Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow are Exalted by God

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the eyes of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's laws and commands. Those who walk in righteousness and follow its path are promised exaltation and favor from God.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Genesis 15:6, we see the foundational example of Abraham: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the principle that righteousness is not merely about actions but is deeply connected to faith and trust in God.

The Psalms frequently extol the virtues of the righteous. Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This verse underscores the protective and guiding hand of God over those who pursue righteousness. Similarly, Psalm 37:29 declares, "The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever," indicating the eternal rewards for those who live righteously.

Proverbs also offers wisdom on the benefits of righteousness. Proverbs 14:34 proclaims, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This highlights the collective impact of righteousness, suggesting that it not only benefits individuals but also entire communities and nations.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, righteousness is further illuminated through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes the blessedness of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude promises satisfaction and fulfillment for those who earnestly seek righteousness.

The apostle Paul, in his epistles, elaborates on the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness is not achieved through human effort alone but is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul also speaks of the transformative power of righteousness in the life of a believer. In Philippians 1:11, he prays that believers may be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." This indicates that righteousness produces tangible fruit in the lives of believers, leading to God's glory.

Exaltation of the Righteous

The exaltation of the righteous is a recurring promise in Scripture. James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse suggests that humility and righteousness go hand in hand, leading to divine exaltation.

In the book of Revelation, the ultimate exaltation of the righteous is depicted in the vision of the new heaven and new earth. Revelation 21:7 promises, "The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son." This inheritance is the culmination of a life lived in righteousness, marked by faithfulness to God.

Throughout the Bible, the theme of righteousness is consistently linked with divine favor, protection, and ultimate exaltation. Those who walk in righteousness and follow its path are assured of God's blessing and eternal reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 36:7
He withdraws not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yes, he does establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John Chapter xvi. 1-4.
... its fulfillment in their own case: "They shall walk, O Lord ... who are exalted, not
in their own righteousness, but in ... in His behalf, that He said, "They will put ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xciii john chapter xvi.htm

Psalm XLVIII.
... earth." "Thy right hand is full of righteousness." That is ... be incorporate with Christ,
whose members they are ... "Walk about Zion, go round about her: speak in the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm

The Blessing of God.
... that know the joyful sound: They shall walk, O LORD ... rejoice all the day: And in Thy
righteousness shall they be ... And they shall put My Name upon the children of ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... is made to us of God both righteousness and sanctification ... They choose the way that
is best pathed and trodden ... that is easiest, and that most walk into, and this ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

Sermon.
... which is life eternal, they will walk in a ... through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises ... in time, and in time they will come to ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ...
... who have feet, for they shall walk; blessed are ... through fear of punishment, not through
love of righteousness. ... for a good understanding have all they that do ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon iii on the words.htm

Psalm XVIII.
... But them that are "ignorant of God's righteousness, and seek ... "They shall fall under
my feet." When they are cast ... me the loves [543] whereby I walk for evermore ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xviii.htm

God's People Delivered.
... kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the ... In solemn silence they gaze
upon it as it draws nearer ... "Faithful and true," "in righteousness He doth ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the ... In solemn silence they gaze
upon it as it draws nearer ... "Faithful and True," "in righteousness He doth ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Restoring the Creator-Creature Relation
... Pharisees departed from this law that they could not ... the secret back of religious
self-righteousness and empty ... With them God can walk unhindered, toward them ...
/.../tozer/the pursuit of god/viii restoring the creator-creature relation.htm