In the last post, we discussed The Holiness of God, and we saw how He is separated from us, incomparable, and pure. In this post, we will discuss another attribute of God that will hopefully open our hearts to see how badly we defile and disrespect God’s name and His law: His Righteousness. As we can see, righteousness comes from the root word right. In Scripture, the Greek word δίκη (dike) is used, which can be interpreted as righteousness or justice. There are three things I observed in Scripture when we talk about the righteousness of God:

 

I. God’s ways and works are always right

When we say God is righteous, the first thing I observe—especially in Psalm 145:17—is this:

​

The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

and kind in all his works. (RSV)

​

This verse clearly tells us that God is always right and has never, in all eternity, made any mistakes. His ways are always perfect. His works never fail nor are ever mixed with even the smallest dot of immorality.

 

II. God’s judgment is always right

Let us read the first part of Psalm 7:11:

​

God is a righteous judge,

and a God who feels indignation every day.

​

One of the characteristics of a righteous judge is being just. He judges fairly; He is not partial in any form or shape. When He judges, He does so perfectly and without error. There is no injustice in the hands of the Lord. That is why when someone breaks His perfect law, that person will not go unpunished. The person who breaks the law deserves proper punishment—until someone pays the penalty for him.

 

III. God’s righteousness is revealed through faith in Christ

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:21–22, KJV)

​

These verses in Romans 3 reveal the righteousness of God apart from the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. The Law and the Prophets truly serve as witnesses to God’s righteousness—and this is one of the reasons why the Holy Scripture was written. The content of the Law and the writings of the Prophets all point to the One who is righteous: the One who perfectly obeyed the Law, the One who never sinned. He is the only truly righteous man who ever existed in the entire world. And do you know what He did?

He died on the cross, shedding His blood on that tree, so that sin and its penalty—which is death—would be fully paid for those who trust in Him.

He did not just pay the penalty of sin—Christ Himself became sin on the cross. He absorbed the sin of His people so that His perfect righteousness would be imputed to them. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says:

​

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. (KJV)

​

Repent now and put your trust in Christ before it is too late.

 

Authored by: Chris John Apinan