Righteousness(uprightness)
“Rightness, justice, conformity to standard”
Summary
Righteousness in Scripture denotes conformity to the divine standard, whether in character or conduct, and in the New Testament especially refers to the righteousness imputed to believers through faith in Christ.
☩Old Testament Concept
The Hebrew word tsedaqah (צְדָקָה) denotes conformity to an ethical or moral standard, ultimately the character of God Himself. In the Old Testament, righteousness has both forensic and ethical dimensions: it describes one who is acquitted in judgment and one whose conduct conforms to God's law. Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness'—a foundational text showing that righteousness was reckoned on the basis of faith even before the law. Yet the prophets constantly called Israel to practical righteousness: 'Let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.'
☩The Righteousness of God
In Paul's writings, especially Romans, 'the righteousness of God' has a distinctive meaning: it is the righteousness that God provides, not merely the righteousness that characterizes Him. This righteousness is revealed 'from faith to faith' in the gospel, and is received by all who believe. It stands in contrast to human attempts to establish one's own righteousness by works of the law. Christ Himself is made unto believers 'wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.'
☩Imputed and Practical Righteousness
The New Testament distinguishes between imputed righteousness—the legal standing believers receive through faith in Christ—and practical righteousness—the holy conduct that should flow from this standing. Justification declares the sinner righteous based on Christ's merit; sanctification progressively makes the believer righteous in practice. James emphasizes that genuine faith produces works of righteousness, while Paul emphasizes that works cannot produce the faith that justifies. Both truths are essential: believers are saved by grace through faith unto good works prepared beforehand for them to walk in.
Related Verses397 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Righteousness," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Righteousness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Righteousness," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).