Theme · theological
Righteousness
Righteousness in the Old Testament describes both God's faithful character and the conduct he requires: doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly. The Psalms cry out for God to act in his righteousness — to vindicate the oppressed and punish the wicked. The prophets look for a 'righteous Branch' from David who will reign with justice. Paul's great contribution is the doctrine of imputed righteousness: believers are declared righteous not by their own works but through faith in Christ, who became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God.
Passages expressing this theme
- 2Cor 5:21 — For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
- 2Tim 4:8 — Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
- Amos 5:24 — But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
- Deut 6:25 — And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
- Gen 15:6 — And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
- Hab 2:4 — Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
- Isa 32:17 — And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
- Isa 45:8 — Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created
- Isa 54:17 — No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteous
- Isa 61:10 — I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh
- Jas 2:23 — And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
- Matt 5:6 — Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
- Matt 5:20 — For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Matt 6:33 — But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Phil 3:9 — And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
- Prov 11:4 — Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
- Prov 21:21 — He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
- Ps 1:6 — For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
- Ps 11:7 — For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
- Ps 23:3 — He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
- Ps 36:6 — Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
- Ps 85:10 — Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
- Ps 97:2 — Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
- Rom 1:17 — For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
- Rom 3:21 — But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;