Righteousness
From Eco-Bible 1
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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- SEPARATE INTO 2 PAGES??? (The other being: Use of the Word "Righteous")
The word righteous does not always indicate salvation! It depends on the context in which the word occurs.
Righteousness can refer to EITHER of the following:
Righteousness as External Conduct
- This does not necessarily indicate salvation, for it may simply mean that the individual's conduct is good, or better than another person's conduct. Used this way, it is only a comparative term, and does not indicate anything about our relationship with God. One wicked person might be more righteous than another... even though both are wicked!
- Jeremiah 3:11 - Yahweh said to me, "Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah."
- When we are comparing ourselves to others, it may be true that we are more righteous than they. But this does not indicate that we are any better in God's sight. In fact, if our righteousness leaves us with an attitude of superiority over others, it is probably best described as self-righteousness! We should heed the warning against such an attitude:
- Ecclesiastes 7:16, 20 - Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? ... Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.
A Right Relationship with God
- Used this way, it does indicate salvation.
- 1 Peter 3:12 - "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
- Other Scripture tells us that, as humans born in sin, we do not have any righteousness inherent within ourselves. When we become righteous, it is because the righteousness of Jesus Christ is being credited to us (though we do not deserve it).
- Romans 3:10 - As it is written, "There is no one righteous; no, not one." (A quote from Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:3.)
- Philippians 3:9 - ... not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Passages Where the Significance May Be Uncertain
- There may be times in which it is difficult to know which focus may be intended.
- 2 Peter 2:7-8 - [God] delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds) ...
- Lot's conduct was definitely better than those he dwelt among. But was he saved? (It may be argued that he did not have as much knowledge of God's will as we now do, so we cannot judge him by the standards that we must judge ourselves.) God knows; we do not have to decide.
Bible Pages that Refer to This Concept
- Comments about the "righteous" vs. "wicked" lines. (The word isn't used in these verses, though the next verse about Noah (6:9) does.
- Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God.
- Lot's "righteousness" - however you define it (external conduct or relationship with God) - stands in stark contrast with the people in the cities where he lived. This account also illustrates the effect that one person's righteousness may have on others.
- An example of righteousness being related to one's conduct: the way you treat those who borrow from you.
- (Comment) Righteousness and justice - defined by God's very nature.
- When we take heed to what the law teaches (v.11), are forgiven from hidden errors (v.12), and kept back from presumptuous sins (so they don't have dominion over us, v. 13), then we will be upright, blameless and innocent of great transgression.
- Only the righteous may approach God in his "holy place."
- Psa 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
- Psa 37:39-40 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in him.
- When the righteous king rules: Psa 72:3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. - Note that prosperity is the "fruit of righteousness."
- When the Spirit comes, his presence will affect the environment, but the Spirit will also affect moral values and conduct. Justice and righteousness will be present.
- The end result will be peace and safety - something that will not happen before that time. Many people cry out for peace; but it can be attained only indirectly - by the pursuit of righteousness.
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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