Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Kingdom of God Is

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: The Kingdom of God Is ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness is a central theme in the Bible, intricately connected to the Kingdom of God. It is both a divine attribute and a standard for human conduct, reflecting God's holiness and justice. In the Scriptures, righteousness is often depicted as a key characteristic of God's kingdom, a realm where His will is perfectly enacted and His nature is fully manifested.

Biblical Definition and Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," conveys the idea of justice, rightness, and ethical conduct. It is frequently associated with God's covenantal relationship with His people, where He acts justly and expects His followers to do the same. In the New Testament, the Greek term "dikaiosyne" expands on this concept, emphasizing moral integrity and the fulfillment of God's law.

Righteousness and the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is a central message in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is both a present reality and a future hope, where God's sovereign rule is acknowledged and His purposes are fulfilled. Righteousness is a defining feature of this kingdom, as seen in Jesus' teachings and parables.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights the importance of righteousness in the lives of His followers. He states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude underscores the deep longing for righteousness that characterizes citizens of God's kingdom.

Furthermore, Jesus instructs His disciples to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Here, righteousness is not merely a personal virtue but a divine quality that aligns believers with God's kingdom purposes.

Righteousness Through Faith

The New Testament reveals that righteousness is not attainable through human effort alone but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes extensively on this theme, particularly in his epistle to the Romans. He declares, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Romans 1:17).

Paul further explains that this righteousness is imputed to believers through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24). This justification by faith establishes believers as righteous before God, enabling them to live in accordance with His kingdom values.

Righteousness in Practice

While righteousness is a gift, it also demands a response. Believers are called to live out this righteousness in their daily lives, reflecting the character of God and advancing His kingdom on earth. The Apostle James emphasizes the practical outworking of faith, stating, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

The pursuit of righteousness involves a commitment to justice, mercy, and humility, as articulated by the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). This holistic approach to righteousness encompasses both personal piety and social responsibility, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's kingdom.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The ultimate fulfillment of righteousness will be realized in the eschatological kingdom of God, where His reign is fully established. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to live in anticipation of this future reality: "But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). This hope inspires believers to persevere in righteousness, knowing that their efforts contribute to the coming of God's perfect kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingdom of God and his Righteousness.
... Book II. Chapter XX."The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness. "Peace be
to all of you who are prepared to give your right hands ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xx the kingdom of god.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
... or his glorious kingdom hereafter, without the imputed righteousness of the Son
of God, and whoever seeks righteousness must also seek the kingdom of God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv but seek ye.htm

February 12. "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his ...
... FEBRUARY 12. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. vi. 33). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /february 12 but seek ye.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... of these things." Nay, there is but one thing that is set up against all these many
things, namely, "the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Now without all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Now, Christians, this is your calling and employment here, to be seekers of God's
kingdom and righteousness. But shall we come speed? Yes certainly. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... II. The Christian's chief employment should be to seek the kingdom of God,
and the righteousness thereof. "Seek first," &c. Upon ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... But when withal the earth and its fulness is in the scale with God's kingdom and
righteousness, will not these, with that accession, weigh down the earth alone ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... "He that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.". III. Jesus bade us "seek
first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness," and he obeyed his own call. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm

The Kingdom First.
... "Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." If men but knew what sin is, and
if men really longed to be free from everything like sin, what a grand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/v the kingdom first.htm

Christ as Righteousness; as the Demiurge, the Agent of the Good ...
... by the righteousness of the Son. This is after the kingdom of the Son; then the
Father will manifest in His works His name the Good, when God becomes all in all ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/40 christ as righteousness as.htm