified because of what Christ has done (see Rom 10:4; Phil 3:9; etc.). “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21).

IDENTITY AS BELIEVERS

It is our identity as children of God. Righteousness is not only something we receive; it is also the evidence of what we have received. According to John, “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (1 Jn 2:29). He also wrote, “Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” (1 Jn 3:7). The righteousness we received when we made peace with the Lord is expected to produce righteousness in life so that we may live in a way that is acceptable to Him.

GLORIFYING GOD

Righteousness glorifies and pleases God. Paul encourages us in Phil 1:10–11 to be “pure and blameless” and “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,” with the ultimate goal being “to the glory and praise of God.” Not only does righteousness benefit us and others, but it also pleases God. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Prov 21:3).

HONORS JUSTICE

In the Bible, righteousness is always related to doing what is just. There are even passages where righteousness and justice almost mean the same thing because they cannot be separated from one another. The one who does what is just is doing what is righteous (Ps 106:3; Prov 21:3). “The plans of the righteous are just.” (Prov 12:5). As the salt and light of the earth (Matt 5:13–16), it is expected that our righteousness should create a positive impact on the world around us.

TASK

To live righteously is a task. As believers, we are instructed to seek the kingdom and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). It is our duty. It is our responsibility. It is a challenging task because we are still living in a sinful world. Countless biblical heroes faced difficulty standing up for righteousness, including Moses, Elijah, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, John the Baptist, the prophets, and the apostles, among many others. But it is also a rewarding task. Even though it is hard, there is a reward! Peter wrote, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” (1 Pet 3:14). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

McKenzie, J.L (1965). “Righteous, Righteousness”. 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (pp. 739-743). McMillian Publishing.
Vine, W. E. (1999). “Righteous, Righteously” . 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴. (pp. 319-20). Thomas Nelson