This is a continuation of a series on the attributes of God.
When we speak of God’s attributes, we are talking about those characteristics that help us to understand who He truly is. One of these attributes is “righteous.”
Where it is in the Bible
“Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
(Genesis 18:25)
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
(Psalm 19:7-9)
“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.”
(Psalm 145:17)
“‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I and the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 9:24)
What it means
Righteousness is similar to goodness and holiness, but differs in that it requires works to establish it. Something (like Adam) can be holy, but not righteous if good works do not accompany it. God is good, but He refers to Himself as righteous because He works the good as well.
Why it matters
Christians are called righteous, not because they have any ability to accomplish good works, but because they reside in the good works (or righteousness) of Christ. Christ’s obedience is transferred to us and God grants us eternal life as a result!
Chris Poblete says
September 22, 2015 at 10:03 amThanks for the comment, Russell. The teaching still stands, however, since we have no righteousness apart from Christ. We also cannot perform any true good works apart from Him (Isa 64:6; Eph 2:10). They are a direct result and fruit of His active work in us (Col 1:10).