For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 11:7

The Bible talks a lot about righteousness. It is not a word largely used in our modern culture but is central to understanding what went wrong in the relationship between God and man and how that relationship can be made right again.

First, righteousness is an attribute of God. The fact that God is righteous means that He always acts in accordance with what is right and is Himself the final standard of what is right.

Righteousness is a statement about God’s moral nature and it means that He never does wrong. God’s righteousness means that He cannot do wrong.

Understanding righteousness is the key to understanding salvation.

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Romans 6:18)

But even if you should suffer for RIGHTEOUSNESS’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (1 Peter 3:14)

The work of RIGHTEOUSNESS will be peace, and the effect of RIGHTEOUSNESS, quietness and assurance forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

For with the heart one believes unto RIGHTEOUSNESS, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)

… and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true RIGHTEOUSNESS and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for RIGHTEOUSNESS’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with RIGHTEOUS judgment.” (John 7:24)

“I, the Lord, have called You in RIGHTEOUSNESS, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, (Isaiah 42:6)

For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of RIGHTEOUSNESS, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. (2 Peter 2:21)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

… for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but RIGHTEOUSNESS and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

The fruit of the RIGHTEOUS is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)