Anyone who has come into a relationship with God through confession and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour steps into a relationship of privilege. It is a relationship that is endearing and one with great benefits for now and even after life here on earth. It is important to point out that We do not serve God nor are we drawn to Him because of what we can benefit from Him but it is important to talk about these benefits of living the way He desires us. According to Holman Bible Dictionary,
“righteousnes is, the actions and positive results of a sound relationship within a local community or between God and a person or His people. “
In the Old Testment, God’s righteousness is what God does in fulfillment of the terms of the covenant that God established with the chosen people, Israel. In the NT, one group see salvation as a God-created human possibility. The other as God’s divine nature.
My simplistic definition of righteousness is, daily surrendering unto God after being saved, by holding onto and living the way His Son Jesus Christ lived, through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit with the sole purpose of glorifying God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. [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.
Salvation cannot not happen by whatever works that have been done by anyone. Salvation is a gift. Proceeding salvation, we must understand that we have been given a new life spiritually so that we can walk in the steps of the one who voluntarily gave up Himself to be sacrificed so that we can be saved and have assurance for eternity.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2:12-14 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
God expects those who identify with Him to walk in righteousness because He is a lover of righteousness
Proverbs 21:2-3 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. [3] To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Amos 5:23-24 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. [24] But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
1 John 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. [29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
We are instruments of righteousness
Romans 6:13-14 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Provoke unto works of righteousness
Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
The word provoke is a very powerful word
”Provide the needed stimulus that awakens relevant emotions that challenges us to react in the direction of the source of the stimulus”
Observing the life of Christ should ideally provoke us to copy His lifestyle. A king who stepped down from His heavenly throne to take upon Himself human flesh. One who put Himself aside to such extent that He voluntarily allowed Himself to be tormented, tortured and crucified like a criminal despite His innocence, a King whose heart went out with compassion and moved to bring interventions to the health and other unfortunate situations people faced… should provoke us to emulate the way He lived.
If we do not like the results of evil actions and wickedness that is all over, we must be provoked to act in the contrary. Everyone will reap what is sown
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Romans 2:5-8 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds: [7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
- It is the secret for tested life that blossoms
Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. [14] They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; [15] To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2 It delivers from spiritual and physical death
Proverbs 10:2-3 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. [3] The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
There have been patterns of divine interventions from near death encounters for Christians who had called on the name of Jesus Christ in their distress
3. They are on unmoveable and God’s preeservating power abound for them
Psalm 112:3-7 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. [4] Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. [5] A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. [6] Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. [7] He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord
4. The Lord’s eyes are on them and He hears their cry
Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. [18] The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
5. Prayer is facilitated
The prayer of the wicked is something that God do not want to hear except it is related to repentance. Conversely, God is very glad to hear the prayers of those who walk with Him and are dependent on Him
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.
6. It exalts people and nations
People and nations who have set out in their hearts to operate based on God’s stands will experience peace and advancement with minimal stress. This is obvious when you take a deep look into the lives of such persons and nations. In the midst of challenges, breaking forth is experienced and barriers are broken. Yes, righteousness lifts up
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
7. It facilitates interactions with God
Isaiah 1:13-18 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [14] Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. [15] And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. [16] Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; [17] Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
God demanded the people to set things right spiritually before they could come and reason with Him. Sincerity of heart is keep interaction with God. Those who seek to walk in righteousness will have the privilege of being ushered into the wonderful presence of God. Step away from sin and seek to walk in the righteousness that Jesus Christ has bestowed on you, let Him be your model for life.