How many times is Righteousness mentioned in the Bible? (What does the Bible say about Righteousness?)

As a born-again Christian, I’ve always been aware of the theme of Righteousness in Christianity. However, it was only after last Sunday’s sermon that I began to wonder what the Bible really says about Righteousness. Thus, throughout this entire week, I’ve been on a research journey to uncover the true meaning of Righteousness and one of the questions I began my research with was, “How many times is righteousness mentioned in the Bible?”

In this post, I invite you to join me as we uncover what is Righteousness according to the Bible and how many types of Righteousness are discussed in the Bible as well. Also, to learn about examples of Righteousness In the Bible and what Paul means when he says, “the Righteousness of God,” continue reading.

What is Righteousness in the Bible?

According to the Bible, Righteousness is the state of being in the right relationship with God. It isn’t primarily about being morally upright but rather about being in a right standing with God. Also, the Bible portrays Righteousness as something that can only be achieved through the grace of God, as seen in Psalm 14:3, where the scripture emphasizes that human beings are incapable of achieving Righteousness on their own.

In Romans 3:22-24, the Bible also emphasizes that Righteousness is a gift that comes through faith in Jesus, and it’s not something that can be earned through good works or personal merit. In addition to being a gift from God, the Bible also portrays Righteousness as something that should be pursued and practiced by believers as suggested in Philippians 3:9. The Bible also adds that God’s Righteousness is manifested in our redemption through Christ, which enables us to be made righteous before God.

Finally, the Bible also implies that Righteousness is an essential characteristic of God’s nature, as it’s seen in His moral perfection and justice, as well as in His faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Psalm 145:17.

How many types of Righteousness are there in the Bible?

Although not explicitly discussed in the Bible, Theologians suggest that the Scriptures point to two main types of Righteousness, one being the Righteousness that one receives after being born-again, as explained in Acts 2:38, and the other being imparted Righteousness, which refers to the process of becoming more like Christ as we walk with Him, as elaborated in Philippians 1:9-11.

In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains that through baptism, we’re united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and we’re no longer slaves to sin but have become righteous in God’s eyes. It’s important to note that these verses don’t suggest that baptism alone is what makes us righteous. Rather, baptism is a symbol of our commitment to following Christ, and it’s only through faith in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross that we’re made righteous, not through any actions or rituals we perform, including baptism. James 2:14-26 also supports the aspect of imparted Righteousness by emphasizing the importance of practicing Righteousness and not just having faith alone.

Bible verses about Righteousness

Besides the verses discussed before, other scriptures about Righteousness include Romans 3:22-23, where the Bible highlights that everyone’s a sinner, but through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be justified and declared righteous.

Romans 6:18 emphasizes that believers have been set free from the power of sin and have become slaves of Righteousness.

Another verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21, which talks about the imputed Righteousness of believers through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin for us so that in Him, we might become the Righteousness of God. 1 John 2:29 points out that Righteousness is evident in the lives of true believers. Lastly, Psalm 106:3 mentions that blessed are those who observe justice, who do Righteousness at all times!

Examples of Righteousness in the Bible

A good example of Righteousness in the Bible is in Genesis 15:6, where we witness Abraham’s unwavering trust in God and his willingness to obey God, even when it meant sacrificing his son, demonstrating his Righteousness.

Also, Joseph demonstrated Righteousness throughout his life, despite the challenges he went through, and his Righteousness is highlighted in Genesis 39:9, where he refused to sin against God.

Additionally, Job is a great example of Righteousness in the Bible as narrated in Job 1:1, where the Bible describes him as blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.

David, AKA the man after God’s own heart, is another example of Righteousness, as seen in 1 Kings 15:5, where the Bible suggests that David obeyed the Lord and didn’t turn from what God commanded.

Additionally, Daniel displayed Righteousness when He refused to compromise his faith, as implied in Daniel 6:22, where God delivered him because he was found blameless.

Another common example of Righteousness is in Luke 1:38, where Mary demonstrates her Righteousness through her obedience and faith in God, willingly accepting God’s plan for her life to birth Jesus.

Finally, Paul is another example of Righteousness, as suggested in Philippians 3:8-9, where it’s evident that he was a great advocate for Righteousness and lived his life devoted to spreading the gospel and serving others.

What Does Paul Mean by “the Righteousness of God”?

Paul uses this phrase to describe God’s Righteousness that’s made available to humanity through faith in Jesus. One key aspect of the Righteousness of God, according to Paul, is that it’s a gift given to believers. Another important aspect of the Righteousness of God is that it’s revealed through the gospel message, as explained in Romans 1:16-17. Also, Paul emphasizes the universality of the Righteousness of God as implied in Romans 10:12-13, where he suggests that the Righteousness of God is available to all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

The first mention of Righteousness in the Bible

“Righteousness” in the Bible is first mentioned in Genesis 15:6 when God was promising Abraham that He’ll bless him with nations. This verse suggests that Righteousness is closely tied to faith because when Abraham believed God’s promise, it was counted to him as Righteousness. The apostle Paul also refers to this verse in his letters as an example of how Righteousness is received through faith, as detailed in Romans 4:3.