WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
According to theologian D.A. Carson righteousness is not merely a legal status but a way of life characterised by obedience, mercy, purity and faithfulness. It is conduct that conforms to God‘s will and Kingdom values. (Matthew chapters 5-7)
Scripture shows us that righteousness is fundamentally about being in a right relationship with God and living in a way that reflects his character, will, and standards. Though human righteousness be imperfect, the good news is that the righteousness of God is freely given to all who will receive it. Romans 3: 23- 25, “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and justified by his grace as a gift, through red redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”
So what then, is important for the believer to know and understand about righteousness?
- Righteousness is an attribute of God.Psalm 145:17, tells us that the Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
- It is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Ephesians2:8-9, For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,(Further recommend reading, Romans 4:1-12)
- Righteousness involves right living. Isaiah 32:16-18, then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, insecure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.Micah 6:8, He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
As believers, the concept of righteousness can be very intimidating to say the least. Instead of peace, joy, clarity and assurance in our walk with Christ, the term more often than not produces or evokes feelings of guilt, shame, insecurity and timidity. This of course, is not our portion as children of God who have been bought at a high price. Whether you are new in the faith, or have been walking with Christ for decades,righteousness can be an intimidating and misunderstood to be burdensome legality rather than a fruit of a life lived with Christ. And yes, many a religious organisation has used the topic of righteousness as a tool to shame believers into submission and total dependence on the organisation’s structural and legal doctrines rather than the Scriptures and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, and therefore salvation feels and looks unattainable to your average follower of Christ. The good news is that Christ died for us, and I through his death and resurrection we are justified. Not only is it free, but it is not performance-based. According to the book of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,”
How does righteousness impact the life of a believer, in practice?
Practical righteousness is the ongoing, Spirit-empowered expression of God’s character in a believer’s everyday life seen in obedience, love, justice, holiness, integrity, and faithfulness. It is the visible fruit of a heart that has been made right with God. “Whoever practices righteousness is righteous.” (1 John 3:7)
To one who may be confused about where to begin walking in practice, the book of James tells us in chapter 3:18 that a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Do you have a situation in your personal, school or work life that steals your joy? Have you a friend or relative you have unresolved conflict with, start there. Have you been offended recently, another opportunity to sow peace. Remember that practical righteousness is not the cause of salvation but its expected fruit.
Not forgetting Prayer, an important pillar in the life of a righteous person. One of the greatest gifts and weapons we have been given is prayer, a sword and balm in the hands of the righteous in Christ. James 5: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. And scripture assures just that the Lord hears the prayer of the righteous, therefore stand boldly before God, knowing that He not only hears your cry but is faithful to respond. The righteousness received through faith in Jesus Christ and practical righteousness together show us that righteousness is both a gift God gives and a life God produces in those who belong to Him.
Journaling prompts:
- What does righteousness truly mean to me?
- Do I believe that my prayers can carry any power?
- What can I change in my thinking or daily life that will lead to more fruits of righteousness?
Further reading on the fruits of righteousness. Proverbs 24:16, Matthew 5:16, Isaiah 1:17, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17
𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆: Candice Morrow
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: Durban, South Africa
